Best Baby Carriers for Newborns in 2026
Choosing a baby carrier for a newborn is one of the most important gear decisions you will make as a new parent. Newborns need extra head and neck support, a snug fit that mimics the womb, and a carrier that is easy to use when you are sleep-deprived and learning everything for the first time.
We tested and researched the top carriers on the market to find the ones that work best from day one, no infant insert required.
What to Look for in a Newborn Carrier
Before diving into specific products, here is what matters most when carrying a newborn:
Head and neck support: Newborns cannot hold their heads up. Your carrier must provide built-in support that keeps baby's head stable without you needing to use a hand.
Proper hip positioning: The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends carriers that support the M-position, where baby's knees are higher than their hips with legs spread naturally.
Easy to use solo: You will often be putting the carrier on by yourself, possibly with one hand while holding baby. Simple designs win over complicated buckle systems.
No infant insert needed: Many structured carriers require a separate newborn insert that adds bulk and cost. The best newborn carriers work right out of the box.
Our Top Picks
1. Marsupi Breeze - Best Overall for Newborns
Price: $94 | Weight range: 7-33 lbs | Sizes: S, L, XL
The Marsupi Breeze was designed from the ground up for newborns. Unlike bulky structured carriers that require infant inserts, the Marsupi uses a flexible panel system that naturally conforms to your newborn's body shape. The built-in head support keeps baby's head stable without any extra accessories.
What makes it stand out is the simplicity. There are no buckles, no snaps, and no complicated threading. You slip it on like a t-shirt and secure baby with the velcro-style closure. Most parents report getting the hang of it within one or two tries, which is remarkable compared to wraps that take weeks to master.
At just 12 inches by 3 inches when folded, it fits in a diaper bag pocket. For newborn parents who are already hauling a mountain of gear, this matters more than you might think.
2. Solly Baby Wrap - Best Wrap for Newborns
Price: $72 | Weight range: 7-25 lbs
If you love the idea of a stretchy wrap and are willing to invest time learning to tie it, the Solly is the gold standard. The TENCEL fabric is incredibly soft against newborn skin and breathes well in warm weather. The learning curve is real though. Expect several practice sessions before you feel confident.
3. Baby Bjorn Mini - Best Structured Carrier for Newborns
Price: $100 | Weight range: 7-24 lbs
The Baby Bjorn Mini is a solid structured carrier that works from birth without an insert. It is easy to put on with its simple buckle design. The downside is that it only lasts until about 12 months, and the narrow seat base has drawn some criticism regarding hip positioning. It is also bulkier than both the Marsupi and the Solly.
4. Ergobaby Embrace - Best for Longer Wearing Sessions
Price: $89 | Weight range: 7-25 lbs
The Embrace is Ergobaby's answer to the newborn carrier market. It combines some wrap-like softness with light structure. The stretchy knit fabric is comfortable, and it does not require an infant insert. It sits in a nice middle ground between a pure wrap and a structured carrier, though it is bulkier than the Marsupi and has a steeper learning curve.
5. WildBird Ring Sling - Best for Quick Carries
Price: $75 | Weight range: 8-35 lbs
Ring slings excel at quick up-and-down carrying and nursing on the go. The WildBird uses beautiful linen fabric that gets softer with use. The one-shoulder design means it is not ideal for long walks, but for around the house or quick errands, it is unbeatable for speed.
How We Chose These Carriers
We evaluated carriers across five criteria: newborn safety and support, ease of use for new parents, portability and packability, value for money, and longevity (how long you can use it as baby grows). Every carrier on this list works from birth without requiring a separate infant insert.
The Bottom Line
For most new parents, we recommend the Marsupi Breeze as the best all-around newborn carrier. It combines genuine ease of use with proper newborn support, and its compact size means you will actually bring it with you. If you prefer the cozy wrap feel and do not mind the learning curve, the Solly Baby Wrap is an excellent alternative.
The best carrier is the one you will actually use. For newborn parents juggling everything for the first time, simplicity and confidence matter more than any feature list.
