Image: MomJunction Design Team
Going out with a baby is difficult, especially when holding the baby, the diaper bag, phone, and handbag. You wish you had an extra pair of hands. In these situations, you can opt for the best babywearing shirts to act as a baby carrier, allowing you to carry the baby securely while keeping your hands free to hold other items.
With the multiple options available in the market, you may find it difficult to get the right one. So to make your search easier, we have compiled a list of the top babywearing shirts for you to pick.
Top Picks
11 Best Babywearing Shirts And Baby Carrier Hoodies
1. Best Breathable: DadWare Cotton Kangaroo Care T-Shirt
This tried-and-tested and comfortable kangaroo care t-shirt makes it possible for dads to bond with their little one.
Pros
- Velcro straps around the neck allow it to open wide enough to accommodate the baby conveniently.
- The T-shirt is made of breathable fabric. It contains more than 90% cotton, which makes it comfortable.
- It features a short sleeved design to keep you comfortable as you carry the baby.
Cons
- It is not hands-free, and neither is there a pocket to place the baby.
- A few dads noted that the Velcro could be scratchy when it comes in contact with the skin of the baby.
2. Best Fitting: VIJA Men’s Skin-to-Skin Kangaroo Care T-Shirt
A cool T-shirt for dads who are looking for a discreet babywearing piece of clothing. It offers a lovely skin-to-skin time for the dad and baby. Check this video to learn more about the product from a tester’s experience.
Pros
- The baby-friendly fabric contains 94% soft cotton and provides a snug fit for the little one, making it a trusted choice of dads.
- This stylish babywearing shirt looks like a regular T-shirt. The pouch compresses and flattens when the baby is not in it, thus giving it a traditional t-shirt look.
- It helps enhance skin-to-skin bonding time with your baby.
Cons
- The pocket is entirely external and thus does not provide extensive skin-to-skin contact with the baby. You will also have to place a hand on the baby for support.
Quick fact3. Best Moisture-Wicking: NuRoo Moisture-Wicking Babywearing Shirt
The moisture-wicking properties of the shirt make it an ideal babywearing fashion top for hot summer days. Check out this product video to learn more.
Pros
- This shirt is made from a material that is soft, breathable, and also absorbs any sweat, thus keeping the baby comfortable.
- The babywearing top has zero rough seams, preventing any discomfort to the baby.
- A support belt helps hold the baby in place by preventing it from sliding, making it effectively baby-friendly.
Cons
- Some users found the size of the shirt to be on the smaller side even when they bought the right size.
- A few mothers found the Velcro a bit uncomfortable.
4. Best For Skin-To-Skin Contact: NuRoo Pocket
This trusted shirt with internal pocket feature is designed to provide the best skin-to-skin contact for the newborn baby and the mother.
Pros
- There is a pocket to the inside of the shirt, where you place the baby. The sides of the shirt then wrap around the baby. It creates a secure and snug fit.
- The baby lies next to your bare skin, which allows for maximum skin-to-skin contact.
- A belt at the waist prevents the infant from sliding downwards, thus giving you a hands-free parenting experience.
Cons
- Several mothers noted that the size of the shirt is smaller than average, and it is ideal for newborns only.
- The shirt is available in only a couple of sizes.
"I appreciate the design of this shirt and its convenient use, especially for preemies. It may need certain adjustments for better fitting. Nevertheless, its hand-free design is perfect for new parents."
Pro tip5. Best Discreet: Vija Design Skin-to-Skin Kangaroo Care T-Shirt
This tried-and-tested baby T-shirt is very discreet, and it can easily pass as a regular T-shirt. Take a look at this video link to get more information on this comfortable shirt from a reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- The fabric of this babywearing top is 94% cotton, which makes the T-shirt soft, comfortable, and breathable.
- The mom-tested maternity shirt is available in six colors.
- The baby stays close to your body, which makes it easy to nurse the little one.
Cons
- A few mothers noted that the fitting of the T-shirt is a bit tight, and in some cases, the baby was uncomfortable too.
"I love how comfortably the t-shirt fits my carrier and supports fuss-free nursing. Just a heads-up-- the lighter shades tend to catch specks of dirt. Overall, I am pretty delighted with the quality and convenience."
Quick fact6. Best Fashionable: Vija Design Halter Strap Kangaroo Top
The Vija design babywearing shirt is both fashionable and functional.
Pros
- The halter strap makes the babywearing top discreet and appear like any other piece of clothing.
- The mom’s choice nursing shirt is 94% cotton, thus making it breathable and comfortable for both the mama and the baby.
- Breastfeeding in this shirt is convenient as the baby has easy access to it.
Cons
- The top is not hands-free, and you will have to place a hand on the infant.
- Several mothers found the fitting to be small even when picking the right size.
