Top 10 Baby Carriers for Twins…2021 Ultimate guide for the right choice
Last Updated on 27/05/2022 by Clotilde Passalacqua
Are baby carriers for twins the ultimate solution for a hassle free trip?
It is incredible how much the baby carriers for twins market has developed in the last 2/3 years. Baby wearing twins is obviously influenced by the positive boom of single carriers that are on the market, but also by the continuous research showing the benefits of physical contact with newborns in the first months of life.
Obviously a twins carrier is not for everyone, as usual many factors influence the experience of double baby wearing but double carriers are becoming more and more an essential baby gear for twins. In this guide you will find three sections
- Best double baby carrier lists: this overview is divided into two parts.
- the first list dedicated to carriers designed specifically for twins
- the second list shows baby carriers which, despite being designed for single babies, also lend themselves well as baby carriers for twins.
- How to choose between all twin baby carriers: here you will find all the questions and considerations to make the best choice for you.
- The benefits of the tandem babywearing: here you will find some considerations similar to those that would be made in the case of a single child, but which are sometimes even more important for twins.
This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through the links on this page, at no cost to you.
You could also be interested in “The reality of travelling with twins and how to make it possible”!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BABY CARRIER FOR TWINS
ERGONOMIC FOR THE BABY: Whichever carrier you choose, it is important that it supports the natural posture of children by keeping the back in a c-curve and the legs in an M position, supporting them up to the knee. The position and support of the legs is very important to ensure correct development of the hips and to prevent hip dislocation which, being almost never painful, can remain undiscovered until the children begin to walk. (You can read more on the hip dysplasia institute website.)
EASY TO WEAR: You want something that is easy to wear especially if you are alone. Everyone is different and there are personal preferences, but it is true that some carriers need a period of practice to wear them correctly and feel comfortable. When children reach 6/7 kg we want to consider a carrier that distributes the weight well to be comfortable also for the bearer.
ADAPTABLE FOR YOUR BABIES’ AGE / WEIGHT: Most carriers offer a minimum of adaptability to support the growth of babies, but especially when deciding to babywear twins, it is unlikely that a single carrier can be used from the first day of life for 2/3 years. If the purchase is made at birth, make sure you pay close attention to the minimum recommended weight. With slightly older children, care must be taken that they do not exceed the combined weight limit.
TYPES OF BABY CARRIERS
Without going into much detail we can divide baby carriers into 2 big families: structured or soft.
Structured carriers (most of them in the first list) usually wear like a backpack with adjustable straps and waistband to distribute the weight and are comfortable even with older babies.
Soft carriers (most in the second list) are usually made of soft fabric that can be tied in different ways around the body; they usually work better with newborns and small babies.
1st COMPARISON CHART: BEST BABY CARRIERS FOR TWINS (designed for twins)
| MODEL | LIFESPAN FROM/TO | EASE TO WEAR | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEST BABY CARRIER FOR TWINS | ||||
| MINIMONKEY TWIN CARRIER |   | USE FROM: 3kg (6Lb) up to 12kg (26.5Lb) per baby | REALLY EASY | CHECK THE PRICE |
| MOST VERSATILE TWINS CARRIER | ||||
| MALISHASTIK 4 IN 1 |   | USE FROM: 4.6kg (10Lb) up to 20kg (45Lb) when carried individually or up to 30 Kg (66Lb) combined weight | A BIT TRICKY | CHECK THE PRICE |
| BEST VALUE FOR MONEY BABY CARRIER FOR TWINS | ||||
| MALISHASTIK DOUBLE FRONT CARRIER |  | USE FROM: 4.6kg (10Lb) up to 15kg (33Lb) when carried individually or up to 30 Kg (66Lb) combined | A BIT TRICKY | CHECK THE PRICE |
| EASIEST FRONT / BACK DOUBLE CARRIER | ||||
| TWINGO BABY CARRIER |   | USE FROM: 4.5kg (10Lb) up to 20.4kg (45Lb) when carried individually or up to 15.8 Kg (35Lb) each baby when used as double. | NEED PRACTICE | CHECK THE PRICE |
| BEST BABY CARRIER FOR REALLY SMALL BABIES | ||||
| WEEGO TWIN BABY CARRIER |   | USE FROM: 1.8 kg (4Lb) up to 15kg (33Lb) combined weight. | REALLY EASY | CHECK THE PRICE |
BEST BABY CARRIER FOR TWINS
Do you like the idea of the baby wraps for twins, but do you want something more structured, easier and quicker to wear? Minimonkey twin carrier is the solution.
