Baby carriers are a fantastic way to keep your little one close to you while keeping your hands free. Whether you’re cooking or taking a walk, they allow you to keep your baby close to you—and many fall asleep almost instantly!
Baby carriers are also a comfortable option when you’re in tight spaces where a stroller just won’t fit. But which ones are the best baby carriers for plus size parents?
We found the best baby carrier for plus size moms and dads, so check out the reviews below. Also, be sure to read through our tips for safe babywearing for plus size parents.
Based on our research, these are the best plus size baby carriers available:
- Tula Free-to-Grow Ergonomic Baby Carrier—Best Overall
- Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier—Most Versatile Structured Carrier
- Boba Wrap Baby Carrier—Best Baby Wrap Carrier
- Infantino Cuddle Up Carrier—Best Budget Structured Carrier
- No products found.—Best Ring Sling
- Baby K'tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier—Easiest Baby Wrap
Reviews of the Best Baby Carrier for Plus Size Wearers
These are the options we found for the best baby carrier for plus size parents on the market today. We found both structured models and traditional wraps that plus size moms and dads love. There are alternatives in all sizes, so you’re sure to find the one for you.
Also, make sure to check out our tips for safe and healthy babywearing before you buy!
1. Tula Free-to-Grow Ergonomic Baby Carrier—Best Overall
Rating: 4.8 stars.
Features
- Type: Structured.
- Carry positions: 2.
- Capacity: 45 pounds.
- Lumbar support: Yes.
The Tula Free-to-Grow is a favorite for many parents, petite and plus size, thanks to its adaptability for mother and baby. It comes with padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a body panel with three width settings. There’s also a storage pocket at the front, so you can keep your keys or wallet close at hand.
This baby carrier is tough, and you can use it from newborn all the way to toddlerhood, with a weight limit of 45 pounds. Some structured baby carriers require an infant insert to adapt it to a newborn, but for this Tula model, you won’t need one. When your little one grows, you can easily carry them on your back with quick adjustments.
The Tula Free-to-Grow plus size baby carrier has smart details, such as a cover at the top you can use to breastfeed privately. It’s also easy to adjust, which is handy when both mom and dad wear the carrier. It’s a breeze to put this Tula model on and take off, which is not always the case with this type of baby carrier.
The 100 percent cotton twill fabric is durable, but it still lets your skin breathe. When it inevitably gets dirty, it’s fully machine washable.
It’s tough to find negative opinions on this Tula buckle carrier because it’s such a favorite of plus size moms. The price is pretty high compared to the baby wrap models. It’s justified, though, if you think you’re paying for both the high-quality fabrics, padding and shoulder straps, and the smart design.
Another downside for some parents is that you can’t keep your baby in a front-facing position. When they’re older and you can have the carrier on your back, you can keep them facing the front, but the position is always inwards-facing.
Pros
- Easy height and width adjustments.
- Durable fabric.
- Lumbar support strap to avoid lower back pain.
- Adjustments range from newborns to 45-pound toddlers.
Cons
- No front-facing option.
- Pricey.
>>>Check Price<<<
2. Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier—Most Versatile Structured Carrier
Features
- Type: Structured.
- Carry positions: 4.
- Capacity: 45 pounds.
- Lumbar support: Yes.
The Ergobaby Omni 360 is adaptable for all common baby positions. With just a couple of quick adjustments, you can move the carrier from your chest to your back, or even to the hip. You’re also able to keep your baby facing both front and back with this model.
Adjusting the Ergobaby Omni 360 is easy, and you can easily do it or turn your baby around without another person’s help. The baby carrier grows with your little one from 7 to 45 pounds without additional inserts.
It’s also comfortable for plus size moms and dads, and the long straps accommodate different body types well. You can adjust the waist belt to fit a waist of up to 55 inches.
It has a large pillow to support your baby’s neck during their first months of life. Their legs can hang freely, which is fun and comfortable for the baby. Just remember to keep pants on, as the mesh fabric can be rough on a baby’s delicate skin.
What we also love about this model is that it has a large storage pocket to fit your baby’s items. The pouch is large and detachable, which is handy, for example, when you’re visiting family and friends and need to change a diaper. Just grab the pouch, without needing to take the whole baby carrier with you to the bathroom.
