REASONS TO BUY
Simplistic
Best for newborns
Fits different-sized wearers
REASONS TO AVOID
Shorter lifespan
No supportive waist strap
BabyBjorn Mini Review
A simple and comfortable baby carrier that's a great choice for younger or smaller babies
Credit: BabyBjorn
Price: $110 List
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Review Team ⋅ Oct 26, 2022
RELATED: The Best Baby Carriers
Our Verdict
The BabyBjorn Mini is a soft structured baby carrier that works for babies weighing 7-25 lbs, ranging from 0-12 months of age. It offers two different carry positions, facing in and out. The Mini is lightweight, minimal, and less bulky than those with more complex designs, making it more straightforward and user-friendly. Those with a less-is-more mindset may like this baby carrier for younger babies. From our testing, it fits a range of wearers differing in sizes and feels more comfortable while moving about than some structured carriers. However, it doesn't have a supportive waist strap and has a shorter lifespan than other contenders. But, whether you're traveling with your baby, accomplishing chores around the house, or chasing after your toddler, the Mini provides arm freedom while keeping your infant close and secure.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
BabyBjorn Mini | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Baby Carrier |  Easy to Use Wrap | Great Wrap on a Budget | ||
| Price | $110 List $79.21 at Amazon | $90 List $59.20 at Amazon | $95 List | $60 List $59.95 at Amazon | $45 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A minimalistic and user-friendly baby carrier for the parent and younger babies | Comfy sling to wear and sit in with an easy to use design | Comfy for baby and parents but the fabric could be softer | Budget-friendly wrap style that is easy to use and comfy enough | Economical and comfortable but you need to hold baby when you put it on |
| Rating Categories | BabyBjorn Mini | Nalakai Ring Sling | Maya Wrap ComfortFi... | Baby K'tan Original | Boba Wrap |
| Child Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Parent Comfort (35%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (30%) | |||||
| Ease Of Cleaning (10%) | |||||
| Specs | BabyBjorn Mini | Nalakai Ring Sling | Maya Wrap ComfortFi... | Baby K'tan Original | Boba Wrap |
| Min/Max Weight | 7 - 25 lbs | 8 - 35 lbs | 8 - 35 lbs | 8 - 35 lbs | 7 - 35 lbs |
| Carry Positions | Facing In (7 lbs - 25 lbs) Facing Out (5 mo. - 25 lbs) |
Facing In (8 - 35 lbs) Hip Carry (8 - 35 lbs *BGL recommends Head/Neck/Torso Control) |
Facing In (0 - 3 mo) Facing Out (3 - 6 mo) Hip Carry (6 mo - 35 lbs) |
Kangaroo Position (8 - 35 lbs) Hug Position (8 - 35 lbs) Adventure Position (8 - 35 lbs) Explore Position (8 - 35 lbs) Hip Position (8 - 35 lbs) |
Facing In (Newborn - 35 lbs) |
| Weight | 1.02 lbs | 0.9 lbs | Sm: 0.92 Lg: 1.16 lbs |
Sm: 0.89 Lg: 1.04 lbs |
1.41 lbs |
| Packable Size | Medium | Small | Small | Small | Small (5.5 yards in length) |
| Fabric | 100% Cotton | 58% Bamboo 42% Linen |
Cotton, Polyester | 100% Cotton | 95% Cotton 5% Spandex |
| Hood | No | No | No | No | No |
| Storage Options | None | Pocket on the tail | Zippered pocket on the tail | Pouch on the belt. | Storage Pouch |
| Other Features & Notable | Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 | None | Available in two different lengths, standard and long | Azo Dye-free | None |
| Included Accessories | None | None | None | None | Storage Sack |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash warm separately, mild detergent, gentle cycle, and drip dry (no dryer). Do not use chlorine bleach or fabric softener. Iron only at low temperature and never iron trim. | Machine wash cold, hang dry | Machine wash cold, hang dry | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
BabyBjorn is a family-owned company that was established in 1961. With safety and simplicity as driving forces, they strive to design products that make everyday life easier for families with young children. BabyBjorn has a variety of gear, including some of the best baby carriers, baby bouncers, travel cribs, bathroom products, and more.
Performance Comparison
The BabyBjorn Mini is less bulky than some other structured carriers in the lineup.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Baby's Comfort
Not every soft structured carrier works well at accommodating newborns, but from our testing, the BabyBjorn Mini seems to fit the bill. With smaller babies, you can create a cozy fit. You can lengthen the baby's panel to accommodate your baby's growing torso and ensure enough head and neck support behind their head, which is easy to adjust.
You can pull and widen the fabric under the child's bottom, but sometimes it's not wide enough for older and heavier children, causing their legs to dangle. A healthy hip position involves the baby sitting in an “M” shape with knees higher than their bottom and legs supported from knee to knee. Therefore, we believe this carrier is more suitable for newborns and not as optimal for older or larger babies.
Our 4-month-old little tester enjoyed the BabyBjorn Mini.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Parent's Comfort
The Mini is more comfortable for the wearer than many competing options, and only a handful of other carriers score higher in this metric. The carrier is lightweight and doesn't have as much padding, making it less bulky compared to some other structured carriers. It doesn't have a supportive waist strap, which has pros and cons. Without the waist strap, you have more mobility while wearing the Mini, and we enjoyed how unrestricted this carrier felt while testing. This design also fits a wide range of wearers, including those of all shapes and sizes.
However, some parents enjoy having a supportive waist strap to relieve pressure or distribute the baby's weight better, especially as their baby grows and becomes heavier. This carrier has a maximum weight of 25 lbs, and if you have concerns about the lack of a supportive waist strap, this lack of waistband could be a dealbreaker.
Ease of Use
The BabyBjorn Mini's simple design makes it more intuitive and easier to use than other options. It's easy to put on and take off by yourself without complicated straps, buttons, or features getting in the way.
The panel has color-coded slots (below left) and an easy-to-understand tape measure-like section (below right) to adjust the panel to your baby's size. The straps are incredibly easy to reach and adjust smoothing, making adjustments on the fly easy without assistance.
The front section opens so you can easily get your baby in and out, and we had no trouble with this process. The BabyBjorn website also has helpful video tutorials showing the different babywearing positions, adjusting the settings, and more.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Ease of Cleaning
The BabyBjorn Mini isn't the easiest to wash. According to the manufacturer's instructions, it should be machine washed separately on warm before letting it air dry. Depending on the climate where you live, air drying this carrier can take time, leaving you without a carrier for outings with your baby.
Should You Buy the BabyBjorn Mini?
Having a baby carrier that does the newborn stage well can be a game-changer. Between the Mini's simplicity and comfortable fit, we think it's an excellent option for the beginning months of your baby's life, as long as you're okay with its shorter lifespan. We also think it is good for parents of varying size as it seems to fit a variety of body types well.
What Other Baby Carriers Should You Consider?
If you want a baby carrier that will serve you longer than the Mini, we suggest looking into the Nalakai Ring Sling. It's easy to use, easier to clean, and has a longer lifespan than the Mini, all for an affordable price. If you want an all-in-one soft structured carrier, look at the Tula Free-to-Grow, which works from newborn to toddlerhood.
Manufacturer Video
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Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Review Team
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