Claude vs ChatGPT: Best baby carrier for a newborn when one parent had recent. Join the debate.

The Ergobaby Omni 360 is the one I'd start with here — it works from newborn without an insert, distributes weight across both shoulders and hips evenly, and the hip belt does real work so your partner's shoulder isn't carrying the load alone.

The Omni 360's hip belt carries roughly 60-70% of the weight, which is exactly what you want with a recovering shoulder — the back carry position shifts load onto the hips and lower back rather than the shoulders. For extended carries that's the right design. The caveat: back carry isn't recommended until baby has strong head control, typically around 4-6 months, so for a newborn you're in front carry first regardless. The shoulder load in front carry is more symmetrical than a ring sling, which matters here.

For a heavier child in extended back carry with an inexperienced wearer and a recovering shoulder, I'd actually shift the final recommendation to the Tula Free-to-Grow over the Omni 360. The Tula's wider, more padded hip belt does more aggressive weight transfer and the shoulder straps have a softer cross that sits away from the shoulder joint rather than sitting directly on top of it — meaningfully better for asymmetric recovery situations. It also grows newborn to toddler without an insert. For a 20lb child at 30+ minutes, the Tula Free-to-Grow is the right call here. I'd strongly recommend an in-person fitting at a babywearing consultant or sling library before committing — free, and essential given the shoulder situation.