The soft straps have mesh fabric for improved breathability, but some parents feel they’re too bulky. You can wear them backpack-style or crossed around your back, whichever is more comfortable for you. The baby carrier also has a lumbar pad for improved support, which can save you some back pain.
This design also features a baby hood that keeps your baby protected from the sun and can help cover them when breastfeeding. The best part is that it’s all machine washable, including the accessories like the storage pouch.
Overall, this is a functional design made of quality fabrics. It may be pricey, but with all the amazingly positive opinions it’s had from plus size moms and dads, we think it’s worth the investment.
Pros
- Versatile carry options.
- Adaptable from newborn to toddler.
- Fits a plus size waist of up to 55 inches.
- Soft, padded lumbar support to avoid back pain.
Cons
- Shoulder straps can feel bulky and wide for some.
- The mesh fabric can be rough on a baby’s skin.
>>>Check Price<<<
3. Boba Wrap Baby Carrier—Best Baby Wrap Carrier
Features
- Type: Wrap.
- Carry positions: Infinite, but only on your chest.
- Capacity: 35 pounds.
- Lumbar support: Yes, depending on how you wrap.
The Boba baby wrap is a pioneer on the carrier market, and one of the most popular babywearing wraps today. It’s an excellent option for parents of all sizes because it’s essentially made from a long piece of fabric and is adaptable for plus size moms.
The 5 yards of fabric on this wrap are made from a silky soft cotton and spandex mix that’s durable and machine washable. It’s breathable thanks to the cotton, so you’ll be able to use it on hot summer days, as well.
The spandex gives it the stretchiness that makes it comfortable to wear and tie around you. And thanks to this stretch, it won’t lose its shape in the long run.
You can carry a baby girl or boy weighing up to 35 pounds in this baby carrier wrap, and it’s ideal for plus size mom bodies of all shapes. It automatically creates a snug ergonomic seat for your baby and keeps them naturally at your chest.
This type of wrap is also comfortable to use as a breastfeeding cover whenever you’re outside. Given the large amount of fabric, you’ll always have a little bit to spare to cover yourself. And you’ll be able to walk and do household chores while you’re nursing!
As a negative, with this type of wrap, you won’t be able to wear it comfortably with a bigger toddler who moves around more. You also can’t change the carrying position or turn your little one to face the front.
The Boba wrap is ideal for parents of newborn babies. This is especially if you’re not sure about whether you’ll be comfortable carrying your baby around on your chest. You won’t have to invest that much, and if you love the baby carrier, you can switch for a more structured version with a toddler.
As a negative, stretchy wraps have a bit of a learning curve until you get the technique just right. Also, keep in mind that the wrap doesn’t have much support for your lower back, so you might experience some pain if you use it for hours at a time.
Pros
- Highly adaptable to different bodies.
- Affordable.
- Durable quality fabric.
- Comfortable for breastfeeding.
Cons
- Has a learning curve.
- May give you back pain.
>>>Check Price<<<
4. Infantino Cuddle Up Carrier—Best Budget Structured Carrier
Features
- Type: Structured.
- Carry positions: 2.
- Capacity: 40 pounds.
- Lumbar support: Yes.
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on your baby carrier, this budget model might be the right one. It comes with a waist belt and padded shoulder straps to keep your back and shoulders comfortable. It’s also easy to adjust to your waist even when you’re alone and can’t count on another person’s help.
This model comes with a detachable hood in an adorable bear design to protect your baby from the sun or wind. The fabric is quite thick, though, so it can get hot in summer weather. The size of the hood is also small, so it’s only suitable for the baby’s first months.
There’s a pocket at the front that acts as a muffler to keep your hands warm in the winter. You can also support the baby’s weight with your hands inside the muffler to give your back a little break. The negative is that this baby carrier doesn’t include a zippered pocket to keep your small items close at hand.
The position is ergonomic for you and your baby. The carrier supports the baby’s legs all the way to the knees, keeping them wrapped around you. You can use it from about 12 pounds all the way up to a 40-pound toddler. Note that this model is not suitable for a newborn on its own, because it doesn’t offer enough neck support.
The baby carrier has quite a decent amount of lumbar support for the mom, thanks to the padded waist belt. The fit is large, best for tall and plus size moms.
