Are you ready to have some fun outdoors with your little one?
Whether you are looking to take your baby swimming, to the beach, to water parks, or want to enjoy the hot summer days outside, a waterproof baby carrier is a great way to keep your little one safe and secure.
Water play and other outdoor activities can be a great way to bond with your baby and make lasting memories in the summer season. However, when it comes to safety, you want to make sure you have the right gear. That’s why we have put together a list of the best baby carriers for safe water fun.
So let’s dive in and see what the best waterproof baby carriers have to offer!
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Table of Contents
Styles of Water Baby Carriers
There are several different styles of waterproof carriers which are similar to regular baby carriers, including wraps, ring slings, and structured carriers. The right carrier for you and your child will depend on the size of your baby, how you plan on using it, and your preferences.
If you’re interested, I have a post on Instagram detailing the Types of Baby Carriers.
Waterproof Baby Wrap
Baby wraps are usually made of stretchy material and can be wrapped around the wearer in different ways to support the baby. The baby wrap style are somewhat intimidating to figure out, but once you do, you’ll love it.
I prefer to use wraps most when my children are under six months and don’t have the head support necessary for the other types of carriers.
Waterproof Ring Sling
Ring slings are usually one continuous piece of fabric sewn together with a ring. They are adjustable and easily tightened or loosened to accommodate the wearer and the baby, making them versatile.
I love ring slings once my baby can support herself and is at the stage where she likes to look around (usually 6-10 months old). In fact, a ring slight was the only carrier my oldest would let me wear her in. Finally, the ring sling style of carrier is quick and easy to take on and off compared to the other styles.
Waterproof Structured Carriers
Structured buckle carriers provide more support than a wrap or a sling. They typically have a waist belt with a buckle, shoulder straps, and a built-in seat for the baby. And most structured carriers allow you to wear your baby forward-facing, inward-facing, or on your back.
My husband is a huge fan of this style of carrier because it “looks more manly.” Haha. I personally like these carriers when I’m doing something active (like swimming).
Benefits of Water Baby Carriers
There are many benefits to using a water baby carrier, including:
Safety
The main benefit of using a water baby carrier is the added safety it provides. These carriers are designed specifically for use in and around water, meaning that your baby will be secure and protected at all times as long as you’re following the safety instructions provided by your carrier.
Comfort
Water baby carriers are designed with both you and your baby in mind, offering a comfortable and supportive fit for both of you. Although, most of the time, the type of material used for water carriers is not as comfortable as regular carriers.
Convenience
Water baby carriers are a convenient option for parents who love to spend time near the water. They allow you to keep your baby close and protected.
Introduce Baby to Water
These carriers can be a great way for you and your baby to bond while introducing him or her to water. Some babies like being in the water more than others, so having you near will be a comfort.
What to Look for in a Waterproof Baby Carrier
When it comes to choosing the right water baby carrier, there are a few key factors to consider:
Safety
Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to carrying your baby, especially near water. Look for a carrier that is specifically designed for use in or around the water and has been tested and certified to meet safety standards.
Comfort
The comfort of the carrier is an important factor to consider, as you will be wearing it for extended periods of time. Look for a carrier that is adjustable, adaptable, and comfortable for you and your baby.
Ease of Use
It is important to choose a carrier that is easy to use, especially if you are planning on using it in and around water. Look for a carrier that is quick and simple to put on and take off.
6 Best Waterproof Baby Carriers
1) Aquaroo Baby Carrier
If you can afford it, the Aquaroo Baby Carrier is one of the best water baby carriers on the market. The company truly cares about its product, and it shows with the high-quality materials used in its construction. You may be wondering why I put it further down in the list, and the main reason is the price. Out of all the water carriers, this is one of the most expensive.
Good news, I have an Aquaroo discount code. If you use code STROLLERMOM10 you’ll save $10 on this carrier.
All said, it’s a beautiful design, high-quality, has great safety features, and I highly recommend purchasing this carrier if you have the means to do so.
