Image: MomJunction Design Team
Parenting can be filled with many challenges, especially when you have a premature baby. Premature babies require great care and attention. The best baby carriers for preemies can help give comfort, proper care, and warmth to the little ones and the parents.
Sarah R. Moore, founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting and author, says, “Babywearing can be an incredibly helpful way to bond with your baby in addition to offering the medical and psychological benefits of close contact. Always make sure you wear your baby properly and use only the best baby carriers to ensure optimal safety and comfort for you and your little one.”
To help you choose from several options available, check out the list of baby carriers, from ring sling to mei tai and woven wrap to soft structured carrier types.
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Types of Baby Carrier For Preemies
Here are a few types of baby carriers for preemies.
- Soft wrap: This is a long piece of stretchable material tied around your body.
- Woven wrap: Unlike soft wrap carriers, this isn’t stretchable.
- Ring sling: It is wrapped with a ring, allowing you to adjust the tightness easily.
- Mei tai: This Asian-style carrier has two wide, padded straps that go around the waist and shoulders.
- Soft-structured carrier: It comes with padded shoulder straps and adjustable belts.
- Structured carrier: Includes a frame and is used for hiking or long trips.
11 Best Baby Carriers For Preemies To Have A Safe Ride In 2024
1. Best Machine-Washable: Boba Baby Wrap Carrier
A blend of 95% cotton and 5%spandex, the baby wrap material is soft, breathable, and retains its shape without sagging, making it baby-friendly. Reviewers specify that the baby’s body weight is evenly distributed in the wrap to protect parents from pressure, making baby wrapping a seamless task. This mom-approved product is simple to tie, and you can nurse your baby comfortably without taking them out of the wrap, making it a suitable carrier for parents of preemies. Check out this review video to learn more about this carrier for newborns.
Maximum weight recommendation: 35lb | Minimum weight recommendation: 7lb | Product dimensions: 6 x 6x 11.5in | Care instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Stretchy material
- Doctor-approved design
- Washing machine-friendly
- Hands-free comfort
- Universal size
Cons
- May be too long than required
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 21,164 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
2. Best Chemical-Free Material: Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier
The Baby K’tan soft baby carrier can work as a baby sling wrap for your preemies and an upright seated carrier for infants. Its unique double-loop design with one-way stretch can hold your baby securely in place, making it a trusted choice for small babies. Constructed from 100% natural and soft cotton, it evenly distributes weight and is soft on your baby’s skin. Before buying, have a look at this video encasing a tester’s experience for more details.
Maximum weight recommendation: 33lb| Minimum weight recommendation: 7.9lb| Product dimensions: 8.07 x 3.54 x 8.46in| Care instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Available in a range of sizes
- Chemical-free stretchy material
- Simple to wear
- Safe and effective
- Approved by International Hip Dysplasia Institute
Cons
- May not be stretchable
Do rememberDo not use abrasive cleaners to clean these carriers, as they may damage the fabric and irritate the baby’s skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 12,960 positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Hands-Free: CuddleBug Baby Wrap Sling + Carrier
Constructed from a premium blend of French terry cotton and spandex, the material keeps you and your baby snug and secure. You can create nine different styles with this wrap as your baby grows. The tried-and-tested baby sling ensures sound positions for your child for proper hip and spine development.
Maximum weight recommendation: 35lb| Minimum weight recommendation: 7lb| Product dimensions: 8.07 x 3.54 x 8.46 inches| Care instructionsWatch this video by one of the reviewers to learn more about this thoughtfully structured carrier.: Machine wash
Pros
- Easy to use
- Simple instructions
- Stretchable
- Hands-free
Cons
- May be small than expected
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 11,711 positive reviews on Amazon.
Boba Baby Wrap Carrier Best Machine-Washable | Baby K'tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier Best Chemical-Free Material | CuddleBug Baby Wrap Sling + Carrier Best Hands-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 21,164 | 12,960 | 11,711 |
| Price | $59.99 | $59.95 | $29.99 |
4. Best With Built-In Headrest: You+Me 4-In-1 Ergonomic Baby Carrier
Suitable from petite to plus-size, this wrap allows four ergonomic ways to carry your baby, including two front-facing and back-facing options. It has a cool, lightweight mesh lining to keep the wrap breathable and sweat-free. Designed for safety, this baby-friendly product is one of the best versatile wraps on the market.
