Baby Carrier Review: Artipoppe, Wildbird & More

Last updated on December 29th, 2025 at 09:03 am

I have always loved the idea of babywearing and was excited to try it out with baby boy once he grew out of the Solly wrap phase. Luckily, there are a wide range of options out there, ranging from classic utilitarian styles to “the Birkin of baby gear”. I decided to give four popular carrier styles a try: Artipoppe Zeitgest, Wildbird Aerial, Oscha Slings Nook, and Happy Baby Original.

Newborn fit note: a lot of structured carriers are listed as “newborn” friendly with a starting weight limit of 7lb. But unfortunately, are NOT actually a good for babies until they are older, around 2-3months. While they’re rated for low weight, the panel is usually too wide and/or too high for them to be safely carried. The panel should never come above baby’s ear, and baby’s knees should easily clear the panel width. More on baby carrier safety here.

• Two of the carriers in this review could fit a newborn with some finagling, but still may not provide the most optimal or comfortable fit for small babes.
• If you are looking to carry a newborn, I would instead recommend the Ergobaby Embrace (newborn-specific), Lennylamb Light (will grow with baby) or Tula Free to Grow (will grow with baby).

Overview Comparison

Before jumping into my detailed thoughts on each carrier, a quick overview chart:

Side by Side Fit Comparison

And some photos to directly compare the different baby carrier brands side by side!

For reference, I am 5’4″ and typically a size 2 or 4 in US clothing. Baby boy here is 4 months old, 14.5lb and 26″ in height (85th percentile).

Lastly, this post will be focused on standard inward-facing carries. When baby boy is a few months older and can independently tripod sit, I will try the world-facing and back carry options for each and update accordingly.

Artipoppe Zeitgeist Review

First popped up on my radar when I saw the stylish @waityouneedthis wearing the luxurious cashmere silk yin yang version. The brand is infamous, toted as “the Birkin of baby gear” with controversial marketing (questionable safety on some of their fits, and models who look very unenthused overall).

Artipoppe is definitely the most expensive brand, starting at $420 for their most basic material of organic cotton. And their prices have risen over the years, even as they’ve moved production from Lithuainia to China. However, there is a healthy resale market if you don’t like it and need to re-home. I often see the classic colors for $250-$350 on Facebook marketplace, which is also great if you are looking to buy one.

Style

Cross-back style straps. These straps can be shortened in order to wear baby on your back – I have not tried this yet, but will when baby is ready! Regardless of fabric or color, the nylon part of straps and buckles are always black.

Multiple patterns and fabric choices, with of “bougie boho aunt” vibes. Mine is the classic cotton-linen blend Argus Oat that I purchased secondhand; though I absolutely love this retired constellation design in silk and the new emerald green Argus. Gold buttons give it a slightly elevated look.

Fit

While it won’t safely fit a newborn, the seat can be adjusted the narrowest of the four carriers reviewed here. So with that and a good bum sag & tuck, this could fit as early as 1-2 months. Our baby boy with a 90th percentile height early on was able to fit starting at 2 months. I was pleasantly surprised, as I assumed Artipoppe would have the largest baby size requirements given how long it looks in all the stock model photos.

The waistband is thin and very stiff. It’s nice in that it doesn’t feel too bulky when wearing or packing up. However, I worry I won’t be able to use this as baby grows taller. As you can see in the photo, it’s already sitting on my hip. And If I wear it lower as baby grows, I definitely won’t be able to sit down while wearing it.

Lastly, some tweaks are needed so that baby’s bum is comfortably supported and not sitting on top of the waistband like shown in a lot of their marketing. This can be a little fiddly at first, but after a few times feels natural to adjust.

Verdict

I liked this a lot more than I thought I would! To be completely honest, I thought Artipoppe would be all style and no function. Especially with their weird marketing in the past (unsafe baggy fits, parents who look so uninterested). And maybe it is mostly style and certainly a brand name premium – but it was quite comfortable for both me and baby, and looks nice to boot.

Wildbird Aerial Review

Sitting in the middle of the pack price-wise, the Wildbird Aerial starts at $178 for their core solid color linen fabrics and goes up to $228 for limited edition fabrics. Mine is the summery Citril, which was $198.

Style

Cross-back style straps that sit more narrow than other carriers. This can be a pro or con – I think this is nice for petite or narrow shouldered folks. I love the detail of webbing and buckles matching the color of the fabric as well, it’s a very clean look.

While there is a core collection of solid fabrics, Wildbird also releases a seasonal pattern every month or so – there’s something for everyone! I love their latest mini houndstooth Harris and faux-quilt Bee for the cozy season.

The back flap is primarily decorative. While it can be flipped up, it lacks attachment points to make it actually supportive for larger babies and toddlers. And flipping it up for smaller babies can create an asphyxiation hazard as their head will be covered and not fully in view.

Fit

It looks like Wildbird recently updated their description to recommend the Aerial for 2 months & up (vs newborn). I’m glad they made this change! On the narrowest setting, baby boy was able to fit safely around the ~2.5 month mark.

The main panel starts lower on the waistband, more like an apron style carrier, which means the total height is a few inches shorter than the Artipoppe. However, the panel itself is the longest of the carriers (even the Artipoppe), so will fit babies at the latest point.

While the waistband is the most padded and bulky of the options here, it was also the supportive. Very similar to the hip belt of a backpacking pack. And I found it easy to give a nice hip tuck to get the M shape for good hip health.

