Get out and about with ease.
We may live in a big city, but that doesn’t mean we have to hunker down once we have kids. Hongkongers like to grab that baby and go, go, go! As we can’t travel at the moment, it’s so important to access our city – now more than ever. And because we are so mobile, you’ll need a carrier that makes life even easier (we all know how stroller-friendly Hong Kong is…ahem). The question is, which one is right for your lifestyle? Whether you like heading out for hikes, nipping around the city, or perhaps need a handy carrier for breastfeeding on the go, scroll down for some of the friendliest baby carriers right here in the city (or with delivery to Hong Kong), from newborns to toddlers.
Jump to:
Benefits Of Baby Carriers
Baby Carriers For Nursing
Baby Carriers For The City
Beach Baby Carriers: Hot And Humid Weather
Hiking Baby Carriers
Travel Baby Carriers: Lightweight And Compact
Baby Carriers For Toddlers
Read more: The Best Strollers For Hong Kong And Where To Buy Them
Benefits Of Baby Carriers
With all the gear that you’re stockpiling for your bump or growing babe, it’s understandable to second guess if you should bother getting some things at all. That said, there are several key items that will quickly become your go-to must-haves – and we’re 99.9% sure that your baby carrier will become your new best friend.
There are many benefits of baby carriers, including:
- Can soothe baby and can help to stop tears
- Promotes good health (especially for premature babies and newborns)
- Can help cognitive learning
- Great for emotional development and parent-baby bonding
- Can help to reduce postpartum depression (even if not strictly skin-to-skin contact)
- Easier to for you and bubs to move around
- People will touch your baby less when out and about (though done with affection, keeping a distance is definitely a good thing right now)
While baby carriers are a personal choice, many parents have multiple options to take them through a baby’s different stages. Some many prefer not to use carriers in the early months, while others swear by slings and wraps that are easy to nurse in. In the initial months, a baby should be carried in front, facing inwards while they can face outwards once they are able to sit comfortably. Side and back carrying is possible with toddlers.
Just keep in mind baby carrier safety guidelines when choosing a carrier to fit you and your little one. When it comes to newborns and very young babies, it’s always best to think T.I.C.K.S:
- Tight: The sling should be tight with your baby positioned high and upright with head support. Loose fabric may cause your baby to slump down, restricting breathing. Just resist over-tightening the carrier across their back.
- In view at all times: You should always be able to see your baby’s face, with their nose and mouth unobstructed by the sling and/or your body.
- Close enough to kiss: Make sure that by tipping your head forward that you can easily kiss the tip of your bab’s head.
- Keep chin off chest: Baby’s chin must be up and away from its body. Never let baby curl with the chin down as this can restrict breathing. There should be a gap of about two fingers wide under their chin.
- Supported back: It should be tight enough that there’s no gap between your baby and your body, but loose enough to slide your hand into the carrier.
See also the Hong Kong Family Health Service’s advice on baby carriers, pushchairs, high chairs and car seats.
Sassy Mama tip: There are so many different brands, styles and uses of carriers out there that it can be overwhelming. Luckily, you can try some brands before you buy by renting from The Sling Collection here in Hong Kong.
Read more: Hong Kong Car Seat Safety: Plus What And Where To Shop
Baby Carriers For Nursing
Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling
Ring slings have the closeness of a wrap carrier, but with the ease of ring to loop your fabric through (so no getting tied in knots if wraps are tricky for you!). Great for running errands in or out of the house, your little one will sit close to your chest for extra comfort. With no clips or snaps, the sling is easy to use and made up of one simple piece of long fabric and two rings. You just need to pull the fabric through the rings to make a secure pouch for your bubba to sit in. The lightly padded shoulder strap helps to distribute the weight across your back and it adapts quickly to allow for nursing on demand.
Weight range: 8 to 35 lbs
How much: $315.15
Available from: Amazon
Moby Wrap
We’re all for breastfeeding on demand, whenever, wherever, and uncovered – though some might opt for a manageable and discreet baby carrier to do so. With no buckles, straps and fasteners, the Moby Wrap allows you to nurse easily while you bond with your baby. It adapts as baby grows as well, and the soft, stretchy and durable fabric promises total comfort. Check out the new Bump & Beyond T-Shirt Wrap as well.
