Mom-Tested Baby Slings & Carriers

This sleek, well-padded carrier wins out on the versatility front. Little one can be carried facing inwards, outwards, on the hip and on the back. "The front mesh vent keeps baby cool during warm weather jaunts" says Stephen Dennison, dad to 1-year-old Esme and our digital director’s husband. "Plus the foldable headrest makes naps-on-the-go a doddle.” ($180)

Moms tell us they love this Baby Bjorn with extra back support. "It was easy on my spine, breezy for a newbie to fasten, and, in black, went with everything I wore," one mom tells us. ($140)

The fact that this carrier can be worn three ways -- on your front, on your hip, or on your back-wins over plenty of parents. "I loved the ERGObaby because it distributed the weight more to my hips and preserved my back," a parent tells us. ($135)

This old-school carrier has fans as well. "I loved the Maya Wrap because it was so easy to wear, and it worked great for my daughters, who used it until they were well past age 2," says an editor in our office. "It looks like a super big infinity scarf, so you can almost get away with wearing it without the baby!" ($75)

This front carrier is still a fave. "The Baby Bjorn Original was so easy to use and comfortable for my daughter. No hassles!" one user tells us. ($80)

A removable infant insert helps this carrier grow with your baby. "It's a solid piece of gear!" one editor tells us. "I was able to use it for both my oldest and then my youngest." ($130)