Maximum weight recommendation: 32lb| Minimum weight recommendation: 7.9lb| Product dimensions: 0.1 x 6.97 x 16.93in| Care instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Built-in headrest
- Includes two-in-one bandanna bib
- Easy to use
Cons
- Might affect baby’s blood circulation
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 7,710 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
5. Best Portable: Sleepy Wrap Baby Carrier
Designed to enhance child-parent bonding, this mom-tested carrier is constructed from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, offering the right elasticity for a snug and secure fit. You can choose to tie the knot in the front, back, or side at your convenience. Sleepy Wrap infant carriers provide safe support to the baby for their healthy development. Watch this video by one of the reviewers to learn more about this thoughtfully structured carrier.
Maximum weight recommendation: 35.9lb| Minimum weight recommendation: 7lb| Product dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 2in| Care instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Machine-washable
- Hands-free
- Allows convenient breastfeeding
- Ergonomically designed
Cons
- May be difficult to wear
6. Best Breathable Material: Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
The Ergobabycarrier comes with padded lumbar back support and extra padded shoulder straps to reduce the weight on the shoulder and allow you to use it in front-facing, back facing, or hip carrying position. It has a UPF baby hood for sun protection and private breastfeeding. This expert-approved baby carrier features a weight limit of 45lb and grows with your child, allowing you to use it as a preemie, toddler, and newborn carrier.
Maximum weight recommendation: 45lb| Minimum weight recommendation: 7lb| Product dimensions: 9.13 x 6.18 x 10.43in| Care instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Easy-to-use slider
- Detachable storage bag
- Breathable material
- Adjustable
Cons
- Shoulder padding may be bulky
7. Best With Carrying Pouch: Kids N’ Such 4-In-1 Baby Wrap Carrier
The fully adjustable ring sling or baby-wearing wrap is made from a blend of soft cotton material. Trusted by moms, this carrier sling provides hands-free support. Measuring 5.5 yards, reviewers suggest that you can also use the infant carrier as a postpartum belly band.
Maximum weight recommendation: 35lb| Minimum weight recommendation: 8lb| Product dimensions: 200x20x0.2in| Care instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Includes a carrying pouch
- Includes resource guide
- Breathable material
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Fabric may be heavy
Do rememberEnsure you position your baby in the correct posture without obstructing their breathing ability.
8. Best Flexible: Babybjorn Mini Baby Carrier
Babybjorn offers a well-stitched, ready-to-wear baby wrap carrier for preemies that you can put on quickly. The soft fabric hugs your baby’s back, legs, and hips and distributes the weight evenly, making it a trusted choice. With a few adjustable buckles, you can unfasten the front section entirely to lift your sleeping baby without disturbing them.
Maximum weight recommendation: 24lb| Minimum weight recommendation: 7lb| Product dimensions: 17.13 x 22.44 x 0.39in| Care instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Cozy
- Flexible
- Lightweight
- Machine-washable
- Easy to use
Cons
- May cause shoulder pains
9. Best With Adjustable Strap: Moby Wrap Baby Carrier
With hands-free mobility, the wrap is long enough to adjust around postpartum bodies. This tried-and-tested baby product provides a secure fit and grows with your baby, supporting babies up to 33lb, making it one of the best carriers for premature babies.
Maximum weight recommendation: 33lb| Minimum weight recommendation: 8lb| Product dimensions: 8 x 10 x 8in| Care instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Adjustable strap
- Promotes bonding
- Breathable and soft material
- Even weight distribution
- Easy to use
Cons
- May not be stretchable
CautionDo not carry a preemie baby in a baby carrier for prolonged hours, as it may make them uncomfortable.
