Baby Carrier Market Assessment, By Type [Sling Baby Carrier, Wrap Baby Carrier, Buckled Baby Carrier, Others], By Age Group [Infants, Toddlers], By Price Range [Mass, Premium], By Distribution Channel [Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online R

Baby Carrier Market Assessment, By Type [Sling Baby Carrier, Wrap Baby Carrier, Buckled Baby Carrier, Others], By Age Group [Infants, Toddlers], By Price Range [Mass, Premium], By Distribution Channel [Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global baby carrier market was valued at USD 751.4 million in 2023, expected to reach USD 1193.78 million in 2031, with a CAGR of 5.96% for the forecast period between 2024 and 2031. The market comes with a variety of product options for parents and caregivers to carry their infants and toddlers easily and comfortably. Based on various needs and preferences of the users, baby carriers are available in several types including sling baby carriers, wrap baby carriers, and buckled baby carriers.

Padded carriers that provide better support for the lower back are favored by many users. People generally look for carriers that provide ease of adjusting and allow them to have longer outings and activities that require longer times. The focus on ergonomic designs as well as safety features become of utmost importance to the users as the trend for traveling is becoming favorable for parents with infants. The product should be designed in such a way that the weight of the baby is distributed evenly with proper support and comfort to the baby.

The material of the carriage is another significant feature to be considered by the users. It should be breathable for the baby and the caregiver, but at the same time, sustainable and eco-friendly. Innovative designs using organic fabrics, non-toxic dyes, and recycled materials are being produced by manufacturers to appeal to consumers who are conscious of the environment.

Additionally, the availability of these baby carriers over online retail stores is a driver for the global baby carrier market as it offers ease to prospective buyers to search, compare, and make the final purchase sitting in the comfort of their homes.

Considering the ongoing market trends, Sweden-based Najell AB launched its new baby carrier, the Najell Easy Baby Carrier, which is ergonomic, lightweight, and easy to use. The new launch removed the extra settings that are generally found while switching the carrying positions. Little changes make it a go-to option for caregivers as ease of use is often the most sought-after feature of baby carriers.

Availability of Various Color Options Driving the Demand

Parents or caregivers often face problems with the limited color options for baby carriers available in the market. People residing in areas with hot and humid climates generally prefer subtle tones for clothing, whereas the ones residing in areas with cooler climates prefer a variety of mixed color options, with a focus on darker shades as they absorb comparatively more sunlight. On the contrary, some people avoid using black color as it catches dust more than any other color.

Other factors related to choosing the right color of the carrier include the risks of mess that the baby may create, ending up dirtying the carrier. Problems like spit-ups and diaper mishaps, which are very frequent while dealing with infants, tend to increase the work of the caregiver in terms of washing and cleaning up the carrier every now and then. Addressing all these concerns, manufacturers have now started developing vast color options for baby carrier customers to choose and buy from.

For instance, in December 2023, BabyBjörn, a renowned manufacturer of baby products, launched two of its leading baby carrier models, Baby Carrier Mini and Bouncer Bliss, in a new bright green color. Both the models are suitable for newborns up to a year with compact and user-friendly design.

Increased Demand for Comfort and Ergonomics Along with a Lower Carbon Footprint

Caregivers seek baby carriers that are comfortable but at the same time, they should be easy to use. Great ergonomics and greater comfort level fulfill the desire of the users to keep the baby close. Soft Structured Carriers (SSC) come as a great option for caregivers that allow them to enjoy life while keeping the baby close. Manufacturers continuously focus on quality and safety to provide comfortable baby carriers with a lower carbon footprint.

Ergobaby Inc. initiated the idea of encouraging caregivers to sell back their pre-loved carriers when not in use, so that the same may be refurbished and brought back to the market. Refurbished baby carriers lead to 80 percent less carbon emissions as compared to manufacturing new ones. Testing new products and manufacturing them takes months to years, which is why refurbishing the old ones tends to save time and effort, reducing the carbon footprint in the long as well as short term. The sustainability factor is expected to keep the market in the long run.

Buckled Baby Carriers Dominate the Market

Soft-structured carriers (SSCs), commonly referred to as buckled baby carriers, are globally known for their convenience, comfort, and versatility, making them the most desired type of baby carrier all over the world. These carriers come with padded shoulder straps and a supportive waist belt that effectively distributes the baby's weight and gives long-lasting comfort to the caregiver and the child. They are user-friendly and come with adjustable straps and settings allowing the user to adjust as per the body shape and size.

Moreover, buckled baby carriers offer greater safety and reliability to caregivers. Companies run various tests for these products to meet the safety standards that lead to offering peace of mind to users worldwide. Additionally, manufacturers are working on developing modern aesthetic designs depending on the diverse tastes of consumers. Free-to-grow baby carriers from Baby Tula, LLC offer the same convenience to their users. They come in breathable fabric, with unique prints and designs, are lightweight, easily adjustable, and can fit a newborn as well as a toddler. They even provide two ergonomic carrying positions, back carry and front-facing.

North America Holds the Largest Market Share

In the global baby carrier market, North America dominates the market based on region, due to several factors like large parents’ population, vast economy and the desire of people for comfort and mobility. As per the United Nations, World Population Prospects, the region’s birth rate showed a 0.07% increase from 2021 to 2023, which is boosting the growth of the market.

The manufacturers and retailers of baby carriers in North America offer a wide range of products to people as per their varied needs and preferences. The demand for safety and ergonomics with comfort in the region is driving the producers to come up with products of high-quality meeting stringent standards. Innovations in the form of adjustable straps, breathable mesh fabrics, and ease of carrying the baby in various positions contribute to the growth of the market in the region.

Additionally, the rise of online retail platforms has made it easier for consumers to access a plethora of options and compare products, driving competition and innovation among manufacturers. With a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and convenience, North America continues to lead the way in shaping the trends and preferences of the global baby carrier industry.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

• The market is expected to introduce innovations in products on a large scale like smart baby carriers with integrated sensors for monitoring baby's health and comfort.

• There will be a focus on producing eco-friendly products and adopting sustainable manufacturing processes to align with consumer preferences for sustainable parenting products.

• The market will prioritize an increasing trend towards customizable features and designs, allowing parents to tailor baby carriers to their individual needs and preferences.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Global baby carrier market features a landscape dominated by key players such as Ergobaby Inc., Lalabu LLC, WildBird, LLC, and Boba Inc. These companies continue to drive innovation in the industry, offering a wide range of products catering to various needs and preferences of parents worldwide. With a focus on safety, comfort, and ergonomic design, these key players are expected to maintain their market leadership positions in the future.

The outlook for global baby carrier market remains positive, fueled by factors such as rising birth rates, increasing urbanization, and growing emphasis on convenience and mobility for parents. Additionally, technological advancements, such as the integration of smart features and sustainability initiatives, are expected to further drive market growth. As consumer preferences evolve and awareness of ergonomic benefits continue to grow, key players are likely to invest in research and development to introduce innovative products that meet the changing demands of the market.

In October 2022, WildBird, LLC launched the new Aerial Buckle carrier, which was available in two varied size ranges, XS-L and L-4XL. The carrier is innovatively designed and can hold babies from birth to 45 lbs.