Best Baby Carriers for Petite Moms

If you’re a petite mom, you know that it can be difficult to find clothing and baby gear that fits properly and is comfortable.

And no doubt that is why you are here looking for the best baby carriers for petite moms!

Let’s face it, most baby carriers end up feeling too heavy and bulky, and the fit is quite uncomfortable for petite moms.

Yet, using a baby carrier should make your life easier.

The goal of babywearing is to let you live your life as normally as possible with your baby close to you.

It gives your baby comfort and helps you feel at ease as you get work done around the house.

But, that’s not possible if the baby carrier doesn’t fit you right.

That’s why we put together this guide, where we review the best baby carrier for petite moms and help take the guessing out of it.

So, don’t waste your money on a baby carrier that won’t work for your stature. Instead, check out these baby carriers and find the best baby carrier for small frame that you’ll love.

And if you love this guide on the best baby carrier for petite mom, check out our guides on when can your baby face forward in a carrier and baby carriers vs baby wraps.

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10 Best Baby Carriers for Petite Moms

Best Baby Carrier for Petite Moms Reviews

Below you can read our reviews on each of our 10 top baby carriers for petite moms:

1. Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier

The Ergobaby Omni 360 is an excellent option for a baby carrier for a petite mom. It’s comfortable, even for long periods. This carrier is durable and ergonomically designed, but the same can be said for all Ergobaby carriers.

The Omni is an excellent choice for several reasons.

Parents can use this carrier from infancy to toddlerhood; it’s fully adjustable, including adjustable straps. That means you can adjust it from parent to parent. Another bonus is that the Omni 360 gives you the option to forward face; many parents like to face older babies forward.

The tuck-away babyhood is made with SPF 50 fabric, protecting your baby from the sun. It also has a removable pouch on the front that fits diapers, wipes, and keys. In addition, a neck support pillow is provided to use during the newborn phase, and when your baby is old enough not to need the support, the pillow folds down.

The waistband has plenty of support and padding for your comfort, but it’s not too large for a petite mom. Let’s not forget the back lumbar support; that’s a must-have feature if you intend to wear your baby for long periods.

Ergobaby advertises this carrier as one that works for small women, but it is for anyone. So, petite moms rejoice – this one will work for you.

Pros

• Adjustable
• Multiple Carrying Positions
• Plenty of Support
• Breathable Fabric

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulky Straps

2. Beco Gemini Baby Carrier

The Beco Gemini has been around for several years, and parents rave about this baby carrier. It’s comfortable and available in over 25 different colors and designs. In addition, parents have the option to wear their baby in four carrying positions – facing in, facing out, hip carry, and back carry.

The Beco Gemini has adjustable straps that allow you to get a good fit no matter your height or weight. The straps also change; you can wear them like a backpack or a crisscross fashion. The waist belt is supportive and helps transfer the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips and legs.

Another nice factor of the Beco Gemini is that the baby’s seat adjusts as they grow, and Beco adds more padding around the legs to keep your baby comfortable all the time. There is also a built-in headrest that you can use in the early stages until your baby gains head and neck control.

Parents like the large storage pocket on the front of the waistband. It’s big enough to fit your cell phone, keys, and some wipes. The Beco Gemini supports babies who weigh between 7-35lbs; it’s lightweight, weighing less than 2lbs, and is machine washable.

Pros

• Multiple Carrying Positions
• Built-in Headrest
• Two Strap Options
• Several Colors and Designs Available

Cons

• Doesn’t Fit Newborns Well
• Bulky Straps

3. Baby Tula Explore Baby Carrier

Baby Tula offers several different options, and one of the best baby carriers for petite moms is the Tula Explore. This is a 6-in-1 baby carrier that comes in multiple designs, available for babies weighing 7-45lbs.

The Tula Explore works for infants to toddlers because the width adjusts three ways, and the extra padding around the leg holes ensures your baby’s legs won’t get irritated. In addition, Tula added a neck support pillow to keep your baby comfortable while sleeping and extra padding for you in the shoulder straps.

As we mentioned, the Baby Tula Explore is a 6-in-1 carrier, meaning six different carrying positions. The positions adjust from infant to baby to toddler, changing how it fits your baby as he grows.

Tula Baby added a mesh panel on the front of the carrier for better ventilation. That helps you and your baby stay cool while riding in the carrier. They also added a padded neck and head support pillow that folds down when not in use. One feature that parents love is the removable mesh head support that acts as sun protection or a nursing cover.

Petite moms say that this carrier fits them wonderfully because it’s so adjustable, but taller moms, on the other hand, love it as well. We love the adjustability!

Pros

• Different Designs
• Multiple Carrying Positions
• Adjustability
• Removable Hood

Cons

• Higher Priced Than Other Baby Carriers
• No Lumbar Support 

4. Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier

Here’s another option by Baby Tula – the Free to Grow. Petite moms love this option because it has a light, least-bulky feel compared to other soft structured carriers. It’s made of 100% cotton and nicely designed.

There is a lot to love about the Tula Free-to-Grow. It has a streamlined feel that works for young babies and an adjustable seat to fit babies as they grow. Tula added three settings, so you can adjust the carrier from newborn to infant to toddler. The recommended weight range for the Free-to-Grow is 7-45lbs.