10. Best Moisture-Wicking: Nuroo Pocket Hands-Free Baby Carrier
The pocket baby carrier is designed by Nuroo, a trusted brand, to give full coverage and mobility to mothers and gives hands-free support. This mommy-approved stretchy wrap can be used as a maternity shirt or a nursing top. Without any tying or knotting, this trusted product gives a snug fit to secure your child comfortably and enables skin contact. The soft fabric offers the right amount of compression for adequate support, making it one of the best preemie baby wrap carriers.
Maximum weight recommendation: 45lb| Minimum weight recommendation: 45lb| Product dimensions: 10.5 x 12 x 1.5in| Care instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Convenient to use
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Fabric may stretch out after a few washes
11. Best With Removable Bolster: Boppy Newborn Baby Carrier
The ready-to-wear, hands-free design can fit petite and plus-size people. Its hardware-free design does not have any buckles or rings and is machine-washable. Being one of the best baby wrap carriers for premature babies, it has a unique mesh design that provides shade, minimizes distractions, and creates a cozy environment to soothe a fussy baby. This carrier for newborns comes with a tank-top style strap, offering added comfort and fit.
Maximum weight recommendation: 20lb| Minimum weight recommendation: 5lb| Product dimensions: 3.25 x 17 x 20in| Care instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Removable bolster
- Nursing cover
- Easy to maintain
- Soft head support
Cons
- May not be convertible
How To Choose The Right Baby Carrier For Preemies?
Here are a few tips to follow when choosing the right preemie baby carriers:
- Hip positioning: Choose a baby carrier that promotes healthy hip positioning. A good positioning encourages normal hip development and helps reduce the risk of dysplasia.
- Safe to use: Best preemies’ baby carriers are those that comply with European or American safety standards, allowing your baby to move their head, arms, and legs easily. Also, they are available in a wide size range, so choose the one that offers a snug fit to ensure safety of your child.
- Comfortable: Pick a style that is comfortable for you and your baby. Look for broad padded shoulder straps for even weight distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I wear my preemie baby in a baby carrier?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against placing preemie babies or babies born with respiratory issues in upright positional carriers as it can make breathing difficult (1). However, once the baby is able to hold their head up, a baby carrier can be used. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider before using a carrier or sling for premature babies.
2. How should I carry a preterm baby?
When carrying a preterm baby, it is important to keep their mouth and nose visible at all times. Avoid positions that press their chin to their chest as this can interfere with their ability to breathe (2).
3. What is the right carrier size for a preemie baby?
Since preterm babies should not be carried in an upright position, the focus should be on finding a carrier that keeps the baby comfortable and close to the body, such as a sling carrier for preemies. The size of the carrier is not as important as the position in which the baby is carried.
4. What size baby is considered a preemie?
Babies born before 37 weeks and weighing less than five pounds are considered preemies (3).
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is a writer with special interest in pregnancy, nursing, and baby-related products. She is passionate about producing crisp and informative content for her readers. With premature babies requiring utmost care and attention, a good baby carrier is essential for keeping your little one secure and comfortable. Vibha has listed the best preemies baby carriers of different types to help you choose the right one. She has undertaken rigorous research to ensure the infant inserts are safe, sturdy, and long-lasting.
The Bottom Line
If your child has arrived sooner than expected, you need to be more careful in taking care of them as they may be more susceptible to injury. These baby carriers for preemies are shortlisted from a wide range of products and can help you move around with your child and nurse them easily. Our favorites include the ergonomic Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier, the flexible Babybjorn Mini Baby Carrier, and the breathable Moby Wrap Baby Carrier. When choosing the right one for your baby, ensure it promotes healthy hip positioning, complies with European or American safety standards, and is comfortable for you and the baby. We hope our list of the best baby carriers for preemies can help you understand the available types and features.
Infographic: Precautions To Follow When Using Baby Carriers
Since slings and carriers restrict the baby’s movement, incorrect positioning can lead to scenarios where they can face breathing difficulties. So, check out the following infographic to know how to place your little one safely in the carrier to avoid blocking their airways.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Baby Carriers: Backpacks, Front Packs, and Slings
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Baby-Carriers.aspx - Tote Your Baby in a Sling – Safely
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=tote-your-baby-in-a-slingsafely-1-24190 - Prematurity
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=prematurity-90-P02401
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