The Price: $175 on Aquaroo – Click the link and use code STROLLERMOM10 to save $10 on the aquaroo baby carrier.
The Lowdown on the Aquaroo Baby Carrier:
- High-quality all around
- Great company and customer support
- The material it’s made with is top notch
- This carrier also has great reviews from other parents
- Comfortable over long periods of time
- Baby is very safe and secure with good head support
- Somewhat smaller than it looks
- Steep price for a water carrier
Aquaroo Carrier Specs:
- Carrier Type: Soft Structured Carrier
- Recommended Weight: 12 pounds (minimum) – 30 pounds (maximum)
- Material: Neoprene, Polypropylene, and Polyester
- Head Support: Yes, good head support
- Adjustable Straps: Yes
- Cleaning and Care: Hand wash with cold water and air dry
- Quick drying: Yes, the material is similar to that of a wetsuit, so it dries quickly
2) Beachfront Baby Ring Sling
Beachfront Baby makes many different kinds of waterproof baby carriers, but their most popular has to be their ring sling, and for good reason.
As I mentioned earlier, ring slings are one of my favorite types of baby carriers after about six months because of how supportive and comfortable they are. This ring sling is no exception. It’s made with a lightweight, breathable, and, most importantly, non-toxic fabric, so it’s safe for you and your baby. Non-toxic baby products are something I am very cognizant of these days.
The materials are high-quality, with many different color options available, and the price is excellent, which is why this is my top waterproof baby carrier pick for 2023.
The Price: $64.99 on Amazon
The Lowdown on the Beachfront Baby Ring Sling Baby Carrier:
- Lightweight and durable material
- Non-toxic fabric
- SlingRings brand aluminum rings which are resistant to corrosion (including from chlorinated water)
- Very adjustable (but also comes in different sizes)
- Best budget baby carrier
- Not great to use for non-water activities
- Have to adjust it frequently when using it outside of the water because it starts to slip
- Older kids can easily get out of it
Beachfront Baby Ring Sling Carrier Specs:
- Carrier Type: Ring sling
- Recommended Weight: 8 pounds (minimum) – 30 pounds (maximum)
- Material: Polyester
- Head Support: No, mom/dad has to support the head if the baby can’t
- Adjustable Strap: Ring sling fabric is adjustable, but different sizes are available
- Cleaning and Care: Hand wash only
- Quick drying: Dries very fast thanks to the breathable material
3) Amphiba Baby Neptune Carrier
This carrier has just about everything you could want in a water baby carrier. It’s sturdy and durable, can be used in almost any setting, and is made with high-quality materials.
The price is quite steep compared to most other carriers on this list, but if you have the means, this is probably the carrier I’d purchase. It’s a newer carrier and doesn’t have the track record of the others on this list, so keep that in mind.
The Price: $210 on Amazon
The Lowdown on the Amphiba Baby Carrier:
- The longevity of this carrier is unlike any other baby water carrier. You can use it from birth up to 48 months. If you have older babies, this is the carrier for you.
- It’s a well-structured carrier and very comfortable for mom and baby
- Great to wear for longer periods of time
- Innovative design
- Good for everyday use
- It comes with a great hood to protect your baby from the sun (you can even use it for breastfeeding)
- Stylish with a few good color options
- Versatile – can be used in the pool, while hiking, or while out and about
- Excellent head support
- The only reason this isn’t the number one carrier is because of its price
Amphiba Carrier Specs:
- Carrier Type: Structured Carrier
- Recommended Weight: 7 pounds (minimum) – 45 pounds (maximum)
- Material: Nylon and Neoprene
- Head Support: Excellent
- Adjustable Straps: Yes, easily adjustable to get the perfect fit
- Cleaning and Care: Machine wash and air dry
- Quick drying: Yes, but not as quick as some of the other options
4) Waterland Baby Carrier
The Waterland Baby Carrier is like a wetsuit for your baby. Not only does it allow you to go hands-free to help with your other children, it also regulates your baby’s temperature because of the material it’s made with. The material is also very breathable, so if you’re not in the water, your baby is still comfortable.
