When you are expecting a new baby, it can feel like money hemorrhages out of your wallet!
The thought of yet another item to purchase may have you breaking out in a cold sweat. But don’t worry. This post will run you through a list of the best affordable baby carrier options!
Just because you are not paying top dollar for a baby carrier doesn’t mean you can’t find a safe, dependable option within your budget.
Baby Carrier vs. Baby Sling: Picking the Right One for You and Your Baby
Before you meet your bundle of joy, the (somewhat tricky) task of deciding which parenting products will serve you and your baby best. Picking the right baby carrier or sling will be one of those decisions.
First things first, what is a baby carrier and what is a Baby sling? Do the two differ in any way?
They do differ. A baby carrier is a cloth designed with a seat that your baby rests on by simple definition. It has straps that attach to you. The straps ensure that you support your baby while keeping them close for protection. Baby carriers can also include additional back support for you.
Calling a baby carrier “a cloth” may seem too basic because it looks like a backpack (or front-pack). A typical baby carrier is made of heavy-duty material like cotton canvas, cordura, nylon, or PVC fabric and has a fairly large seating space.
On the other hand, a sling is a large piece of fabric that you place sash-style over your shoulder, allowing you to hold your baby in front of you.
Knowing the difference between the two babywearing products is just the first step. Next, you need to know the benefits of each, when to use it and the best products on the market today. We have you covered on all that!
Best Affordable Baby Carrier Options – Carriers
The primary selling point for baby carriers is their generous padding and fixtures. They offer nice and comfortable seating for your baby, which makes them ideal when you’re expecting a long day out (e.g., hiking or going to a theme park).
Typically, carriers come in either front or backpack style. Either way, the best affordable baby carriers are those that are equipped with adjustable straps that can extend in length as the baby grows.
Some units feature a canopy or hood to protect your baby against elements like sunlight and rain. If you and your baby are outdoorsy people, those are the ones to consider most.
Speaking of consideration, below are three of the best cheap baby carriers to add to your shopping list:
The Infantino Flip baby carrier is called a 4-in-1 because you can use it in four different ways. First, you can carry your baby in a “facing-in narrow seat” position. That means your baby will face you, and their legs will not spread widely. This position is perfect for newborns who don’t need their legs uncomfortably wide apart.
Secondly, the carrier allows for a “facing-in wide seat” position. Your baby will face you, and their legs will be wider apart. This position is for older kids whose legs and groin regions are well developed.
The third position is “facing out.” While your baby is positioned in front of you, they will face the same direction.
Finally, the Baby carrier supports back carry. You will need this style when carrying the baby for a long time. Generally, your baby will feel lighter when you carry them on your back.
Besides its various carrying positions, the Infantino Flip earns a spot among the best affordable baby carriers because of its excellent design and finish. In addition to having straps and a waist belt (for you), it features an adjustable baby seat (for your baby). In other words, you can customize it for a comfortable fit.
Reasons to Buy the Infantino Flip 4-In-1 Convertible Carrier.
It offers 4 different ways to carry your baby.
It is fitted with an adjustable seat, straps, and waist belt. It can be used for small infants and older babies as well. It’s also suitable for parents of all body sizes, including plus-size people.
Sufficiently padded for your baby’s comfort
Machine washable fabric
The package includes a Wonder Cover bib
Infantino Swift Classic Carrier
This Infantino Swift Classic carrier is lightweight and is designed with easy to clean materials!
Designed with easy-clean materials, this unit from Infantino is one of the best affordable baby carriers because of its comfort for you and the baby. It’s reinforced with plenty of padding that offers snuggly seating to your baby and protects your back from bruising.
The baby carrier supports two baby-wearing styles. You can carry your baby facing inward or outward. You and your baby will be safe thanks to the padded head support.
Reasons to Buy the Infantino Swift Classic Carrier
It has padded head support for your baby and padded back support for you
Made with easy-to-clean materials
It is fitted with a bib to catch drool and food
It has expandable front pockets to carry wipes, phones, etc.
It supports two different carrying positions, namely, front-outward and front inward.
