Choosing a baby carrier is one of those decisions that feels more complicated than it should.
The Wildbird Aerial and Mabe Monarch are two favorites for moms everywhere. They’re both beautiful, functional, and versatile options that check a lot of boxes. But which one is truly the better fit for you and your baby?
As a mom of three (all under four), I’ve been babywearing since 2020 and have tested more carriers than I care to admit. From wraps like the Solly Wrap to soft-structured carriers like the Ergobaby Embrace, I’ve tried it all. Some were incredible, others… less so. My goal here is to help you find a carrier you actually love using—one that feels good, works for your life, and doesn’t give you back pain halfway through your Target run.
If you’re new here, I’m Emily, AKA The Stroller Mom. I review strollers, baby carriers, and other baby gear from a mom’s perspective. Every product I review is tested with my kids to uncover the details parents care about most. I’ve been using both the Wildbird Aerial and Mabe Monarch for almost a year now, and in this post, I’m sharing my honest thoughts to help you decide.
In this post, I’ll compare everything that matters: price, comfort, features, and those little details that make a big difference. Let’s get started!
Prefer to watch? Check out my full YouTube review:
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Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Wildbird Aerial vs. Mabe Monarch
| Feature | Wildbird Aerial | Mabe Monarch |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $178–$240 (10% off with link and code Stroller10) | $120 (plus $10 off with my link) |
| Weight Capacity | 7–45 lbs | 7–35 lbs |
| Positions | Front (inward), Back | Front (inward/outward), Back |
| Material | Linen | Linen-cotton blend |
| Waist Size | Small (24″-41″), Large (35″-53.5″) | One size fits all (up to 55″ waist) |
| Best Features | Unique prints, two sizing options, easy to put on | Affordable, comfortable, easy to put on, can secure the support panel with snaps (better for naps) |
| Worst Features | Sometimes hurts my back in the front carrying position, and if you want to do a back carry, keeping track of the chest strap is annoying. | Wish it had a chest clip for back-carrying |
Key Differences Between Wildbird Aerial and Mabe Monarch
Both the Wildbird Aerial and Mabe Monarch are soft-structured carriers that work well for everyday use. They’re designed for comfort, style, and practicality, and they share a lot of similarities. Here’s an overview of what makes each unique.
Price
Let’s start with price because these two carriers are in different price ranges. The Mabe Monarch is $120, and you can save $10 more with my link, making it a great option for budget-conscious parents.
The Wildbird Aerial starts at $178 and goes up to $240 depending on the print. With my 10% discount code (link and code:Stroller10), you can save a little extra.
✅ The Mabe Monarch is more affordable
Weight Limit
The Wildbird Aerial shines here with its 45 lb weight limit, making it usable for longer. By comparison, the Mabe Monarch tops out at 35 lbs.
For context, most toddlers don’t hit 45 lbs until around 4 years old. While the Wildbird Aerial technically works for bigger kids, I find that by the time my kids are toddlers, I use strollers or a hip carrier like the Tushbaby.
✅ The Wildbird Aerial can hold 10 pounds more than the Mabe
Carrying Positions
Here’s where the type of carrier really matters.
- Wildbird Aerial: Works for front-carrying with your baby facing you and back-carrying and had a chest strap for back carry.
- Mabe Monarch: Offers front carrying (facing you), back carrying, and a forward-facing front carry option—perfect for babies who love to see the world around them.
✅ The Mabe Monarch offers more carrying positions
Material and Aesthetics
The Wildbird Aerial carrier is made from high-quality linen, the same fabric used in their popular ring slings. It starts off a bit stiff but softens with use. Wildbird’s prints are stunning, giving the carrier a premium feel that stands out.
The Mabe Monarch, by comparison, uses a linen-cotton blend that feels softer right out of the box. I’ve been asked on TikTok and Instagram if there’s a quality difference between the buckles and materials on these two carriers, and honestly, there’s not a huge difference. The buckles feel equally sturdy, and while the Wildbird is more structured, the Mabe has a softer, more relaxed feel.
✅ The Wildbird Aerial has more prints and slightly more premium-feeling materials
Comfort and Usability
Wildbird Aerial Comfort
This is where personal experiences really shape your view of the Wildbird Aerial. Here’s what I’ve loved:
- Shoulder Straps: The criss-cross straps distribute weight evenly and feel secure during both front and back carries.
