A baby carrier is now seen as an essential purchase for so many parents. But what do you do when you have newborn twins?
Sure, twin parents can carry their children in separate carriers. But what about when one of you aren't there?
Thankfully, twin baby carriers do exist. So you can get out of the house, go for a walk or go shopping without taking a heavy, clunky stroller, or keep your hands free to get some chores done around the house while soothing your baby.
We've put this guide together to bring you all you need to know about twin baby carriers, and picked out 10 of our favourite carriers for twins on the market.
Table Of Contents
Our top three baby carriers for twins
Different types of twin baby carriers
Similarly to a baby carrier for one child, there are three main types of twin baby carrier. Each has its own style, as well as positives and negatives.
Let's take a look.
There are three types of sling carrier, one of which should not be used. Slings are generally extremely comfortable for the wearer and much cooler. However, they can also cause your baby's weight to be distributed unevenly which may be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
It's possible to carry twins in one sling, however, some are designed to carry twins individually.
Bag sling carrier - Bag sling carriers are NOT recommended for us because have very little (if any) flexibility or adjustability. That means your babies can end up in dangerous positions.
Image: International Hip Dysplasia Institute
Ring sling carrier - A ring sling uses long pieces of stretchy fabric with (usually) wooden rings sewn into the end. The fabric loops through the ring to create a small pouch for your baby.
Pouch sling carrier - This type of sling carrier is a single piece of folded fabric worn across the body like a sash.
Stretchy wraps are made up of one, long piece of fabric that wrap around you and your babies. Wraps are usually favoured because they offer a safe position for baby and plenty of comfort for whoever is carrying them, with the fabric distributed evenly across the back.
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) favours wrap carriers. Check out the 'Safety' guide in the 'Key Considerations' section for more information on hip dysplasia and baby carriers.
Image: Boba
Given that a wrap carrier results in several layers of fabric wrapped around your body, they can get quite warm. That's why a single wrap carrier is typically chosen to carry two babies, rather than an individual carrier for each twin.
Check out this video for a demonstration on how to tie your newborn twins into a wrap carrier.
Soft structured carriers are probably the most common type of baby carrier - at least for parents with one baby. It's what you'll typically see out and about - a more structured 'seat' position for baby with adjustable shoulder straps crossing over the back, held together by buckles.
Image: TwinGo
They usually have a breathable mesh fabric to prevent it getting too warm for you and baby, and often allow for easy transformation to the back carry position.
Although they (usually) outclass the other types in how easy they are to put on, they are also considered to be the most uncomfortable for the wearer. All of baby's weight is resting on those shoulders.
There are a few variations in the twin baby carrier. Some are designed specifically to carry one baby at the front and one baby on your back (remember, babies should be on your front and inward-facing until 4-6 months). However, there are also some designed to carry newborn twins at the front, side-by-side.
When using a wrap or sling carrier, it is highly recommended that any new parents visit a babywear specialist or consultant to learn how to tie product correctly to ensure safety and comfort.
This is especially important when using a carrier that isn't designed specifically for twins.
The 10 best twin baby carriers
Editor's Review
“This is by far my favourite baby product ever! It is amazingly comfortable to tandem twins - mine are nearly 2 and I still wear them both, and they still love it! It is equally comfortable when used as a single carrier."
Our pick at the 'Best Overall', the TwinGo Original Baby Carrier offers a huge amount of longevity and versatility. What makes this stand out from the crowd is it's ability to be used as a tandem carrier for twins, or as separate carriers. With eight adjustment points and ergonomic design, you can find the perfect position to make life as comfortable as possible for you and your babies. It also comes with a pair of large pockets than attach to the back of each carrier, meaning you don't have to forego storage.
It is not suitable from birth for most, however an insert that reduces the minimum weight limit is available to purchase separately.
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Editor's Review
“My toddler and twins are 22 months apart and still need my attention. This wrap has made it easier to wear my twins while I give some time to my older son. We can go on our walks, make meals, and play together without neglecting or having to chose which twin I'm going to carry. I can do it all."
The Boba Classic Wrap is an award-winning baby carrier, with more than three million sold since it was launched in 2008. Made from super soft French Terry cotton, it combines function, comfort and style whether you're carrying just one baby or twin newborns. The small amount of spandex means there's plenty of adjustability, without the material stretching over time. It's also certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, meaning you can rest assured that your babies will be safe.
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Editor's Review
“It took me a few tries to get the lacing right, but after that I just left it in and now I can put it on so quickly and easily with barely any adjusting."
