When you’re headed to the pool, beach, or splash pad with a baby or toddler, water baby carriers allow you to keep them close, helping them stay safe and comfortable. A water-safe baby carrier also makes it easy to bring baby in the shower with you, instead of trying to find a minute to sneak away to rinse off without your little one (and then spending the whole time wondering if you hear them crying).
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). All opinions are my own, and I only recommend things I actually use and love.
Benefits of Water-Safe Baby Carrier
Unlike most regular carriers, water-safe carriers are designed to handle getting wet without losing their shape or structural integrity. These carriers are also made of materials that dry quickly. Additionally, many water carriers are made with fabrics with high UPF to help protect your baby’s delicate skin. This is especially important on sunny days when you’re spending lots of time near a lake or pool, which can reflect sunlight and increase UV exposure.
Safety Tips for Babywearing In and Around Water
Wearing your baby in or near water requires a few extra considerations. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that it’s a safe and enjoyable experience for you and baby:
Always keep baby’s face visible and uncovered.
This ensures baby’s airways stay clear and they’re able to breathe. While it may be tempting to cover baby’s head and face with a thin blanket to keep the sun off their skin, this traps heat and can be unsafe. Instead, get baby a sun hat made of breathable material that has a nice wide brim.
Stick to calm, shallow water.
Water carriers aren’t designed for swimming or deep water. They’re best for wading near the shoreline, enjoying splash pads, or taking showers — anywhere you can keep your feet firmly planted and ensure baby’s face stays safely above the water.
When in the water, keep baby on your chest, facing inward.
This is the safest position, especially for younger babies, as it allows you to monitor their airways. Forward facing is not recommended because young babies especially aren’t able to shield their face and nose from splashing water. Little ones under the age of 2 months old are more susceptible to catching infections from the bacteria and viruses in the water so it’s best to try to keep them from getting water in their eyes, nose, and mouth.
Check the fit often.
Getting fabric wet can cause it to stretch or shift, so adjust as needed to keep baby snug and supported.
Be mindful of temperature.
Babies can get cold quickly when wet. Be sure to have a warm towel and dry clothes ready after for when you get out of the water.
Watch your footing.
Be extra careful on wet or slippery surfaces. You may want to consider sandals or water shoes with grippy soles for better stability.
Inspect your carrier regularly.
Salt, chlorine, and sun exposure can wear down materials over time. Be sure to rinse your carrier with fresh water after use and hang it to dry thoroughly to help it last longer.
Never leave baby unattended.
A carrier isn’t a substitute for active supervision. Always stay alert and keep an eye on baby.
The Best Water Baby Carriers
Three of my favorite water carriers are the Hippie Joey Water, Amphiba Baby Neptune Carrier, and Beachfront Baby Everyday Wrap. Each one has unique features that make it special. Depending on your baby’s age, your lifestyle, and how you plan to use your water carrier, there may be one that is a better fit for you. Below I’ll dive into what sets each one apart and help you decide which might work best for your family.
Hippie Joey Water Carrier
The Joey Water Carrier is essentially a tube made from two layers of Chito-Sante Recycled Poly fabric. It’s perfect for warm-weather babywearing, both in and out of the water. The Joey can be used from the newborn stage through toddlerhood to support natural carrying and comforting positions. It’s also a great option for breastfeeding, as it helps support baby and takes some of the weight off your arms.
What I Love About the Hippie Joey Water Carrier
Minimalist and Compact Design
The carrier is lightweight and rolls up super small, making it easy to stash in a purse or diaper bag.
Custom Sizing
Hippie Joey carriers are sized like a garment for the adult that will be using the carrier. This ensures that the carrier is safe and comfortable for both you and your little one.
Eco-Friendly Material
The Hippie Joey Water is made with Chito-Sante Recycled Poly fabric. This unique material blends chitosan, an eco-friendly fiber derived from crab and shrimp shells, with recycled polyester.
Water-Safe Fabric
The Joey Water is made from fabric that is quick-drying and made to hold up in both salt and chlorinated water.
Great for Hot Weather
It’s breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and antibacterial qualities make the Joey ideal for hot weather babywearing and mamas + babies who tend to “run hot.”
Sun Protection
The Joey Water has UPF 50, which means it blocks up to 98% of UVA/UVB rays, keeping baby’s sensitive skin protected.
Use coupon code: ALDERANDOAK to take 10% off.
Things to Consider
It’s important to note that the Joey is considered an assistant carrier. According to Hippie Joey’s website: “Although there may be many times users feel quite confident and secure enough to remove their hands briefly, Joey is not a ‘hands free device’ and we recommend always staying fully aware and in control.”
While convenient, the simple tube-style design doesn’t have padding or structured support. It works great for quick ups, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for long walks or full-day outings.
How to Use the Hippie Joey Water Carrier
Check out this video before using your Hippie Joey for the first time.