It is one of the easiest baby carriers to use alone and one of the best baby carrier for infant. Once worn there are no ligatures to do, fasten and adjust the buckle at the waist and adjust / tighten the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are wide and padded as well as the waist support and allows you to distribute the weight over the whole body avoiding tension.
On the front there are two pockets to accommodate one child in each. Each pocket is large enough to allow for comfortable accommodation, once the children are in position, the excess fabric is arranged on the side and you are ready to go. The shoulder straps can also be opened wider for greater comfort.
The Minimonkey carrier can be used as newborn approx. 3kg (6.5 lbs.) to 12kg (26.5 lbs.) each baby. Babies are in an ergonomic position with neck and back fully supported and hips in M position. This is probably the best twin baby carrier.
PROS
- Super easy to wear
- One size fits all
- Ergonomic for the babies and supportive for the parent
- Can be used from early days (3kg / 6.5lbs.)
CONS
- Price
MOST VERSATILE TWINS CARRIER
USE FROM: 4.6kg (10Lb) up to 20kg (45Lb) when carried individually or up to 30 Kg (66Lb) combined
Malishastik’s 4 in 1 is a super-flexible structured carrier. Not only can it be used to carry babies together on the front, or one on the front and one on the back, but it can also be used with a single baby in front or on the back and divided into two single carriers to share the pleasure (and weight) with your partner. Comes complete with all extensions to use them independently.
It takes some practice the first few times you use it, but the instructions are very detailed and you can also watch this tutorial video. It can be used for children from 4.6kg (10lb) up to 20kg (45lb) when carried individually or up to 30 Kg (66Lb) when carried in pairs.
Shoulder straps and lumbar support are padded and distribute well the weight of the babies.
PROS
- It can be used with one baby or two babies
- It can be divided and used by two different people
- One size fits all
- 4 different positions: 2 babies on the front, 1 on the front and 1 on the back, only 1 on the front, only 1 on the back
- Can be used with children of different ages
CONS
- Needs practice for wearing it
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY BABY CARRIER FOR TWINS
USE FROM: 4.6kg (10Lb) up to 15kg (33Lb) when carried individually or up to 30 Kg (66Lb) combined
Second structured carrier from the same brand, this one is less versatile but excellent value for money.
In this case, the Malishastik twin baby carrier is designed to carry children only on the front and is not divisible, but the cost compared to other structured carriers is considerably lower.
The padded structure and the adjustable shoulder straps still allow a good distribution of the weight of the children and keep them in an ergonomic position for the hips and back. It is one size for everyone, but it should be noted that it is only suitable for waist size up to 43 inches (110 cm).
It can be used for children from 4.6kg (10Lb) up to 15kg (33Lb) when carried individually or up to 30 Kg (66Lb) when carried in pairs.
It is important not to be discouraged the first few times because it seems complicated to wear, but in addition to the instructions you can also watch the explanatory video that resolves all doubts. Especially if you buy it for occasional use, it will be an excellent choice.
PROS
- One size fits all
- Can be used with children of different ages
- Great price
CONS
- Needs practice for wearing it
EASIEST FRONT/BACK DOUBLE CARRIER
USE FROM: 4.5kg (10Lb) up to 20.4kg (45Lb) when carried individually or up to 15.8 Kg (35Lb) each baby when used as double. (Option to use it for only one child from 3.2 Kg with infant insert)
This is the luxury model of the structured twins carrier. It is composed of a model called base and one called attachment. The basic model and attachment are designed to be used together with a child on the front and one on the back, but by adding the additional shoulder straps and waistbelt to the attachment, you can have two front or back carriers for use with a single child. The attachment can also be used with only one child on the side.
There are three different models,
- Original model: includes everything needed to divide the carrier into two separate carriers and has a useful pocket (in which it closes) to be used as a nappy bag.
- Air model: like the original model but without the front pocket. Instead, it features a panel that covers a meshed area, the panel can be removed in the warmer months.
- Lite model: it is lighter and slightly cheaper, but does not include shoulder straps to use it even in a separate model.
All models include two sleep hoods to support the neck and head and practical sliding chest straps to adjust the carrier especially for small people or toddlers.
Twingo carrier in the front position can be used when the baby reaches 4.5 Kg (10Lb) but, if you buy the infant insert, a child alone on the front can be carried from 3.2 Kg (7Lb). This means using Twingo in the early days as two independent carriers.
To use it on the back you have to wait until the baby is 4+ months old, tall enough for their head to be outside the carrier and able to control their head / neck. If used for a single child it can hold up to 20.4 Kg (45Lb), when used with two babies you shouldn’t exceed 15.8 Kg (35Lb) for each child.