The Free-to-Grow has two carrying positions: front-facing inward and back carry. That might be a downside if you want more carrying positions, but these two basic positions get the job done and are most comfortable.

This version of a Tula also has a removable hood and a large front pocket for storage. It’s a fantastic option for parents!

Pros

• Comfortable
• Adjustable for Parents
• Three Seating Widths
• Less Bulky Than Other SSCs

Cons

• No Mesh Panel
• Fewer Carrying Positions

5. Lillebaby Complete All Seasons Baby Carrier

The Lillebaby Complete All Seasons is a 6-in-1 baby carrier that features a lot of adjustabilities. You can adjust the straps and waistband to fit your baby, including petite moms. It’s designed for babies 7-45lbs.

The Lillebaby Complete offers six ways to carry your baby – fetal, facing in, facing out, hip, toddler in, and back carry. Another nice feature is the zip-down mesh panel that keeps your baby comfortable on warmer days.

One of the features that petite moms appreciate is that the straps can be adjusted and crossed for an ideal fit. The Lillebaby also comes with extra lumbar support that will reduce back pain.

The only problem with the Lillebaby Complete is that some parents say the seat isn’t super comfortable for babies; it leads to red marks on their baby’s thighs.

Pros

• Supportive for Parents
• Breathable Mesh Lining
• Machine Washable
• Multiple Carrying Positions

Cons

• Expensive
• Leg Openings Aren’t As Comfortable

6. Nalakai Luxury Ring Sling

The Nalakai ring sling is beautiful, made with a luxurious blend of bamboo and linen. Bamboo increases the breathability of the ring sling, keeping you and your baby comfortable and cool. It’s also UV reflective, so your baby is protected from the sun.

Linen is supportive and ensures your baby has a strong seat in the carrier. This carrier is designed by a mother, knowing we need simplicity and dependability.

The Nalakai ring sling is for babies from 8-35lbs, so you can use it for quite a while. It’s lightweight, only weighing one pound, so it’s easy to store in your diaper bag when not in use. If you’re looking for a ring sling to use, this is an excellent ring sling for petite moms.

Pros

• Bamboo and Linen Blend
• Lightweight
• Breathable

Cons

• Tricky to Use at Times
• Not Ideal for Larger People

7. Baby K’Tan Original Baby Wrap

The Baby K’Tan is a baby wrap, but you don’t have to wrap them; it’s a no-wrap baby wrap. That might not make sense until you see the design. While the Baby K’Tan is a baby wrap, it doesn’t require parents to wrap all the fabric around your body. Instead, you slip it over your body like a shirt, and it’s ready to use.

The downside is that you have to pick a specific size that will fit you, so sharing baby carriers isn’t possible. You’d need to buy a separate carrier for your partner if they want to babywear as well.

Baby K’tan is a beloved baby carrier for petite moms, designed for babies between 8-35lbs. This carrier gives parents the flexibility to carry babies in multiple positions. You can use it as a sling, facing inward, facing outward, and hip carry. It’s pretty comfortable!

Pros

• Comfortable to Wear
• No Wrapping – Easy to Use
• No Extra Fabric Hanging Down
• Comes in Multiple Sizes

Cons

• Can’t Easily Share With Other Adults

8. Ergobaby Embrace Baby Wrap

If you’re struggling to find a soft structured carrier that fits you well as a petite mom, the Ergobaby Embrace is an excellent option. The Embrace is a buckle carrier, but it’s considerably less bulky and thick than other carriers.

Don’t worry; your baby still has plenty of support. Ergobaby added wide shoulder straps without excess padding. The straps are adjustable and may be used crisscrossed or backpack-style. You’ll also notice that the adjustable waistband has plenty of comfy padding.

The Embrace is an ergonomically designed carrier that supports your baby in the proper position. The long panel supports your baby’s head. Parents can use the Ergobaby Embrace from 7-25lbs; this is more of a newborn and small infant carrier.

Overall, if you want a carrier that is a soft-structured carrier for your young baby, you’ll love the Ergobaby Embrace.

Pros

• Less Bulky
• Wide Straps for Comfort
• Adjustable
• Two Ways to Use Straps

Cons

• Only Usable Up to 25lbs

9. You+Me 4-in-1 Baby Carrier

The You+Me 4-in-1 Baby Carrier is an excellent option for parents who want a budget-friendly baby carrier. It’s designed for babies 8-32lbs. The seat has two options: narrow and wide; this allows you to adjust the carrier as your baby grows.

With the You+Me Baby Carrier, it’s possible to use it front-facing in and front-facing out, and you also can use it for back carries. One of the reasons this is an excellent baby carrier for petite moms is that the seat, shoulder straps, and waist belts all adjust.

The only real downside to the You+Me Baby Carrier is that the neck and head support aren’t as tall as it should be, so taller babies might not have any support.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Breathable Mesh Lining
• Multiple Carrying Positions

Cons

• Not Ideal for Tall Babies

10. Boba Baby Wrap

If you’re looking for a traditional baby wrap for petite moms, the Boba Baby Wrap Carrier is an excellent, one-size option available in multiple colors. The Boba Baby Wrap is for babies weighing 8-35lbs.