Amphiba Baby Neptune Carrier
The Amphiba Baby Neptune Carrier is a water-safe soft-structured carrier (SSC). Designed for active families, this carrier offers all the support and function of a traditional buckle carrier. With padded shoulder straps, lumbar support, and a sturdy waistband, it’s great for long walks or all-day beach adventures. Ample storage space, including a water-resistant zipper pocket, make this carrier especially practical for parents who want to keep essentials on hand without lugging along a diaper bag.
What I Love About the Amphiba Neptune Carrier
Supportive and Hands-Free
This is a great carrier for parents who want to be fully hands-free and have baby well supported. Whether you’re chasing older kids around, heading out for a long walk on the beach, or have back/shoulder pain, the padded straps and sturdy, supportive waistband offer a secure and comfortable fit.
High-Performance Materials
The Amphiba Baby Neptune carrier is breathable, quick-drying, and offers UV protection. Cool-Max lining helps prevent baby from overheating, and antimicrobial material keeps mold and germs at bay.
Lots of Pockets!
One of my favorite things about this carrier is the spacious pockets. One is a water-resistant zip pocket that’s perfect for stashing essentials like your phone, keys, sunscreen, or a spare diaper.
Versatile and Adjustable
This carrier can be used for front, back, and hip carries. It’s highly adjustable so it fits a wide range of body types.
Read more about the Amphiba Baby Neptune Carrier in my full review over on the Tales of a Mountain Mama blog.
Things to Consider
Even though this carrier can be used from 7 lbs, it would not be my first pick for a smaller baby. My son was nearly 10 lbs at birth (so not a tiny baby) and I didn’t feel like I could get a great fit for his first couple months. It wasn’t unsafe, but even tightened properly I felt like the carrier was still a bit big for him to get a really comfortable. But, once he was a bit bigger the carrier fit great and I really appreciated the extra support.
Additionally, because it’s a more structured carrier, the Neptune carrier doesn’t pack down as small as a sling or wrap. So, it’s definitely a bit bulkier to carry around when not in use.
Beachfront Baby Everyday Wrap
The Beachfront Baby Wrap is perfect for hot weather and water adventures. Wraps make it easy to get a secure, comfy fit even your baby grows. And the breathable, quick-drying mesh is perfect for the beach, pool, or shower. It also comes in 15 different colors, so you’re sure to find one that you love (pictured is Paradise Plum)!
What I Love About the Beachfront Baby Wrap
Water & Heat Friendly Material
Made from performance athletic mesh, this wrap is great for wet environments and dries quickly, making it perfect for pool days or trips to the beach. The mesh is breathable and airy, helping to keep both you and baby cool in hot weather.
Minimalist Design
The mesh has a soft, flexible feel that molds to your body without being bulky. It feels a little like activewear, and it’s easy to pack into a beach bag or diaper bag and take it on the go.
A Postpartum Essential
This carrier was a life saver in the early postpartum days after having my third baby as it allowed me to sneak away for a shower even though my son rarely wanted to be put down. The soft fabric and cozy fit made showering a really pleasant experience for both of us. And now at nearly a year old he absolutely loves being in the water!
Use discount code 20MAMALIBELULA to save $20 on your first order over $100
Things to Consider
This carrier’s ultra-light and minimalist design makes it nice and compact for tossing in a beach bag, but it may not offer enough support for all-day wear or long walks, especially with heavier babies.
It also should be said that there can be a bit of a learning curve with wraps and may take a few tries to feel comfortable with using this style of carrier, if you’re new to it. You’ll definitely want to practice at home before heading to the beach for the first time, but after a few tries, you’ll catch on quickly so don’t be overly intimidated.
How to Use the Beachfront Baby Everyday Wrap
You can download a PDF with instructions for using your Beachfront Baby mesh wrap on their website or check out the video below.
Quick Comparison
Still trying to decide? Here’s a recap of each carrier’s key features to help you find the best fit for your family.
| Carrier | Carrier Style | Age Range | Weight Range | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hippie Joey Water | Carry assist —Carry loop/Pouch Sling | Newborn to toddler | Limit of around 35-40lbs | Chito-Sante Recycled Poly SWIM fabric |
| Amphiba Baby Neptune Carrier | Soft Structured Carrier | Baby to toddler | 7-45 lbs | Neoprene outer layer, lined with Cool Max mesh |
| Beachfront Everyday Wrap | Wrap | Baby to toddler | 8-30 lbs | Polyester Jersey Mesh |
From Shower Time to Splash Pads
Water baby carriers are a total game-changer for warm-weather adventures, wet play, and even showering with your little one. Whether you want a simple carry assist like the Joey WATER, the full support of a SSC with the Amphiba Baby Neptune, or a breathable, water-friendly wrap like the Beachfront Baby, finding the right carrier can make all the difference.