The Ultimate Guide to Baby Carriers: Which One is Right for You?

Full Buckle Carriers

Also known as soft structured baby carriers, these feature padded shoulder straps and a supportive waistband. You can tie these with buckled shoulder straps and buckled waistband. They offer excellent comfort for long wear and are ideal for parents who want a no-fuss solution.

✅ Great for: Everyday outings
💡 Tip: Look for extra suckpads to make it more fun.

Half Buckle Carriers

These combine the structure of a full buckle with the adjustability of a wrap. A buckle at the waist and fabric straps to tie on the shoulders provide great level of comfort.

✅ Great for: Parents who want a snug, wrap-like feel without the full commitment of wrapping.

Meh Dai

This traditional Asian-style baby carrier is versatile and adaptable. With straps that tie around your body, it distributes weight evenly and supports various carrying positions. You can still feel like you are wearing a wrap but a lot more structured for your convenience.

✅ Great for: Growing babies and extended wear.

Neko Tiny: The Perfect Hybrid Carrier for Little Newborns

Neko Tiny is a unique hybrid baby carrier designed specifically for the tiniest of babies—including those born prematurely or as small as 2.5 kg. It combines the softness of a stretchy wrap with the convenience of buckle closures, offering the best of both worlds.

Because it doesn’t require any tying, Neko Tiny is extremely easy to use, making it ideal for new parents. While it doesn’t allow for back carrying, it provides excellent support for front carries and close contact with your newborn.

✅ Great for: Premature babies and/or babies as little as 2.5 kg.

Stretchy Wraps

Perfect for the newborn phase, stretchy wraps provide a womb-like cocoon for your baby. They require very little practice and once mastered, they’re incredibly cosy and secure.

✅ Great for: Skin-to-skin contact and newborn bonding during 4th trimester.
❗ Not ideal as baby grows heavier.

Ring Slings

Made from a single length of woven fabric threaded through rings, ring slings are a favorite for quick ups and downs and breastfeeding on the go.

✅ Great for: Warm weather and short trips.
💡 Tip: Make sure the rings are made weld-free and smooth metal.

Onbuhimo

A unique Japanese-style carrier that doesn’t use a waistband—great for back carries, especially during pregnancy when waistbands can be uncomfortable.

✅ Great for: Toddlers and caregivers looking to avoid pressure on the abdomen.
❌ Not suitable for newborns.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right baby carrier is a personal decision, but understanding the differences can help you feel more confident.

Looking for baby carriers for newborns? Explore our curated newborn-friendly collection at Snuggle Gully—safety and comfort you can trust.

To help you decide, we’ve created a quick comparison table of the most popular baby carriers used by Australian parents—from stretchy wraps for newborns to supportive full buckle carriers.