You take and wrap the carrier around your body, giving an adjustable fit for your baby and you. It comes with a learning curve; you have to wrap the Boba around your body. On the other hand, the Boba is a one-sized carrier, so you can share it with any adult.

The downside is the same as many other wrap carriers – the extra fabric might touch or hang on the ground. Petite moms might notice more material touching the ground than someone taller who uses more fabric for wrapping.

Pros

• Gives You a Custom Fit
• The Wrap Keeps Its Shape
• Comfortable
• Multiple Adults Can Wear This Carrier

Cons

• Hot to Wear
• Lots of Extra Fabric
• Learning Curve

Buying Guide for the Best Baby Carrier for Petite Mom

Are you wondering how we picked the best baby carriers for small moms? We had several criteria we considered, and we wanted to provide you with various options that could work for your smaller frame.

Here are the factors that matter the most when picking a best infant carrier for petite mom.

Type of Baby Carrier

Before you buy any baby carrier, take the time to learn about the different styles. Each style has pros and cons to consider.

Wraps

A baby wrap is a long piece of fabric that you wrap around your body and your baby, creating a place for your baby to sit. Wraps come in different sizes, and they are comfortable to use.

The downside is that wraps come with quite a learning curve; it’s harder to figure out how to use these carriers, and the long fabric drags on the ground.

Soft Structured Carriers – SSC

Many petite mothers struggle to find a good soft structured carrier; these are carriers made of fabric and buckles designed to support your baby’s hips and head. They offer a lot of support, but their large size makes it harder to find the perfect fit for a smaller mom. 

Ring Sling

A ring sling is a popular baby carrier made of a long piece of fabric and metal rings. When connected properly, the fabric creates a sling, or a seat, for your baby to sit. The rings allow for easy adjustability, and you can keep your baby snug and close to you. 

Fabric

Not all baby carriers are made with the same fabric, so keep this in mind when you’re shopping for the best baby carrier for petite moms. Some materials hold heat in more than others, and if you live somewhere warm or want to babywear in the summer, look for breathable carriers.

Types of Straps

If you’ve ever worn a bad baby carrier or carried a purse for too long, you know how easily the straps dig into your shoulders. The wrong straps make anything more uncomfortable.

Always look at the carrier, and what types of straps are used. Most SSCs have two straps, but some allow you to wear the straps in either an X or H pattern. Having two ways to wear the shoulder straps is ideal; it helps distribute your baby’s weight across your back.

Adjustability

Parents know how important adjustability is when it comes to anything baby-related. Babies grow and change so frequently; look for a carrier that grows with your baby and can be used for years.

You also might want to look for a carrier that you and your partner can use at different times. That may mean it needs to adjust greatly to fit both of you well.

Ergonomic Design

Something else that is a big factor when picking a baby carrier is ensuring it uses an ergonomic design. Your baby needs to be seated in the proper M position with fabric from knee to knee. This helps avoid hip problems or added stress on your baby’s spine

Support for You

Supporting your baby is essential, but make sure the baby carrier remembers that you need support as well. Carrying your baby shouldn’t hurt your body; find carriers with lumbar support and back support. The carrier should distribute your baby’s weight across your body. Another way they do that is by providing parents with wide, supportive waistbands.

Different Carrying Positions

Not all carriers allow you to use multiple positions. So if you want to wear your baby in different positions, make that an important criterion.

All of the carriers we listed above tell you whether or not you can use several positions with it. Here are the positions you might want to use when wearing your baby. 

Front Facing Inward

The first position you will try when using a baby carrier for the first time is a front-facing inward carry. You wear your baby in the front of your baby with their face toward your chest. This position gives you the best access for cuddling and breastfeeding.

Babies use this position exclusively until they’re able to hold their heads up on their own.

Front Facing Outward

Once your baby has better control over his head, try the front-facing outward position, but not all carriers support this carrier. The carrier needs to offer an ergonomic position for your baby’s hips if you use this position.

The front-facing outward carry is when your baby is facing outward with his back against your chest. It gives your baby the chance to look at the world around him, but you can only use it once he has complete head and neck control.

Hip or Side Carry

If you’ve ever carried a baby on your hip, you’re familiar with this position. The only difference is that your hips receive support as your baby gets older by using a baby carrier. Your baby also needs to have complete head and neck control to use this carrier position.

Back Carry

Older infants and toddlers love the back carry. This position is when you wear your baby on your back with your baby’s chest facing your back. Your child needs to have full neck and head control to use this carry.

FAQs about Baby Carriers for Petite Moms

Final Thoughts Best Baby Carrier for Petite Moms

Babywearing is one of the best ways to get things done around your house with your hands-free. It makes traveling much easier, but if you’re a short mom, you’ll want to make sure you find one of the best baby carriers for petite moms.

And if you’re looking for more great baby guides, then check out these guides on best baby carriers for hot weather, how long can you carry a baby in a carrier, best baby carriers for breastfeeding, and best baby wrap for summer.