If you think cheap baby carriers don’t pack impressive features, this model from Lictin will change your mind. It is SGS-certified and tested to meet ASTM F2236-16a standards. In other words, the material used is soft and safe for a baby.
Plus it is breathable, so your Baby will get enough air during those hot summer outings.
Lictin also considered the baby carer during the design of this carrier. While the shoulder straps are interlayered with a sponge for extra comfort to the user, the belts are widened to help distribute the weight of the carrier. That means your waist will not have to bear all the weight. And the fastening tape, together with its accompanying buckles, allows you to adjust the fit of the carrier while at the same time guaranteeing your baby’s security.
That extra safety and comfort you and your young one get from the Lictin Baby Carrier earn it a spot among the cheap baby carriers to consider.
Reasons to Buy the Lictin Baby Carrier for Newborn
A removable hood that protects your baby against sunlight and other weather elements
The breathable pocket window for temperature regulation. You can zip it during the cold weather or unzip it when it is hot outside.
Lots of padding and sponges for extra comfort
Has a H-type safety belt for easy adjustment. People of all body sizes can use the carrier. Buckle locks and unlocks easily
Has pockets for storage
Best Affordable Baby Carrier Options – Slings
A sling makes an excellent choice when you want body-to-body contact with your baby, which is always an important aspect of bonding. The best affordable baby slings feature a ring that allows you to make simple adjustments. You can move your baby up and down more easily (compared to a carrier) when you want to stand/sit or breastfeed.
Yes, the sling will help you create some privacy for breastfeeding sessions.
Slings are ideal for newborns who frequently need to be held in your arms. With one of them, you can hold your baby on your hip and free up both of your hands. Their small and lightweight nature makes them easy to transport. Plus, most of them are made of very soft fabric. Rocking your baby to sleep will feel like a breeze.
An important point to note is that baby slings can be a bit confusing to use for first-timers. If you’re finding it hard to figure out how to use yours, you may consider watching a how-to video, requesting a sales clerk for help, or asking someone with experience with baby slings to help you get the hang of it.
In the meantime, here’s a review of three of the best affordable baby slings on the market today.
The proprietary blend of French terry cotton and spandex used to make this baby sling will make you fall in love with babywearing. Thanks to the cotton, it is nice and soft to the touch, yet it expands gently because of the spandex material used.
Besides offering a warm snuggly feeling, the blend allows your baby to grow in the sling. That’s one of the reasons why it’s among the highest-rated affordable baby slings.
In case you’re not sold yet, then you may need to know that the CuddleBug baby sling is, in fact, a 3-in-1 product.
First, it’s a sling that doubles up as a wrap. Secondly, you can use it as a nursing cover. The 177-inch-long material is sufficient to cover your baby when they fall asleep (when you’re not at home) or create room for privacy when breastfeeding.
Finally, you can use the sling as a postpartum belt during the recovery phase after delivery.
Reasons to Buy the Cuddlebug Baby Sling
More than just a baby sling, it can also be used as a nursing cover and postpartum belt.
The cotton and spandex blend makes the sling warm, soft, breathable, and expandable.
Recommended for babies and Toddlers of up to 35 pounds
Fits slim as well as plus size baby carers
Perfect for the front as well as side carry (on the hip)
Boba Baby Wrap Grey
The Boba Baby sling is another easy to use, cheap option!
If you are interested in cheap Baby slings for new parents, this piece from Boba should be on top of your shopping list. It’s effortless to tie, which explains why it’s one of the best slings for new parents.
There’s only one way of tying your Boba Baby Wrap. No second-guessing yourself, unnecessary “fashion” experiments with the sling, and, most importantly, no safety risks for your baby!
The Boba Baby Wrap is soft, comfortable, breathable, and designed with 95% French terry cotton and 5% spandex. The spandex allows it to stretch and add more room for your growing baby (without sagging).
With a length of roughly 5 yards, the Boba Baby Sling is long enough to act as a nursing cover, especially during breastfeeding. Plus, the stretchy material (cotton and spandex combo) provides more room when you need it.