- Chest Strap: This feature is a game-changer for back carrying, adding extra stability.
- Adjustability: The snaps make it easy to customize for your baby’s size.
I’ll be honest: this carrier comes with a bit of a learning curve. Tightening it securely can be tricky, and threading the waist strap through the fabric isn’t the easiest—especially when you’re in a hurry. On top of that, I found it put more strain on my back (especially in the newborn stage) compared to the Mabe Monarch, which isn’t exactly what you want during long babywearing sessions.
Mabe Monarch Comfort
The Mabe Monarch excels in ease of use. Here’s why:
- Shoulder Straps: These are so simple to adjust—no threading or fumbling required.
- Head and Neck Support: The added head panel with snaps make it easy to adjust for naps or awake time, keeping your baby’s head comfortable and secure.
- Forward-Facing Option: This hybrid carrier offers versatility that many soft-structured carriers don’t have with the option to do forward facing. Though this is not recommended for longer lengths of time.
One downside is that the Monarch doesn’t have a chest strap, which might make back carrying feel less secure. But for most uses, it’s one of the best baby carriers I’ve tried.
Who Should Choose the Wildbird Aerial?
The Wildbird Aerial is perfect if:
- You want a carrier that combines style and functionality.
- You’re looking for a carrier with a higher weight limit.
- A chest strap is non-negotiable for back carrying.
Don’t forget to use my code Stroller10 for 10% off!
Who Should Choose the Mabe Monarch?
The Mabe Monarch is a great option if:
- You’re on a budget and need a versatile carrier.
- Forward-facing is a must-have feature.
- You want a carrier that’s easy to adjust without a bit of a learning curve.
With my link, you can save $10 and grab it for $110!
Additional Considerations
Washing and Maintenance
Both carriers are machine washable, but the Wildbird Aerial’s leather trim requires more care. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance carrier, the Monarch has the edge here.
Sizing
The Wildbird Aerial comes in two sizes—standard and plus (up to 53.5″)—while the Mabe Monarch is one-size-fits-all, accommodating waists up to 55″.
Newborn Compatibility
Both carriers are newborn-friendly without needing inserts. The adjustable snaps on the Wildbird Aerial and the Velcro straps on the Mabe Monarch make them easy to use from day one. I found the Mabe was more comfortable for the newborn stage.
Which one is better for a hot climate?
Both cotton and linen are known for being good for warmer climates. I live in one of the hottest climates in the USA, and I will say they are both hot in summer when your and your baby’s body heat is pushed up against each other. I did not notice any significant difference between the two when wearing my baby during the summer.
Are both of these carriers Hip Healthy?
The Wildbird Arial is IHDI approved and this is what I received from Mabe when I reached out to them:
The Monarch Carrier is thoroughly safety tested, and ASTM & CPSIA certified. It is designed with hip health and the IHDI guidelines in mind, and allows for hip-safe carrying! (Hip safety in any carrier ultimately comes down to proper positioning and achieving the M position!)
Unfortunately, the IHDI hip safe product approval department is shut down and has been shut down since before the release or our carrier, and they are no longer updating the list. Instead, they have shifted their focus to educating on hip safety and achieving the hip safe M position!
My Verdict: Why I Lean Toward the Mabe Monarch in Most Cases
While both the Wildbird Aerial and Mabe Monarch are excellent carriers, I find myself reaching for the Monarch more often. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and the forward-facing option is a nice bonus.
I loved the look of the Wildbird Aerial and wanted it to work for me, but I found it put more strain on my back than the Monarch, especially during longer wear. That said, if you’re drawn to its premium feel, stunning prints, and extended weight capacity, the Aerial is still an excellent choice—especially with my 10% off code Stroller15.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best baby carriers are the ones you actually enjoy using. Whether you go with the Wildbird Aerial or the Mabe Monarch, both are thoughtfully designed and will make babywearing a joy.
If this post helped, please consider shopping through my links (Wildbird stroller10 10% off and Mabe $10 Off)—it’s a small way to support my blog while keeping honest reviews like this coming. Thank you, and happy babywearing!