Verdict

Overall, I really like my Wildbird, especially the fit on a shorter torso. I’m glad I went for the non-neutral Citril, I reach for it when I want a slight pop of color. The multiple layers may be slightly warm for being outside in hot summer months, but otherwise great for all other scenarios.

Discount Alert: Rakuten offers 3% cashback on Wildbird, and if you’re new to Rakuten you can use my referral link to get an extra $30 cashback! Please note, I’ll also receive $30 as well, so thank you in advance if you do use my link.

Oscha Nook Encompass Review

Oscha Slings is a Scotland based company that has beautiful fabric designs offered as wraps, ring slings, and carriers. All carriers are sewn in Scotland. And, perhaps most importantly, they have a partnership with the Tolkien estate and have several unique Lord of the Rings inspired fabrics (!!)

The Nook is Oscha’s full buckle carrier option, and it definitely leans more on the softer (yet still supportive) side. It comes in two sizes: Nook Encompass for babies and Nook Evolve for toddlers. They don’t currently stock ready-mades of this style, instead they are made to order within a few weeks of purchase. Price ranges from $222 – $308 depending on fabric type.

Style

Primarily designed for H-back style (like a backpack) but can be worn X-back style.

The Nook has a pretty unique design that differs from most other buckle carriers. Most carriers’ shoulder straps attach to the main panel at baby’s lower back area. In this case, the shoulder straps connect with a piece that comes under the baby’s bum. This gives it more of a “hammock” feel similar to traditional wraps.

The main body panel is a little wider, and the aforementioned strap attachment means that it isn’t pulled in on the sides like with other carriers. So it’s not as “slim fit” as other carriers, but the wider (and taller) panel means it can continue to fit well into the toddler age.

It also comes with a detachable sun / privacy hood that is pattern-matched to the main panel – a wonderful attention to detail.

Fit Notes

Runs a bit larger, I have a 27” waist and wear this almost fully tightened at the waist band. Same for the connector strap between the H-back straps, to prevent it from falling off my shoulders.

The panel width can be adjusted with a tie strap, but realistically can only be tightened to a certain point before it causes the waistband to wrinkle. Because of that, while a newborn fit could be achieved, I think in practice it’s easier to fit with a baby 2+ months old.

So far, baby boy has relaxed the most in this carrier. He had mild reflux in the early months, I think the under-the-butt attachment for the straps was more comfortable than having pressure at his back.

Verdict

This is very different from other carriers and definitely worth a try-on to compare! I love mine, and have to resist getting it in all the Lord of the Rings patterns! The only downside is that I find H-back carriers a bit more fiddly to put on solo.

Happy Baby Original Review

Last, but certainly not least. When researching carriers for petite fits and hot weather, the Happy Baby Original came up a lot, with the Oscha Bairn a close second. I decided to try the Happy Baby in Linen – mine is a Facebook Marketplace find for 50% off retail. Their standard fabrics start at $169, and are made in Turkey or the US.

Style

Can be worn H-back only. This carrier differs than the other three, as it lacks a structured waist band. Instead, it uses the bottom of the panel as the front half of the waistband and a thick webbing material as the back half. Because of this style, it can pack down really small and is convenient for travel.

Comes in a variety of colors, primarily linen fabric neutrals. It also has a detachable sun / privacy hood that tucks in nicely in an invisible zip pocket on the main panel.

Fit Notes

Fits very well on petite / short torso folks, as the waistband does not take up additional room. However, I find this style of waistband less comfortable to the more padded options. For short durations (ex. a 30 minute stroll) it’s perfectly okay, but I personally don’t wear it for much longer than that.

Can be worn with a newborn, guide here. I didn’t get to personally test this, as I got mine when baby boy was ~2.5 months.

Verdict

A+ for functionality, B- for comfort. Baby boy doesn’t love this one as much as the other carriers, so I don’t reach for it as often. I will keep trying every now and then in the next few months, to see if his opinion changes!

Final Summary

• Artipoppe: Fits just fine, though waistband can eventually become uncomfortable for shorter torsos. Not necessarily worth the premium, but it’s a perfectly good carrier especially if you love one of their designs.
• Wildbird: Easy to wear, good for short torsos, and an abundance of fun colors and patterns to choose from. While it feels a little bulkier than other carriers, I find it very comfortable to wear.
• Oscha: Lovely fabric, made in Scotland. Has much more of a wrap “feel”, but can be finicky to take on and off when solo. Some waistband support, but not as much as Wildbird or Artipoppe. But… definitely #1 option if you are a LotR fan!
• Happy Baby: Great minimal profile that packs down nicely for travel, excellent for hot weather. Also great for shorter torsos.
  • If you like the design of the Happy Baby but want something more colorful and/or are a LoTR fan, Oscha’s Bairn carrier is very similar.

Baby carriers can be quite expensive, even secondhand. Before jumping in with a big purchase, carrier rental sites like https://carrierconnection.babywearing.us/ and Timber Stitches allow you to try a carrier for a week or two at a much more palatable price of $12-$25. I only found out about these after I already got mine, though I am eyeing a few other styles to potentially Try!

And one more note on fit…

Wildbird, Happy Baby, and Hope & Plum offer free fit consultations for their products, which is a wonderful perk. If you have a carrier not on this list, or a secondhand one from these brands, @thebabywearing.ot offers a 15-minute fit consultation for $15. I scheduled one with her and it was very helpful!

Partnership Disclosure: This blog post was not sponsored by any of the brands listed above. As always, all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, in which I earn a commission on purchases.