Weight range: 8 to 33 lbs
How much: From $346.58
Available from: Amazon
Baby K’Tan
The Baby K’Tan is a hybrid between a wrap and structured front carrier. To put it simply it’s the best of both worlds at a great price! The K’Tan can be worn five different ways and comes in several different types of fabric including mesh that’s great for hot Hong Kong summers. All fabrics are made of 100% cotton and come in a variety of colours (we’re loving the Leopard Love option). Baby sits high up, which makes mobility a breeze. It’s extremely portable and can fold up into its own attached pouch, making travel with the carrier very compact and lightweight.
Weight range: 8 to 35 lbs
How much: From $393.94
Available from: Amazon
Other wraps available in Hong Kong:
Happy Baby Wrap
Ergobaby wrap
Close Parent Caboo+ Cotton Blend Baby Carrier
Read more: The Best Baby And Toddler Stores In Hong Kong: Where To Get What You Need
Baby Carriers For The City
Four Position Ergobaby Omni 360
For comfort with a chic look, this four-way 360 carrier is a favourite for a reason! Its soft structure allows you to carry your child’s weight in four different positions – inward, forward, back and on the hip. Though its price tag is a bit higher, you’re paying for an ergonomically super baby-friendly carrier. We’re fans of the Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier All-In-One Cool Air Mesh. The latest version is newborn ready (no insert required) and the mesh material is perfect for Hong Kong’s hot months.
Weight range: 3.2 to 20kg
How much: From $1,590
Available from: Baby Central, Petit Tippi, Mothercare
Baby Tula
With a huge range of front facing, back facing, back or hip carry options (perfect for exploring the city with growing bubbas and toddlers), you’re sure to find a comfortable choice at Baby Tula. Created by international couple Ula (from Poland) and Mike (who was born in Vietnam), this ergonomic brand of carriers came about due to the need for a comfortable and versatile carrier for their kids. They couldn’t find the perfect one, so decided to make their own instead!
Weight range: 7 to 45 lbs
How much: $1,290 to $1,590
Available from: Baby Central, Petit Tippi
BabyBjorn One Air
Baby Carrier One and the new One Air from BabyBjorn is a best seller as it’s easy to use and adapts to your growing child’s needs. The adjustable seating allows babies to sit comfortably (they can move their legs freely), while the sturdy waist belt and padded straps are in place to help relieve pressure for mums or dads.
Weight range: 8 lbs/21 in (3.5 kg/53 cm) to 33 lbs/39 in (15 kg/100 cm)
How much: From $1,699 (Baby Carrier One is still available at $1,399)
Available from: Baby Bjorn, Mothercare, Baby Central, Eugenebaby and other Baby Bjorn locations across Hong Kong
Connecta Pure Baby Carrier
This is a great lightweight carrier that can easily fold down to put into a backpack or under the stroller. It’s made with 100% certified organic pure cotton, so there are no artificial chemicals or pesticides to worry about. Not only is it super comfortable for baby and handy for parents, but it’s also great for the planet as well!
Weight range: 7.5 to 52.5 lbs (3.5 to 24kg)
How much: $900
Available from: Wander Cubs
Read more: Where To Buy Kids Clothes In Hong Kong
Beach Baby Carriers: Hot And Humid Weather
LÍLLÉbaby
When it’s hot and humid (which is pretty often here in Hong Kong), you want to make sure that both you and your baby stay cool. Made from a breathable 3D moisture-locking mesh material, this light and soft carrier allows for maximum air circulation. It can be worn in multiple ways, which means it will grow with you as your infant becomes a toddler. The extendable torso provides extra comfort for your neck and back while keeping taller babies secure. That’s not all, because there’s even a detachable hood, which can be used for sleeping, sun protection or nursing.
Age/weight range: Newborn to 45 lbs
How much: From $1,100 (currently $499.80 and $599.80 on clearance sale at Babies R Us, but selling fast)
Available from: Sling Collection, Babies R Us
Je Porte Mon Bebe (JPMBB) Basic Wrap
Designed with newbies in mind, the JPMBB Basic Wrap is totally suitable for first-time mums who are just getting used to carrying around a baby. The material used is lighter and slightly shorter, making it much easier to manage while relaxing at the beach! Not made for heavyweights, these wraps are ideal for newborns (elevating the snuggle factor). Its simple design makes it easy to brush off any sand that might have found its way through, too.
