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Best Baby Carriers for Disney Parks
Taking an infant to Disney is a magically exhausting experience! Babies require a lot of accessories, but the one item that should be on your packing list is a baby carrier. There are many options out there, each with different features, fabrics, and uses. This guide will help you determine which carrier is the best fit for your family vacation!
First off, you might wonder why you should bring a carrier instead of relying on your stroller alone. At Disney there is a lot of standing in lines and your arms will quickly tire of holding your bundle of joy. Sure, you may think your baby is small and that you can manage, but 30 minutes later your arms will be screaming from being in the same position for a long time. Holding your baby in a carrier allows you to have your arms free, keeps your baby protected, and allows them to nap while you continue to explore the parks. It’s a win for everyone!
I’ve been using baby carriers for years and have tried every type on this list – yes, every one. Babywearing was honestly one of my favorite things when my kids were little. At Disney, it is extremely handy. Using a baby carrier on rides can make you feel more at ease that your baby is safe and snug – like their own personal safety restraint – and can also free up your arms for those important tasks like scoring the most points on Toy Story Mania! A baby carrier gives you freedom to experience the parks without being tethered to a sleeping baby in a stroller.
Top Three Places for Babywearing at Disney
- On the airplane – walking down the cramped aisles, keeping my hands free so I can tote my carry-on, and to help with having a lap sitting baby on the flight. Note: the flight attendants may ask that you take the baby out of the carrier once seated.
- On rides – keeps your baby secure when you might be stressed about them wiggling off your lap. Ask me about the time we got evacuated off Pirates of the Caribbean – thank goodness I had the baby in a carrier!
- At restaurants – little ones can get fussy at the most inconvenient times and when you’ve made a dinner reservation is one of the worst. Toss that baby in a carrier and soothe them while you still enjoy the meal!
Let’s dive into the options!
Structured / Buckle Carrier
The most comfortable carrier you will find is going to be a structured carrier – one with padded straps for both arms, a waist band support, and a large pouch area for the baby. If you only buy one baby carrier, it should be a structured style. Among the offerings on the market, there is a lot of variation in features and baby leg/hip support. My top choice is one where the baby has the option to both face out and in. Facing in is great for naps or feedings (including nursing and bottles), whereas facing out is great when they are awake so they can experience the sights and sounds better.
Pros
Structured / Buckle Carrier
- Padded for comfort
- Weight of carrier centered on body
- Long lifespan from newborn up to 45 lbs
- Baby can face out (in some models)
Cons
Structured / Buckle Carrier
- Higher cost
Suggestions
Structured / Buckle Carrier
- Ergobaby Omni 360 or Ergobaby Breeze Mesh
- Lillebaby All Seasons
- Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 or Infantino Light and Airy
- Recommended accessories:
Ring Sling Carrier
The quickest carrier to take on and off is a ring sling, but it requires a little more skill and knowledge to utilize. Due to the speed, a ring sling is extremely handy when you have a fussy baby. They also can be made in beautiful fabrics with some very breathable materials such as linen or cotton. Ring slings are easy to care for and roll up very compact for storage.
Pros
Ring Sling Carrier
- Quick and easy to put on
- Breathable fabris
- Folds up incredibly compact
- Medium lifespan from newborn up to toddler (depending on fabric)
- Inexpensive
Cons
Ring Sling Carrier
- Takes some skill
- Off-centered weight of carrier on body
Suggestions
Ring Sling Carrier
- Linen and/or cotton fabrics
- Hip Baby Ring Sling
- Bamboo and Linen Ring Sling
- Ankalia Textiles
Stretch Wrap Carrier
A stretch wrap carrier can be very comfy for both you and your baby. This style, however, is much more time consuming and complicated to put on. Additionally, stretch wrap carriers are best for infants three months old or younger. While they are labeled for use up to 35 lbs, my experience has found that the stretchiness of the wrap cannot support the baby as well beyond three months of age.
Pros
Stretch Wrap Carrier
- Comfy
- Inexpensive
Cons
Stretch Wrap Carrier
- Complicated to put on
- Short lifespan from newborn up to three months
Woven Wrap Carrier
Getting yourself set up to carry your baby in a woven wrap takes time and skill, which can be a hassle when visiting Disney. It took me several attempts and trials to get comfortable using a woven wrap, so I do not recommend using one for the first time on vacation. Handmade or woven textiles are very beautiful and come in a variety of fabric types including silk, bamboo, linen, wool, and cotton. Because the weave has strength and grip, the lifespan of woven wraps is long and can even be used to carry older children. However, the wraps can be both thick and heavy which means the carrier will be very warm in that Florida heat. Woven wraps come in a variety of lengths to accommodate various body types and wrap finishes. Finding the right size for your body and the ties you want to do can be tricky.
Pros
Woven Wrap Carrier
- Long lifespan from newborn up to preschool (maybe even longer)
- Beautiful and unique
- Can customize
Cons
Woven Wrap Carrier
- Complicated to put on
- Heavy and warm
- Difficult to find correct fit
- Can be extremely expensive
Suggestions
Woven Wrap Carrier
- Lots of handmade options
- Apple Blossom Wovens
- Didymos
- Ankalia Textiles
Overall Best Choice for Baby Carriers
Structured / Buckle Carrier – Make the investment, it will last you a long time and even the fussiest of babies enjoys the face-out feature. Plus, the padded straps and centered carry weight make it ideal for long days at the theme parks.
Need help with babywearing or want to try out the carriers before you purchase them? Check Facebook for babywearing swap groups or communities! You may even find one in your area that hosts meetups. These groups can be a great resource for tips and to check the fit to make sure you are wearing a carrier correctly. Of course, I am always happy to help, so feel free to leave your comments and questions below!
Bonus – Recommended Accessories
These are useful for all of the carriers, no matter which style you choose.
- Mirror – whether carrying on your back or front this will allow you to check on your baby to see if they are sleeping or how they are doing
- Personal Bag – if you need a place to carry your personal items like your wallet and lip balm
- Storage Bag – waterproof to keep your carrier protected, large enough to hold the carrier but small enough to fit in your bag, sturdy construction helps compress bulky buckle carriers down, handle has snaps so you can clip it onto your diaper bag or stroller
— Jennelle