Those first few weeks postpartum, I was constantly holding my baby. I needed a carrier that was super easy to put on by myself and also cute and aesthetic. Necessities, am I right?! After researching a couple different options. WildBird quickly became our go-to. In this post, I’m sharing why we chose the WildBird Aerial Baby Carrier over other baby carriers, what I love about it, and a few things I wish I knew when starting out.
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What We Were Looking for in a Baby Carrier
Before I dive into the review, here’s what was on my “must-have” list:
- Not bulky. I didn’t want to deal with a million straps or something that felt like a hiking backpack.
- Grows with baby. I didn’t want to buy multiple carriers for every stage.
- Neutral and minimal. If I was going to wear it almost daily, it needed to match my wardrobe.
- Affordable. Under $150 felt doable, especially compared to designer carriers.
- Breathable. Living in Northern California where summer days hit 100+, this was non-negotiable.
The WildBird Aerial checked every single box.
Why I love the WildBird Aerial Baby Carrier
1. Lightweight & Breathable
This was the biggest selling point for me. I’d heard stories about moms sweating buckets under padded carriers, and that sounded miserable. The Aerial is made from a linen-cotton blend that feels soft and airy. I’ve worn it on triple-digit days and was surprised at how comfortable both of us stayed.
2. Simple but Supportive
When my baby was brand new, I loved a soft wrap for quick snuggles. But once he got heavier, I needed more support. The Aerial is the perfect middle ground! It’s structured enough to feel secure, but still minimal and easy to throw on.
3. Works from Newborn to Now (1 years old)
You can start using it at 7 lbs, and it adjusts as the baby grows. I used it when my baby was teeny tiny and still use it now that he’s crawling and 20+ pounds. It’s nice not having to buy multiple carriers for different stages.
4. It’s Really, Really Cute
Let’s be real, when you’re wearing a carrier every day, you want it to look good. WildBird has the best earthy, muted tones. I went with one that matched my entire wardrobe, and I get compliments on it all the time. I truly have moms come up to me all of the time asking where I got this baby carrier!
5. It’s Not Crazy Expensive
At under $150, it felt like a solid investment. Especially compared to more “designer” baby carriers that cost upwards of $500. It looks and feels high-end without the price tag.
WildBird vs. Artipoppe: Why I Didn’t Go Designer
I’ll admit—I was tempted by the Artipoppe Zeitgeist carrier. You’ve probably seen it all over Instagram. It’s beautiful, chic, and you can wear baby forward-facing. But here’s why I passed:
- The price tag ($500+) just didn’t make sense for us.
- I read reviews that it can run hot, which isn’t ideal in California heat.
- The WildBird colors actually fit my style better—earthy, neutral, minimal.
For me, the WildBird Aerial gave me the same stylish look without the price shock.
WildBird Ring Sling vs. Aerial Carrier
WildBird also makes their signature ring sling, which is super popular. I actually debated between the sling and the Aerial.
- The ring sling is amazing for those newborn snuggly days and quick up-and-down carries.
- The Aerial carrier offers more support for longer stretches and bigger babies.
If I could go back, I’d probably get both! The sling for those first few months and the Aerial for everyday use once baby got heavier. Now that I already have the Aerial for my next baby, I will probably get the ring sling the next time around!
WildBird Aerial vs. Artipoppe vs. WildBird Ring Sling
| Feature | WildBird Aerial Carrier | Artipoppe Zeitgeist | WildBird Ring Sling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$150 | $500+ | ~$80–$100 |
| Weight Range | 7–45 lbs | 7–45 lbs | 8–35 lbs |
| Fabric | Linen-cotton blend (breathable) | Organic cotton, cashmere, or blends | 100% linen |
| Style | Minimal, neutral tones | Designer patterns & bold prints | Neutral, earthy colors |
| Carry Positions | Front (inward-facing), back | Front (inward & outward), back | Front (inward), hip carry |
| Best For | Everyday use, lightweight, longer wears | High fashion, forward-facing option | Quick newborn snuggles, short wears |
| Overall Vibe | Cute + functional without the splurge | Luxury, statement carrier | Cozy, minimalist newborn option |
How I Use It Day-to-Day
I use this carrier constantly! When my baby needs to nap but refuses the crib, when I’m making lunch, when we’re at the farmer’s market, or just when he wants to be held (which is often). It’s also super compact so I like to just leave it in our car if I’m not using it in the house and it doesn’t take up a ton of room!
A Few Things I Wish I Knew
- It’s not a hiking carrier. Perfect for everyday use, but not meant for rugged outdoor adventures.
- No forward-facing option. At first I thought I’d miss this, but now I know forward-facing for long periods isn’t ideal for baby’s hips. You can do back carries once they’re older though.
- Tiny learning curve. Adjusting the straps felt tricky the first couple of times, but now it’s second nature.
FAQs About the WildBird Aerial Carrier
In my opinion—yes, 100%. It’s lightweight, cute, and supportive without being bulky. I reach for it way more than I thought I would, and it has easily paid for itself.
Yes! It can be used starting at 7 lbs, which makes it great from the very beginning. I used it when my baby was brand new and still use it now that he’s crawling.
No, it’s designed only for inward-facing front or back carries. At first, I thought I’d miss forward-facing, but most experts recommend against long forward-facing carries for baby’s hips and comfort.
Yes! The adjustable straps make it versatile for different body types. I’ve read reviews from moms of all sizes who found it comfortable once adjusted correctly.
Yes—once you get the hang of adjusting the straps, you can loosen the carrier slightly and breastfeed while keeping baby snug. Super helpful for on-the-go nursing sessions.
It’s machine washable, which is a lifesaver. I usually air dry mine to keep the fabric looking nice.
So… Would I Buy It Again?
A hundred percent yes. I’ve reached for the WildBird Aerial way more than I thought I would, and I genuinely recommend it to every new mom I know. It’s pretty, practical, and just works so well!
If you’re debating between WildBird vs. Artipoppe, or trying to choose between the WildBird ring sling vs. Aerial, my honest opinion is that the Aerial is the sweet spot. It’s pretty, practical, and doesn’t break the bank.
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