That may be the case if you are a plus size or if the baby is closer to walking upright than crawling. Boba recommends it for toddlers who are 35 pounds or less.
Reasons to Buy the Boba Baby Wrap
Very comfortable. Baby will likely fall asleep every time you tuck them in this sling.
Made with a strong blend of cotton and spandex to keep your baby safe
One of the simplest baby slings to ties
Its machine washable
Boba offers arguably the best after-sale support. You can contact them for help on how to tie and use your baby sling.
Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier
Baby K’tan has released some awesome Baby carriers, but this is the most affordable!
The Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier and Sling have cotton as the predominant material, as is the case with all the good and affordable baby slings.
But there’s a twist to this one.
While most cheap baby slings require you to do the tying yourself, the Baby K’tan comes ready to wear straight from the box.
You may find them rather complicated to tie if you are a new parent or are generally new to baby slings. And that’s where this model comes in. All you have to do is wear a sling, tuck your baby nicely, and ensure that they are snug in the warm cotton fabric of the Baby K’tan. It has a double-loop design for added safety of your baby.
Since it’s slip-on wearable, this Baby sling is not adjustable. That would have been a major downside if the good people at K’tan didn’t offer it in varying sizes. Make sure you choose a size that comfortably fits you and your baby. The rule of thumb is to base the decision on your pre-pregnancy size, and there’s a K’tan chart to help with that.
Reasons to Buy Baby K’tan Original Baby Sling
Tied and ready to use out of the box
It can be used for five different carry positions
Supports up to 35 pounds
Well-built with natural cotton and double-loop design. It is machine washable.
Available in various sizes starting from 0 to 24
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Baby Carrier or Baby Sling
There are so many brands and models of affordable baby carriers and slings. You would think that’s a good thing, which is in some respect because parents are spoilt for choice. The problem comes when you have to choose just one without making the wrong choice.
The recommended products (above) will work fine for virtually all parents and Baby carers, but just in case you want to keep browsing here are some tips to keep in mind:
Affordable Baby Carrier Considerations
Safety: Your baby’s safety should always come first. Look at the design and construction, whether a carrier or sling. Make sure it’s well-built to sustain the baby’s weight. The material should be strong (cotton is always a safe bet), and connections at the edges should be tight. Check that the openings are not too large for your baby to slip out and fall.
Comfort: here, we’re talking about your comfort and that of your baby. Tying your Baby sling will determine your baby’s comfort level, so be sure to get that one right. If you’re buying a ready-to-wear sling, then check that its size fits both you and your baby. The same goes for baby carriers. Those with lumbar support and extra padding feel like you’re getting a massage.
Climate control: breathable fabric is great for warm weather. On the other hand, heavy-padded carriers and thick slings make perfect choices for wintery weather. Some baby carrier units like the Lictin Baby Carrier allow you to zip or unzip when it’s cold or hot, respectively.
Durability: the longevity of a baby sling or carrier largely depends on the material used and the quality of tailoring work put in its production. As mentioned, cotton is always the best in comfort and durability. In the case of a carrier, you can consider one whose skeleton is made of lightweight metal like aluminum.
Usability: how easy is the carrier or sling to use? Carriers are generally straightforward, but slings are not. Don’t buy a sling that you can’t tie. If you know you probably won’t be able to tie the sling by yourself, you can consider buying one that’s already tied, like the Baby K’tan Original Baby Sling.
Maintenance: Babies are messy, and that’s okay. But it doesn’t justify using a dirty or stained baby carrier or sling. For easy cleaning, ensure that the one you choose is machine washable or at least easy to cleanse. Check its labels for instructions on the same.
Conclusion
Those are the ultimate best affordable baby carriers and affordable baby slings. Each will make your parenting job easier and more fun while putting your baby safely under your protection. And if you have the budget, it won’t hurt to have more than one carrier and one sling.
Generally, some activities like breastfeeding and completing house chores feel easier and more convenient when you have a sling because you can rest the baby on your lap or hip.
On the other hand, outdoor activities like hiking or shopping trips will feel like a breeze if you have a baby carrier. That is to say, if you can get at least one of each, then, by all means, do so.