Age range: Newborn
How much: $555
Available from: Sling Collection
Also great for the beach:
The Solar Integra baby carrier (from the UK) is made with sun-protective fabric that blocks 95 to 99% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s also super light-weight, so can easily be folded and stashed away, has a breathable, non-irritating, fabric for sensitive skin that wicks moisture away, keeping baby cool – perfect for the beach or pool. Order internationally with a £20 shipping fee to Hong Kong.
Hiking Baby Carriers
Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
With footrests, an Aircomfort system (for maximum ventilation), fully adjustable seat and straps for bubs and parents, a mesh back panel for mama or papa, large head support for little necks for when they need a well-deserved rest and more – this carrier has all the bells and whistles.
Weight: Maximum child weight 22 kg
How much: $3,475
Available from: Overlander
Cross Country S3 Child Carrier
When looking for a hiking carrier you’ll need something comfortable if little ones will be in there for a while. Also, one that will protect them from the elements (especially the sun here in Hong Kong). The Cross Country S3 Child Carrier by LittleLife is fully adjustable for you and your trekking tot, complete with sunshade and soft face pads for when bubba nods off.
Age range: Six months to 3 years
How much: $2,250
Available from: Baby Basics
Other hiking baby carriers in Hong Kong:
Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier
Sassy Mama tip: When you’re hiking, the last thing you want is an uncomfortable carrier that will ruin the walk – for you and your little one. Look out for a hiking carrier that has a wide, comfortable seat (so as not to pinch little bottoms!), a footrest to distribute the babies weight, and a canopy to shield them from the sun or rain. Pockets for snacks and water are also a good idea, as well as comfortable straps and breathable materials for you.
As these can get quite pricy, be sure to look out for preloved options on sites like Carousell or Facebook groups like Baby-Swap-It.
Travel Baby Carriers: Lightweight And Compact
Cybex Yema
Are you looking for a carrier that is minimal yet gets the job done whilst travelling? Look no further, because the Cybex Yema carrier does more than just that – it has an adjustable seat panel and headrest and offers total lower back support. Now you can travel in comfort and style!
Age range: Newborn to 2 years
How much: $1,799
Available from: Baby Central
Bitybean Compact Baby Carrier
This absolutely minuscule carrier weighs less than a pound and is easily compressed. It has the bare minimum amount of buckles and complications, with just two comfortable shoulder and waist straps, creating a state-of-the-art piece! It can carry infants and toddlers over 3 months old. Wrap your little one in this whilst at the airport or during a flight and conveniently pack it into your bag when it’s not needed!
Weight range: 8 to 40 lbs
How much: $489
Available from: HKTV Mall
Other compact carriers perfect for travelling:
Boba Air Compact and self-storing carrier
Infantino Zip Travel Carrier
Read more: Hong Kong Family Staycations: Easy Getaways In The City This CNY
Baby Carriers For Toddlers
While many of the already mentioned carriers can hold toddlers up to 3 or even 5 years old, hip seats are also a useful option to take some of the pressure from your arms.
Hipseat from Hippychick
Keep your back straight and comfortable while securing a seat for your little one with this hip seat by Hippychick. With a padded seat that has a non-slip pad to keep the child safe, it is totally durable and user-friendly!
Age range: 6 to 36 months
How much: From $314
Available from: Baby Online, Baby Central
Bebamour Foldable Baby Hip Seat Carrier
As your little one grows it doesn’t mean that you can’t still comfortably use a carrier; enter this lightweight option from Bebamour. There’s an aluminium tube support inside the hip seat of this ergonomic option and, once you arrive at your destination, you simply fold the seat into the pouch for easy storage. The padded strap helps with comfort and the handy pockets are ideal for bottles, diapers and even you’re mobile (think of it as the parent’s version of a bum bag)! You can also try three different carry ways – horizontal, inward or forward-facing.
Age range: 0 to 36 months
How much: $327
Available from: Bebamour
Other hip seat options in Hong Kong:
Ergobaby Hipseat 6 Position Carrier
iAngel 4-in-1 New Miracle 4 Seasons Hip Seat Carrier
Read more: 50 Things To Do With Kids In Hong Kong
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on 27, March 2018 by Mashal and updated in April 2019, and most recently updated by Alex Purcell Garcia in February 2021.