One size fits most: waistband can adjust to fit 26-100 inches and shoulder straps adjust to fit 4’11″c- 6’5″ parents. The waistband is cleverly designed to cover various sizes and can be separated into two waistbands for convenience when, for example, two children of different ages or weights are carried to allow better weight distribution.
PROS
- It can be used with one baby or two babies
- It can be divided and used by two different people
- 4 different positions: 1 baby on the front and 1 baby on the back, only 1 on the front, only 1 on the back, only 1 on the hips.
- Can be used with children of different ages
- Practical pocket on the original model
CONS
- Price
- To be used with 2 babies together (front and back) you need to wait until one is ~4 months old.
BEST BABY CARRIER FOR REALLY SMALL BABIES
I was very lucky for Liam and Santiago, when they were born at 36w + 4d, weighed 2.5 kg and 2.7 kg. After a quick check they were on my tummy and we went back to the room together. The reality however is that many twins are born premature and sometimes have to stay for weeks in the NICU. If this had been the case, I would have definitely bought the Weego TWIN carrier.
It is designed for twins to be used from birth (1.8 Kg / 4 Lb) for about 5-6 months. (Max joined weight of 15 Kg / 33Lb). It is really easy to use because behind the lovely soft, loose fabric there are 2 pouches to keep even super small babies in an ergonomic and hip healthy position.
At the beginning they will just cocoon in there and take comfort from the familiar sounds and parent smell. As they grow you will be able to adjust the carrier to have their arms and legs coming out.
When you go home with 2 really little babies you can do skin to skin without a carrier while sitting down (they don’t take much space on your chest), but when you want to carry on with your daily life this is really the best solution.
Lifespan for the cost is short, but if you don’t feel confident using something like the Boba wrap (see below) then this is the best option for you!
All Weego Carriers will fit a waist circumference of up to 115cm (45 inches, approximately US size 24), but they also sell a plus size baby carrier and waist extension to try to accommodate any size. They also come with removable bibs to protect the upper part of the baby carrier so you will not have to wash it so often
PROS
- It can be used with really small babies (1.8 Kg /4 Lb)
- Grows with the baby
- Extension available for plus sizes
CONS
- Cost versus lifespan
Looking for other travel essential? Check out the only baby travel essential list you need, the best tablets for 2 year olds and the articles about the best travel cot and double stroller for travel.
2nd COMPARISON CHART: BEST BABY CARRIERS FOR TWINS (designed for single babies but good to use with twins)
| MODEL | LIFESPAN FROM/TO | EASE TO WEAR | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEST BABY WRAP FOR NEWBORN | ||||
| BOBA WRAP |   | USE FROM: newborn, no weight limit, up to joined weight of 16 kg (35Lb) | NEED PRACTICE | CHECK THE PRICE |
| THE EASIEST CARRIER WRAP | ||||
| K-TAN BABY WRAP |   | USE FROM: 3.6 Kg (8Lb), up to joined weight of 16 kg (35Lb) | REALLY EASY | CHECK THE PRICE |
| BEST BABY CARRIER FOR PRETERM | ||||
| NUROO POCKET T-SHIRT CARRIER |   | USE FROM: newborn, no weight limit (sitting with twins), recommended up to 9 kg (20Lb) | REALLY EASY | CHECK THE PRICE |
| BEST BABY SLING | ||||
| SEWFUNKY RING SLING HIP BABY WRAP RING SLING |    | USE FROM: 3.6Kg (8Lb) up to 16 kg (35Lb) each (using 2 ring slings) | NEED PRACTICE | CHECK SEWFUNKY SLING PRICE CHECK HIP BABY WRAP PRICE |
BEST BABY WRAP FOR NEWBORN
There are an infinite number of baby wraps on the market. The Boba wrap however has an extra edge that distinguishes it as it is considered safe to use with babies, even just born, without weight limits (in the case of premature and particularly small babies, ask your pediatrician for an opinion).
Obviously, like all wraps, it presents a learning curve at the beginning to familiarise yourself with those metres and metres of fabric, but after a day of rehearsals you will be much more confident. Wrap carriers are definitely not for everyone, however the Boba carrier for newborn is perfect for those precious moments of skin to skin.
This carrier is quite economical and can carry up to a weight of almost 16 kg (35Lb) if desired. However, consider that even in the case of only one child this type of wrap is best used in the first 6/7 months of life.
The Boba wrap is great to start with and then perhaps move on to a more structured carrier when two babies begin to be uncomfortable and difficult to manage.
Some parents continue to use the wraps in combination with a structured carrier such as the Ergo baby, using the wrap in front and the other carrier in the back.
