BabyBjörn Synergy – $149

 
The gold standard in carriers, the Björn is also the ‘manliest’ baby carrier, which is perhaps reason enough to buy it; to guarantee equal opportunity baby schlepping. The Björn was our first choice when our baby hit the eight lb. requirement. Admittedly it took a few practice tries to make sure we were connecting all the buckles in the correct place and getting the strap length just right. But after we got it together, the Björn was the least nerve-wracking to use for a neurotic new parent concerned about missing a crucial tie or snap that would certainly cause the baby to fall to the ground at an inappropriate time, most likely in the subway.

The Synergy offers a few new features all in one place that the older models do not; 3D mesh material that is breathable and generates less heat and sweatiness than the former cotton model, and reinforced lumbar support - perhaps eliminating that pesky back pain that caused me to ditch the Björn at around six months and switch to the ERGO. There is also a mesh storage bag attached to the Synergy, so you can wrap the whole thing up and carry it around when not in use.

The downsides to the Synergy are the early learning curve (however brief), and if you’re also looking for an easy way to nurse, the Björn is not the ideal carrier. You have to remove the baby and then hold on with both hands in order to position the little snacker correctly. In fact the Björn actually gets in the way unless you take it all the way off. But this no-hands carrier that securely holds your little ones in both the inward and outward facing position all the way up to 26 lbs. makes this Swedish invention a crowd favorite since 1973. - April Peveteaux

Get it from Amazon.