I remember taking my little one to the beach around five months old, and what a mess it was. My intention was to keep her sand-free, but obviously, that didn’t happen. I wish I had this carrier at the time because I could’ve kept her elevated and comfortable.
This product is made with high-quality material, is easy to put on and take off thanks to the adjustable straps, comes in many different colors, and it’s affordable for what you get.
The Price: $89.99 on Amazon
The Lowdown on the Waterland Baby Carrier:
- Made with neoprene material to keep your baby’s temperature regulated
- The material also dries rather quickly
- Easy to put on
- Comfortable for both mom and baby
- You’re limited in how far you can go in the pool (shallow end only)
- While they advertise this product is good on land, the material starts to rub when it’s not wet
- No pockets or storage space
Waterland Baby Carrier Specs:
- Carrier Type: Soft Structured Carrier
- Recommended Weight: 7.8 pounds (min) – 25 pounds (max)
- Material: Neoprene
- Head Support: No head support. The baby should be able to hold up his or her head before using this carrier.
- Adjustable Straps: Yes
- Cleaning and Care: Hand wash only
- Quick drying: Yes, thanks to the material
5) Beachfront Baby Wrap
This Beachfront Baby Wrap is a great option for those of you who are comfortable wrapping. Wraps get a bad rap (see what I did there?) because they have a steep learning curve, but I highly recommend you master a wrap because you won’t regret it in the newborn stage! Here is a video of me wrapping my Solly Wrap in 30 seconds!
This wrap is a little different because it’s made of polyester and doesn’t have much stretch to it, but it has to be that way because it’s made for water use. It has great head support, and I recommend it if your little is 6 months or younger.
The Price: $55.99 on Amazon
The Lowdown on the Beachfront Baby Wrap Baby Carrier:
- Wraps, in general, are very adjustable, and this is no exception
- The material is soft and breathable thanks to the mesh
- A wide variety of color options are available
- It’s inward-facing only
- The material doesn’t have much stretch to it because it’s waterproof (not like the Moby or Solly wrap). The lack of stretch can make you uncomfortable by rubbing your skin.
- Wraps have a steep learning curve and can take some practice, but once you have them down, they’re amazing
Beachfront Baby Wrap Carrier Specs:
- Carrier Type: Wrap
- Recommended Weight: 8 pounds (minimum) – 30 pounds (maximum)
- Material: Polyester
- Head Support: Yes, depending on how you wrap it
- Adjustable Straps: No straps, but very adjustable
- Cleaning and Care: Hand wash and air dry
- Quick drying: Yes, the mesh helps it dry quickly (airy fabric)
Tips for maintaining and cleaning your waterproof carrier
- Hand wash only and air dry for longevity
- Wash the carrier immediately after using it to get out salt water, chlorine, etc.
- Don’t store it in the sun. If you’re hanging it to air dry outside, make sure to bring it inside once it’s dry, so it doesn’t get sun damaged.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful in your journey to find a great baby carrier. There are many great options available, and I want to make sure you have the information at your fingertips to make the best decision for your family. If you enjoyed this blog, please consider following me on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Baby Carrier
What types of activities can I do with a waterproof baby carrier?
Waterproof baby carriers are great for water-based activities such as swimming, boating, going to a splash pad, and playing at the beach.
How do I ensure my baby is safe while using a waterproof baby carrier?
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure your baby is properly secured in the carrier and that the carrier is securely fastened to your body.
What features should I look for when choosing a waterproof baby carrier?
Look for features such as adjustable straps, waterproof material, and secure buckles.
How do I clean a waterproof baby carrier?
Follow the recommended guidelines from each manufacturer. Most waterproof baby carriers should be hand washed, but again refer to your manual for what is best for your carrier.
Can I use a waterproof baby carrier for other activities besides water-based activities?
Yes, waterproof baby carriers can also be used for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