PROS
- You can use it from birth (no weight limit)
- One size fits all
- Certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
- Available in a new viscose from Bamboo to make it cooler for summer
CONS
- Difficult at the beginning to learn to wear it
- Lots of fabric in summer could make you too hot
THE EASIEST CARRIER WRAP
Do you like the idea of using a baby wrap for twins, but you are worried to loose yourself under all that fabric? Well if you are willing to wait a few weeks for your babies to reach 3.6kg (8Lb) then the Baby K-tan is your solution.
Baby K-tan is basically a wrap that does not require wrapping. The final solution is like wearing a wrap but it is worn already prepared. The fabric is already crossed and ready to wear. Having no way to adjust it, you will have to choose the right size well.
Baby K-tan carrier can hold up to almost 16Kg (35Lb) and as in the case of other wraps, Baby K-tan is perfect to be used as twin carrier wrap up to about 5/6 months.
PROS
- Super easy to wear
- Certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
- Available in an organic material and various colours
CONS
- You need to get the size right because you can’t adjust it
BEST BABY CARRIER FOR PRETERM
A t-shirt that acts as a carrier, that’s what the NuRoo pocket is. An ingenious invention to allow skin to skin time even in situations where you don’t want to be half naked. It can also be used in NICUs with premature babies and twins while sitting (always confirm with doctors when such small babies are involved).
The NuRoo pocket is worn like a shirt that remains open at the front. On one of the two sides there is a pocket where children can be placed in an ergonomic and correct position for their hips which then closes with Velcro on the side. The fabric is stretchy and the Velcro offers flexibility on how tight it can be closed, but check the chart to choose the right size. Dad will also love to use it.
It is tested to carry up to 20kg (45Lb) but recommended up to 9kg (20Lb). Most use with twins is definitely achieved in the first 3 months
PROS
- Super easy to wear
- Certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
- Available in an organic material and various colours
CONS
- Use with twins only while seated
- Short life span
BEST BABY SLING FOR TWINS
USE FROM: 3.6Kg (8Lb) up to 16 kg (35Lb) each (using 2 ring slings)
Ring slings are one of the simplest baby carriers to fit for twins. Since they are carried diagonally on the chest and only on one shoulder, it is very easy to cross two. The only precaution is to cover the rings with the fabric of the sling after the children are in position so that they do not bother them.
Although very simple as a concept, these slings still allow the children to be positioned in an ergonomic way and with the legs in the M position. The fabric allows the wearer to distribute it across the full shoulder to distribute the weight, so there is no danger that it will bother your neck. Using two slings for twins actually helps to distribute the weight on your back more evenly
The ring slings are, in most cases, suitable for supporting children from 3.6 kg (8Lb) up to almost 16 kg (35Lb), not ideal for very small children because it is more difficult to keep them in position and make sure they do not collapse inside. However, waiting a few weeks you can buy a carrier that is very easy to use, very light to carry around and is also useful when the children are older.
Here you will find two models:
- Sewfunky ring sling (on Etsy) in certified cotton, handmade with lovely design and special aluminium rings for the baby sling
- Hip baby wrap ring sling is in 100% hand-loomed cotton, available in 20 colours.
PROS
- Super easy to wear
- One size fits all
- Can be used with one older child
- Really small to carry around
CONS
- For twins you need to buy two
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BABY CARRIER FOR TWINS
The choice of wearing babies is really personal. I have friends that used all types of different carriers and also none because they couldn’t make it work for them. So how can I help you in such a personal matter? I have twins, that I carried with baby carriers while travelling around the world for three years but no, I haven’t tried all the available baby carriers. However I research them all and I build enough experience to highlight for you all the benefits to look for, the advantages of the different models, and what would suit best in different situations. I can’t guess your personal preference but I can help you to reflect on what is relevant for you.
To make the right choice there are 4 questions to consider:
When do you want to start using the baby carrier for twins?
- One thing to think about when deciding to buy a double carrier is the age at which you want to start using it. Most baby carrying wraps and newborn baby slings (although not designed for twins) can be used from birth. Structured carriers usually have more limitations and you have to wait for babies to reach a minimum weight or to be able to support the neck. Once you have decided this you can focus your selection on the first or second list or you can have both in your baby shower gift for twins list!
What use do you want to make of it?
- It seems like a silly question, but a careful analysis can lead to completely different choices. Many twins are born premature or at least early, this is often one of the reasons that drives parents to consider to wear twins. Giving the possibility to babies who have not been able to complete gestation to spend the first months in close contact with the body of their mum and dad will help them in an incredible way to adapt to the new world.
In this case you will probably have to turn your attention to the carriers of the second list.