An Amazon's Choice product and our pick as 'best for style', the Nalakai Ring Sling is loved by many twin parents and single baby parents alike. Made from sustainable bamboo, it allows you to have baby in four different carry positions (inward facing, front facing, hip carry and back carry). The breathable and lightweight fabrics helps to regulate the temperatures of you and your babies.
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Editor's Review
“I will be using this carrier almost daily until my twins outgrow it or no longer want to be worn, and I am beyond grateful for how much easier it makes wrangling four kids 4 and under."
One downfall of the TwinGo Original is that it can get quite warm. That's where the TwinGo Air Model comes in. It's essentially an more airy version of an already brilliant twin carrier thanks to breathable mesh fabric. And there's also zip-up cotton panels to use during the cooler months. Unlike the Original, it doesn't come with the large pockets that sit on the back of the carry position (because they're going for breathability). Instead, it has a small, phone/wallet sized storage pocket on each of the waistbands.
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Editor's Review
“Love the Izmi! Comfortable to wear and so soft for my little one who loved it. It was great to keep my little one close but also be able to have my hands free to do things. Also recently found out that I can use this for my twins that I'm expecting in 10 weeks, so that's a bonus!"
This baby carrier from Izmi is a wrap made from silky soft bamboo. Although it's designed to carry one baby, it can be used to carry newborn twins, too. The two-way stretchy fabric is breathable and regulates the temperature of wearers and babies. And best of all, it can be pre-tied so you can pop your babies in and out easily throughout the day.
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Editor's Review
“I was nervous about being able to put the wrap on and whether or not it would hold. I'm glad I made the purchase. It's easy to use, durable, and sturdy yet flexible. My babies (twins) both love it. It's been a huge life saver when one is fussy. This wrap makes them feel secure and comforted."
The KeaBabies Original Wrap Carrier is one of the most popular products in the market on Amazon, with over 15,000 five star reviews. Available in 23 different colour options, it's the cheapest product on this list. Ergonomically designed, it offers hip healthy positions for your babies and excellent comfort for you. There's plenty of back and shoulder support and has even picked up a few awards in recent years.
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Editor's Review
“The Close Caboo is less daunting to most new sling users than a stretchy wrap. To a new parent, turning a long bit of fabric into a safe, secure sling seems a bit like witchcraft, and the slight more pre-done design of the Caboo is very reassuring."
The Close Caboo is quite a unique product in the baby carrier market - it has the style and function of a wrap with the structure and shape of a soft structured carrier. The material stretches over the shoulders, with a waist band tightened by two rings. What really makes it unique, however, is that it comes pre-tied. So you won't spend any time faffing about to put it on.
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Editor's Review
“It's fairly intuitive to use. It folds down really very small and works really well for babies aged between 8 week and 8 months (ish!)"
The MiniMonkey TWIN carrier is a hugely popular hybrid of the soft structured carrier and a wrap. It offers the style of a wrap with the extra support of a structured carrier. Your babies sit to the side (in the M position) on your hips, fitting in just like a wrap. However, it also has a waist belt, designed to take pressure and strain off the back, neck and shoulders. There's also plenty of adjustment to suit different body shapes and sizes.
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Editor's Review
“Overall, I think this carrier's design is pretty cool and I wish we had something like this when our twins were infants."
A multi-award winning product, the Weego TWIN carrier is quite a unique choice. A soft structured carrier, your babies will sit tandem on your front. Weego describes its structure as a 'double pouch construction', with your babies sitting in separate pouches next to each other, reminiscent of drawstring bags. The zip-up bags do, however, reveal adjustable seating positions, ensuring your babies are carried in a hip healthy position. The adjustment in the seating position and pouches means the carrier will 'grow' with your babies.
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Editor's Review
“This ring sling is very convenient and easy to use once you've learned how. Put on the sling - place your baby into it - tighten the sling - and you're ready!"
Just like the Nalakai Ring Sling, the Didysling from Didymos will require two purchases to carry twins babies. Made from 100% organic cotton, the cross-twill fabric offers plenty of durability and support. As with other ring slings, there are four different carry positions on offer (although this will change as you carry two babies).
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Key considerations for twin carriers
As with any purchase for one or two babies (and more!), there are some key considerations you need to bear in mind as you search for the best twin baby carrier.
Safety
The best baby carrier for twins will keep your baby first and foremost. Your babies' safety is the absolute paramount consideration when buying and using a twin carrier. And there are a few different factors that impact safety; the quality of the product, the carry positions, your ability to use the carrier correctly and comfortably.
For example, you might prefer a wrap baby carrier but not be confident enough to tie it in the correct way. Of course, failure to secure the carrier correctly could be dangerous for your babies.