"Despite being slightly short around the torso area, this kangaroo-style top has been a wise choice for my early-stage post-pregnancy. It is especially useful during hospital visits, keeping my newborn in skin-to-skin contact comfortably and securely."
Baby carrier hoodies and jackets
7. Best Adjustable: Boba Baby Carrier Hoodie
The adjustable and mommy-approved carrier hoodie is comfortable for both the mom and baby—thanks to its elastic fabric.
Pros
- The fabric is made of stretchy and soft material, which makes it easy to adjust. The hoodie fits over most soft-structured newborn baby carriers from trusted brands.
- The jacket can be worn frontside back as well. It is useful for parents who usually place their baby carrier on their back.
- There is a small pocket on the hoodie that allows you to feel for the baby’s diaper; just in case you sense the baby has soiled the diaper.
Cons
- A few users felt that the hoodie did not fit as snugly as expected.
"Its thoughtful design has been able to accommodate my growing baby, and the pockets are a bonus. Although a thicker material would have been nice, the hoodie has become a staple for carrying my daughter."
8. Best Versatile: Small show Baby Carrier Fleece Sweatshirt
This casual-style jacket is known for its proven performance in providing warmth and a snug fit for both the mother and the baby.
Pros
- The baby-covering part of the jacket is a separate insert and removable. It is an excellent two-in-one apparel.
- There is a hoodie even for the baby so that your little one can stay warm and insulated too.
- This mom-approved parenting gear is available in five sizes so that you can pick the one that best fits you.
Cons
- A few users noted that the jacket had a chemical smell when removed from the packaging.
"This jacket makes it easy to cuddle with my baby even when I am on the go. The color looks slightly different than the one in the pictures, but the material feels warm and comfortable."
Did you know?9. Best For Winters: FUN2BEMUM Baby Carrier Jacket
This baby-friendly carrier jacket can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for something to use in winters.
Pros
- This ergonomic carrier jacket has a modular design, which means you can unzip the baby-covering extension. You can use it as a regular jacket when not carrying the baby.
- The pocket of the jacket has a universal size, which means the jacket can accommodate most baby wraps and infant carriers.
- The jacket is made of polyester, which is warm and durable, making it a trusted choice.
Cons
- A few moms felt that the jacket is bigger than expected.
10. Best Waterproof: Extendher Baby Carrier Coat
It makes a great choice for moms who want to keep their baby warm and dry in the harsh winters.
Pros
- The external shell of the jacket is made from nylon, which is durable and waterproof. It helps keep both the mom and the baby warm.
- The front baby-covering extension is removable so that you can use the apparel as a stand-alone jacket.
Cons
- A few users did not like the quality of the zippers and Velcro used.
"This extender has been compatible with all my hoodies and jackets. However, it took some time to get used to the installation process. Nevertheless, the carrier has come in handy to keep my baby close and warm during winter."
11. Best For Everyday Wear: Luckyshop Kangaroo Sweatshirt
A stylish and simple baby carrier hoodie that you can wear every day over your infant carrier, making it a baby-friendly option.
Pros
- A baby-covering extension lies right at the front and thus easily goes over the infant wrap. There is even a small hoodie for the baby’s head.
- The front section can be unzipped and removed. It lets you use the jacket like a normal one when not carrying the baby in the infant carrier.
- The hoodie is available in three sizes so that you can pick the t-shirt size that fits you and your baby the best.
Cons
- A few buyers were not impressed with the quality and durability of the fabric.
What Are A Babywearing Shirt And Baby Carrier Hoodie?
A babywearing shirt
is a t-shirt with a large pouch at the front to place the baby. The shirt is worn as a normal piece of clothing and the pouch stays compressed when not in use. As the baby inside the pouch resembles a baby kangaroo in its mother’s pouch, these shirts are also referred to as kangaroo care t-shirts.
A baby carrier hoodie is a jacket that goes over the torso when you are holding the baby in an infant carrier. The jacket has a pouch-shaped extension to accommodate the baby strapped in the carrier. It allows you to cover the baby when you are outdoors. A baby carrier hoodie does not contain a pouch and is to be worn over any standard carrier.
Both babywearing shirts and baby carrier hoodies provide several advantages to both moms and dads.
What Are The Advantages Of A Babywearing Shirt And Baby Carrier Hoodie?
A babywearing shirt and baby carrier hoodie can offer the following benefits to parents:
- Remove the hassle of a baby carrier: A babywearing shirt eliminates the need for a baby carrier since it doubles up as a t-shirt and a carrier.
- Skin-to-skin contact: Several babywearing shirts let your baby stay in direct contact with your bare skin. Skin-to-skin contact can be very comforting to a little one, may soothe them and improve the parent-child connection.