One negative of this baby carrier is that you can only wear it in two different ways. You have the option of the chest and the back, but always with your baby facing in. If your baby wants to see the world, they’ll likely get bored after a while.
Pros
- Muffler pocket at the front.
- Cute hood design.
- Affordable.
- Fast and easy to adjust for a large fit.
- Decent lumbar support.
Cons
- Not suitable for a newborn.
- The fabric is thick and can get heated.
>>>Check Price<<<
5. No products found.—Best Ring Sling
No products found.Features
- Type: Ring sling.
- Carry positions: 4.
- Capacity: 35 pounds.
- Lumbar support: No.
If you’re a fan of the baby wrap carrier but don’t want to spend time learning how to do it each time, this baby Maya Wrap is your go-to option. It’s a ring sling carrier option that’s an easy way to carry your baby. The large size is 79 inches long, which usually works well on plus size moms.
This ring sling wrap is recommended for kids up to 35 pounds. You can pick a chest or hip position for your little one, and the wrap makes it easy to breastfeed in private when you’re on the go.
The Maya Wrap has some quality details, such as a zippered pocket at the front. It’s not as big as the storage pouches on some other models, but it’s much more subtle. You can hide your phone or wallet inside to keep your hands free when walking, and nobody will notice.
As for the overall quality, the fabric isn’t stretchy but instead fully made from breathable, handwoven cotton. The sling rings are strong, and the shoulder strap has light padding to improve comfort for the mom or dad carrying their child. It does make the baby wrap carrier warmer to wear on your back, but it shouldn’t affect comfort too much.
What we love about this design is that thanks to the ring, it’s easy to put on and doesn’t bunch up or twist. You also won’t have as many layers of fabric covering yourself and your baby, which is better for keeping both of you cool. As your little one grows, you can choose to have them nestled on your hip, snuggled into your chest—facing in or out.
This design can also be problematic for your shoulders because the side that’s carrying the weight will be slightly hunched forward. If you have back problems, we recommend picking another baby carrier design. Changing your baby from one shoulder to another frequently will also help you keep some balance.
Pros
- Easy to put on ring sling design.
- Zippered pocket on one side.
- Suits plus size body types.
- Handwoven, quality cotton that feels fresh.
Cons
- May cause shoulder pain over long periods.
No products found.
6. Baby K'tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier—Easiest Baby Wrap
Features
- Type: Wrap.
- Carry positions: 5, but only at the chest and hip.
- Capacity: 35 pounds.
- Lumbar support: Yes, if you use the included sash.
We included this pre-wrapped baby carrier from Baby K-tan on our list because we love how easy it is to put on. It requires no wrapping, which can save you a lot of precious time.
Just throw on the baby carrier, leaving the X-shaped mark on your back and putting your arms through the loops. Cuddle your baby and pass their legs through the loop. Then spread the fabric, and you’ll be good to go.
It comes in several sizes for a plus size mom, up to an extra-large, equivalent to dress sizes 22 to 24. The downside is that it’s not very adaptable between sizes, even though the fabric is quite stretchy. If both parents are of different sizes, you’ll have to buy two different wraps.
The carriers come in a matching carry bag that transforms into a sash you can wrap around your baby and waist. This gives additional support for your baby and your lower back.
The fabric is soft and stretchy, and you can wash it in the machine and use the dryer. Keep in mind that it can stretch out a bit over time, but that will help accommodate your baby’s growth.
You can use this K-tan carrier model from birth up to 35 pounds. It’s very low profile and easy to slip in your bag when you go out.
Pros
- Pre-wrapped design that’s easy to use.
- Five different options for carrying your baby.
- Comes in extra-large sizes for plus size wearers.
- Amazingly comfortable when you’ve got the size right.
Cons
- Not adaptable between different sizes.
- Stretches out over time.
>>>Check Price<<<
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Baby Carrier
Babywearing is an amazing way to spend time with your baby. It can calm your baby, and help their muscle and language development. It can also give you more time for face-to-face interaction with your baby.
But there are a couple of things to keep in mind before you purchase a baby carrier for plus size wearers. These go from baby health considerations to the different types of baby carriers for plus size moms and dads.
Baby Safety
Baby carriers and slings can be dangerous if not used properly, especially with a newborn child. Here are some tips for using them safely.