Hip dysplasia is an important safety consideration for baby carriers. It occurs when the hip socket doesn't develop correctly and cannot cover the head of the thigh bone. Unsafe baby carriers - or even using a carrier incorrectly - can increase the risk of hip dysplasia by not keeping baby in the correct position. Babies should keep them bottom half in the 'M' position to ensure safe sitting for their hip development. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute verifies and approves baby carriers based on their suitability and safety.
The IHDI recommends not using carriers for prolonged use.
For more information on hip dysplasia and baby carrier safety, check out this guide from the IHDI.
Check out the TICKS guidelines below for guidance on how to safely carry your babies.
Comfort
Once you know that your babies are safe, the next most important factor in a twin carrier is comfort, for both you and your babies. If your babies aren't comfortable in the carrier, they probably won't settle down and fall asleep.
If you're using a carrier a lot or for long periods of time, you naturally want it to be comfortable. Some types of baby carriers can leave you incredibly sore and achey after a while, particularly the soft structured carriers using shoulder straps.
Flexibility
The best twin carriers offer plenty of flexibility, that is vital to both comfort and longevity. Not only do you need flexibility to make minor adjustments to ensure you and your babies are comfortable, what fits newborn twins is not likely to fit older babies quite so well.
Designed for twins?
Another factor you may want to consider is whether or not it's a specifically designed twin baby carrier. Some single baby carriers - usually wraps - can be used to carry twins, and some brands will actively advertise that their products can carry twins.
Some parents find carriers designed for twins a bit easier to use, however they're often much more expensive.
Weight limits
Weight limits become particularly important when you're carrying twins, especially if you're looking at a carrier that hasn't been designed specifically for twins.
Some carriers have relatively low weight limits, meaning you won't actually get much use out of them - maybe just a handful of months. However, you could argue that you yourself might not be able to carry two babies as they get bigger and heavier, even if the carrier can.
TICKS guidelines for baby carriers
The UK Sling Consortium set out the TICKS guidelines to help parents understand what they need to be on the look out for in a baby carrier or twin baby carrier, as well as how to wear it during the newborn stage.
Tight - All baby carriers should keep your baby/babies close to your chest, preventing their bodies from slumping down into the carrier. This can restrict your baby/babies' ability to breathe and can be extremely dangerous.
In view at all times - You should always be able to see your babies' faces simply by glancing down. You shouldn't have to move any part of the carrier to see their faces.
Close enough to kiss - Your babies heads should high on your chest, meaning they are close enough for you to kiss the tops of their heads.
Keep chin off chest - Put your chin down to your chest. Notice how much harder it is to breath? The carrier should provide enough support to prevent babies' chins from slumping down to their chest. The guidelines say there should be at least a finger's width (that's an adult finger!) between their chin and chest.
Supported back - Supporting the back to stay in the correct and natural position is an important step in preventing babies slumping down into their carrier and obstructing their airways. When using a sling with your baby in the cradle position, you should ensure that their bum is placed in the lowest part of the sling - otherwise their body could fold in on itself.
FAQs
Which is the best baby carrier for twins?
There are a range of factors that will determine what is the best baby carrier for twins. More often than not it will come down to personal preferences and circumstances.
That's why we try to offer a range of different products, and a couple of different 'best picks'.
Which is the best twin carrier for premature babies?
Twins are much more likely to be born prematurely, so finding a carrier suitable for small twins may well be something you have to consider.
While some twin carriers have optional infant inserts that reduce the minimum weight requirements of your babies, the Weego TWIN baby carrier is designed specifically to accommodate premature babies as standard. It has a minimum weight requirement of just 4lbs (1.8kg).
Which type of carrier is best for twins?
Only you can answer that question. Ring slings, wraps and soft structured carriers all have their own positives and negatives. Ring slings and wraps are usually designed for one baby but can certainly be used for twins. There are more soft structured carriers designed specifically for twins, however they are often expensive and a tougher carry on the shoulders.
Bear in mind that the IHDI favours wrap slings for healthy hip positions.
How long can I use a carrier for twins?
This will depend entirely on the individual carrier you choose. Some on this list have really short windows for use, with the weight limits meaning your babies will be too big and too heavy within as little as five months. On the other hand, there are also some that can carry children well into their toddler and pre-school years. At a certain point, it becomes a question of whether of not you can carry your twins, rather than the carrier itself.
What is the 'M' position?
The 'M' position is the name given to the hip healthy position young babies should sit in inside a carrier. Named so because the shape of baby's bum and legs should make resembles an 'M'. The middle point is the baby's bum, with the thighs sitting above and the shins and feet falling by the side.
It's really important that babies sit in this position when using a carrier, otherwise they could be at risk of hip dysplasia.
