"Wearing" your baby in a carrier makes for great bonding and is also a nice alternative to the stroller. A newborn carrier should have excellent head and next support for baby and good back support for the wearer. The carrier should be stable enough to let the wearer go hands-free if necessary, but not so complicated in its design that it requires more than one adult to put on and take off. Given the variety of carrier types, many parents opt for more than one.

A cover that protects a baby in a carrier is an essential accessory if you intend to use the carrier in cold or inclement weather. A loose flapping blanket lets in the cold air and defeats the hands-free carrier design.