In the second list (single carriers adaptable for twins) you will see that Boba wrap and NuRoo pocket can be used from birth, which makes them perfect for skin to skin time. Nuroo pocket is very useful in case the children need to spend time at the NICU as it is worn like a normal t-shirt and prevents you from having to walk around half naked. It is also very popular with dads.
In the first list (carriers especially designed for twins) apart from the Weego twin carrier which can be used from the moment the children weigh 1.8kg (3.9 Lb), to use the other carriers you will have to wait for the children to reach at least 3 kg.
If you are planning a little bit more for the long term to use when travelling and you think you will not start travelling before 4 months, then a carrier that could be divided like the Twingo carrier or the Malishastik 4 in 1 are your best option.
What is your physical strength?
- It is certainly not easy to determine exactly how your body will respond, but an important thing to consider is that by around 6 months babies should weigh about 7/8 kg. (15/17 Lb average). To push beyond this limit you really have to consider a structured carrier, possibly one that distributes the weight front and back like the Malishastisk 4 in 1 or the Twingo carrier. If you want you could start with a baby wrap, for the first few months and then move on to a structured carrier. However, if you plan to use the baby carrier a lot while travelling with your partner then you should consider two completely independent carriers to fit individual preferences.
Longevity: do you plan to use it only for the first few months or as long as possible?
- Babywearing multiples is not for everyone, but when the need dictates the choice (you often travel alone, you have another small child to look after, or maybe you can’t count on the help of family and friends as in COVID time) then this often becomes the preferred solution of parents. In this case, the best plan is to start with one of the baby wraps for newborns such as the Boba wrap (unless you are happy to invest a bit more with the Weego carrier). If this is becoming the best way to carry twins for you, then you can move on the Twingo baby carrier and distribute better the weight.
HOT TIP: If at this point you reached the conclusion that you want to buy a baby carrier to use from the first few days, but you are concerned about spending twice, because you will need another one after few months, don’t worry. Many expensive baby products that have a short lifespan sell really well on second hand shops. When the time come you could sell your first carrier and finance part of the next one. While staring to write this article I decided that was time to put on Ebay our carriers and one of them sold in less than 24h.
BENEFITS IF YOU BABY WEAR TWINS
- As you will imagine, one of the greatest benefits for travel addicts is how everything is becoming easier with a carrier. From my point of view, the stroller cannot be replaced when you have twins, even the best, the lightest, the most compact double stroller (or our beloved Joolz Geo double) can sometimes not be suitable for travel. A baby carrier, even during simple movements is sometimes an inevitable accessory.
For example, in Europe each airport has a different policy regarding strollers. Some return it as soon as you get off the plane, others send it on the baggage belt (or dedicated space nearby). In the latter case, even if you are not traveling alone, you will find yourself carrying a child which, depending on the airport, can vary from 15 minutes up to an hour or more (in very large airports where it is also necessary pass immigration checks). Even a 6/7 kg baby will get too heavy after all that time if you don’t have an adequate support! - As mentioned before, one of the great advantages, for all babies, not only for twins, is the contact with the mother (or father) which helps the baby to find those familiar sensations from the womb that will make them feel protected and they will help in the transition into the external world (this period is often called the fourth trimester). All this is amplified if the children are born preterm, in this case the time for skin to skin is also essential during the period in NICU
- Wearing babies also helps mothers to produce more Oxytocin, and therefore more milk. Even if I never managed to breastfeed with my babies in the carrier I know that many mums successfully achieve also this step.
- Obviously, another practical advantage is having your hands free. With a baby carrier for twins as long as they are small you will have no problems taking care of another baby, going out alone to do the shopping, or simply doing housework. Many women will feel so empowered achieving this that its worth it to try to see if wearing twins is for you!
What would I choose? With experience I now know that I personally wouldn’t be able to carry both babies together at the front for more than 4/5 months. For this reason I would pick the Weego or the baby K-tan to start and then move on to the Twingo or Malishastik 4 in 1 to be able to divide it. If after the first few months you are going to always share the baby wearing duty I would also consider 2 of the Ergobay adapt or original.
Let me know in the comments if I missed any great products.
PIN IT FOR LATER
Clotilde Passalacqua
Clotilde is a resilient, resourceful and adventurous person that navigate the world of travelling with kids. She is a mum of 7 years old twins and she share practical tips, profound insights and genuine personal experience to empowers family to embrace travel with children as an enriching experience rather than a daunting challenge.
You May Also Like
2022 best travel cot and baby bed for travel: the ultimate guide!
BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS: BEST TRAVELLING GIFT GUIDE