- Always make sure the baby’s airways are clear and check their breathing frequently.
- Make sure the carrier is tight, and your baby isn’t slumping, as this can prevent airflow.
- The baby’s face should be visible and close enough to you to be kissable when they’re in the carrier.
Baby Hip Health
Not all baby carriers for plus size wearers are ideal for your child. Your baby’s feet shouldn’t hang freely from the hips when they’re in the carrier. Instead, they should be spread apart in an ‘M’ position with their knees above their hips, also called a sitting squat.
This is because a baby’s bones, joints and muscles aren’t fully formed, and having their legs hanging straight down can cause hip dysplasia, or dislocated hips. This condition isn’t painful for the baby but can cause hip and back problems in the future.
All the best baby carriers for plus size baby parents we included on our list are safe for your baby’s hips. With wraps, you have to make sure you’re using them properly to support your baby’s hips.
Parent Health
It’s not only babies’ bodies that need love and care. Parents also need to make sure their baby carriers are comfortable to wear and stretch their upper back and shoulder muscles.
When you’re using a baby carrier, you’re wearing a lot of weight on your back and your shoulders. Whichever way you decide to carry your baby, it can cause you to hunch or have an unnatural position in your shoulders. Carrying your baby on your hip may give you some lumbar pain.
If you use your baby carrier a lot, we recommend you do some light stretches and exercises to help ease the strain on your shoulders.
Size
All the carriers on our list are great for a plus-size mom or dad. If you want to be sure, go for the baby wraps or ring slings because they’re more adaptable to plus size moms and dads.
Structured baby carriers for plus size wearers are also adjustable, but depending on the size of the wearer, they may not fit perfectly.
If there are two parents using the carrier, choose the right size for the parent who will be using it the most. If both of you wear it a lot and there’s a big size difference, consider buying two carriers, or try a couple of different types of models.
Types of Baby Carriers for Plus Size Parents
As you might have noticed from the reviews, there are different types of carriers for plus size wearers. Not everybody is a fan of every model, and even the best plus size baby carrier may not be to your liking.
Structured Carrier
The structured baby carriers are the most advanced and, in many cases, the most expensive. They include a fully structured, supportive pouch and straps for your shoulders. You can easily wear these models on your chest and on your back when your baby grows a little older.
As a negative, not all of them are ideal for use with newborn babies. Depending on the model, you may have to wait until your baby is a couple of months old before you start using them.
Structured carriers are also bigger and bulkier to keep with you, and some of them won’t fit plus size moms well. Check the waist size before buying if you generally wear plus size clothing.
Fabric Wrap
Fabric baby wraps are a traditional way of carrying your baby on your chest, and are popular among plus size wearers. You can use them from birth, as they keep your newborn close to you, snug and comfortable.
These types of wraps have the advantage of different possibilities for wrapping. They also come in different sizes. But any extra fabric is usually easy to tuck or tie to keep it out of the way if one of the parents doesn’t need a plus size baby wrap.
On the downside, if your baby is very active they may move around so much that the fabric comes loose and you’ll need to tie it again. And wrapping takes time, especially until you learn to do it efficiently.
The baby wrap also doesn’t provide any padding, though the fabric itself is usually comfortable and breathable.
Ring Sling
If you want a carrier that’s affordable but you don’t care to learn baby wrapping, a ring sling is a good option. It takes a few minutes to set up the first time and after a wash, but after that, putting it on is a breeze.
Ring slings allow you to cradle your baby at your chest and at the hip when they get a little older. They adapt easily to plus size moms and dads, and they’re fresh to wear.
The Winner
Our pick for the best baby carrier for plus size parents is the Tula Free-to-Grow Ergonomic Baby Carrier. All things considered, it’s a great design and of the highest quality, and customers of all sizes usually love it.
The fabric is durable and breathable, and you can wash it in the machine. The design allows for easy adjustments between different sizes, even when you’re alone.
Admittedly, the investment is a little high for some plus size baby parents. However, you can use this baby carrier from newborn all the way up to 45 pounds, which does help justify the price. Still, all bodies are different, so if this one doesn’t fit, check out the other best baby carriers on our list!
- Body panel adjusts in three width settings and two height settings to allow...
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