- Allow you to do active work: Many babywearing shirts hold the baby so snugly that you need not even place your hand on the infant. It frees your hands for other things. A baby carrier hoodie makes it convenient to do outdoor chores with your baby. Even when it is cold outside, the hoodie keeps the baby warm.
You must choose the right babywearing shirt and baby carrier hoodie to get the most out of it.
How To Pick A Babywearing Shirt And Baby Carrier Hoodie?
Consider the following points when shopping for the products:
- Size of the shirt or hoodie: The size of the shirt can vary depending on whether it is meant for mom or dad and if the manufacturer specifies the age of the baby. In the case of a hoodie, check if it is sized to work with all types of infant carriers and wraps.
- Type of pouch: Some babywearing shirts have the pouch inwards for maximum skin-to-skin contact. In other cases, the pouch lies on the outside. You can pick a shirt depending on the extent of skin contact you want, or the baby prefers.
- Type of material: If your baby has sensitive skin, then pick a material that is soft and gentle on their skin. The stretchability of the fabric is also important to ensure a secure fit for the little one. For baby carrier hoodies, pick materials like polyester and nylon that are durable.
- Handsfree: A few babywearing shirts will require you to place a hand on the baby while others use reinforced elastic to do the job for you. If you do not mind placing at least one of your hands on the baby for security, then you can pick the non-handsfree type. Parents indulging in active outdoor work should select handsfree babywearing shirts.
- Convenient for nursing: If you plan to nurse your baby outdoors, then pick shirts that can provide the baby with easy access to breastfeeding. Babywearing shirts that provide complete skin-to-skin contact are usually ideal breastfeeding-friendly shirts and enable discrete feeding with easy accessibility.
, a mom, entrepreneur, and creator and founder of children’s clothing brand K.i.D Clothes, says, “When wearing a baby wearing shirt, ensure your baby’s head is not covered the fabric of the shirt isn’t too tight or constricting to prevent suffocation. And never sleep with a baby in a babywearing shirt as it could increase the risk of SIDS.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I start wearing my little one?
You can start wearing your baby right after birth. However, if your baby has any medical condition, discuss it with your doctor before putting your baby in a babywearing shirt.
2. How long should I keep wearing babywearing shirts?
There is no fixed duration for using a babywearing shirt. When your baby is able to walk on their own, you can stop wearing a babywearing shirt.
3. Is it possible to babywear too much?
There is no such thing as too much when you’re babywearing. You can babywear as long as you or your child desire. However, it is recommended that you discontinue babywearing when your child starts learning to walk in order to encourage them to be self-dependent.
4. Is babywearing safe for hips?
If a baby is placed in an awkward position in a babywearing shirt, it may cause hip development issues. Therefore, always make sure that your baby is comfortably positioned in the babywearing shirt to ensure their safety.
5. Are babywearing shirts machine washable?
Yes, the majority of babywearing shirts can be machine washed. However, always look carefully at the specifications before buying the product to ensure it is machine washable.
6. How long does a babywearing shirt last?
The material of a babywearing shirt determines its longevity. Materials like nylon and polyester are more durable and tend to last longer than others.
7. Can I sleep while wearing a baby?
Sleeping while wearing a baby can be uncomfortable for both you and your baby as it can cause breathing problems for your baby, and sleeping in one position can cause your body to ache. Therefore, it is recommended not to sleep while wearing a baby.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have created a list of the best babywearing shirts after extensive research on dozens of products and going through several reviews by customers. The options on this list are easy to manage, stylish, and lightweight to keep you comfortable while carrying your baby. There’s also a buying guide to help you choose the right product based on your preferences and requirements.
The Bottom Line
New parents always include baby-wearing shirts in their wardrobes. These are handy pieces of clothing that double as a baby carrier. They come with additional pockets and storage space, allowing parents to carry other essentials easily. However, they can support babies only up to a certain weight limit. Our top picks include the DadWare Cotton Kangaroo Care T-Shirt for its convenience and breathability and the Extendher Baby Carrier Coat, which is waterproof and durable. The NuRoo Pocket is also popular, as it promotes skin-to-skin contact. When choosing the best babywearing shirts, ensure they are ideal for your child’s age, made from breathable, skin-friendly materials, and have a conveniently paced pouch. Also, go for one that is durable and has a straightforward design to provide optimum comfort to your little bundle of joy.
Infographic: What Are The Benefits Of Babywearing Shirts And Baby Carrier Hoodies?
Babywearing clothing, also known as kangaroo T-shirts, can come in handy to facilitate a lot of your daily activities at home without having to worry about leaving your little one unattended. Check out the following infographic to learn more about the advantages of using a babywearing garment. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Give ‘Em Some Skin:
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/health-topics/magazine/give-em-some-skin - Baby carriers slings and backpacks: safety guide
https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/safety/equipment-furniture/baby-carrier-sling-safety
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