Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Baby Carrier review

The Infantino Flip 4-in-1 is a fantastic budget option that offers a number of carry positions without the usually steep price. While the material isn’t as quality as higher-end options, it is light yet strong – a formidable combination. The use of a clip system makes it a quick and easy way to carry your child without the faff you might associate with a material sling.

It’s also proved a hit online, gaining thousands of 5-star reviews across a number of retailers. It has a minimum child weight of 3.6kg and maximum of 14.5kg and has four carry positions: In-facing (infant), In-facing Wide, Out-facing and backpack.

Tested by

Journalist Luke tested the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Baby Carrier with his 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter and 6-month-old son. He wore it on walks with the dog and around the house getting jobs done.

What were your first impressions of the Infantino Flip 4-in-1?

It was instantly clear this is a very light little unit, and even the plastic clips felt feathery, but not weak. The material doesn’t feel as high quality as perhaps it looks, but it’s still strong enough to reassure you that your baby will be safe enough when out and about.

The addition of a removable dribble bib is a nice touch. Also, the overall simplicity makes it feel like you can easily just start using this right out of the box without needing to read any instructions.

How does this differ to other carriers in the brand’s range?

The Flip 4-in-1 is one of the cheapest in the Infantino baby carrier range. Despite this, in terms of functionality, it offers much the same as many of the other carriers in the collection – boasting four different carry positions and a decent age range. However, it doesn’t give you some of the additional details others carriers have; the clever layering options to cater for different weather as seen in the In Season carrier, or the padded shoulder straps and thick waistband of the Go Forward carrier. Some of the other Infantino carriers also offer an ergonomic position for all four of their seating positions, while the Flip 4-in-1 is only ergonomic when facing in.

How does the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 compare to other similarly-priced carriers?

Quality varies vastly amongst the budget end of the carrier market, and Infantino, with its decent-sized range, certainly takes up a substantial amount of space within the value price bracket. That said, there are a handful of similar carriers to compete against it. The Nuby 3-in-1 Baby Carrier is a similar price (currently £30.74 on Amazon) and has just a slightly smaller maximum age range of 14kg compared to Infantino Flip’s 14.5kg. Like the Flip, it comes with a detachable dribble bib, but it’s also sold with a removable padded head support. All three of the Nuby’s seat positions are ergonomic, compared to the Flip’s one.

For a fraction more (currently £39.99 on Amazon), the Kinderkraft MILO carrier is a worthy opponent to the Infantino Flip 4-in-1. Unlike the Flip, it can’t be used from birth, instead it begins at 3 months, but it does last longer, with a maximum weight limit of 20kg compared to the Flip’s 14.5kg. It only has two carry positions (front, facing inwards and backpack) compared to the Flip’s three, but both positions are ergonomic and allow your baby’s legs to rest in the hip safe ‘M’ position. It also has a handy storage pocket to store essentials and is available in two trend-led patterned designs.

The Bebamour Baby Carrier is another great option with a similar price (currently £37.99 on Amazon). Like the Kinderkraft MILO, it starts at 3 months, but has the same maximum weight of 14.5kg as the Infantino Flip. It also has the same three carry positions. It has five colour options where Infantino only has one and it’s made from a mesh-like material that’s similar to carriers at the higher end of the market.

What are the carrier’s unique features?

The Infantino 4-in-1 Flip’s functionality, versatility and value price are its major USPs – the ease of changing between the four modes is also a big draw. On Amazon, where it’s rated 4.5 out of 5, it has over 1,000 5-star reviews from across the globe, with many customers singing its praises for its high quality look, comfort and excellent price – a combination that’s uncommon.

What age can the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 be used for?

The Flip is designed for babies between 3.6kg (8lb) and 14.5kg (32lb), which is roughly 3-years-old. So while larger newborns will be able to try it out straight away, you may have to wait a few weeks before taking it out.

In reality, it feels like you’d be pushing it if you used this for a larger child. While the straps and material might be able to hold that weight, your back and shoulders would likely suffer.

The Kinderkraft MILO carrier is the only product that exceeds the Flip’s maximum age range significantly, with a weight limit of 20kg, around 5-years-old.

How do you put on the Infantino Flip carrier?

This part was great since it’s all clip based. Once you have had a few outings and the carrier is setup for your little one, it makes putting it on each time really easy. There’s the usual faff of getting the legs through but once your child is in you can clip and you’re done. The straps are easily accessible for any tightening or loosening as you need.

While the vast majority of Amazon reviewers agreed that the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 is very easy to put on and off, a handful found the straps to be confusing and were unsure how to get the best fit.

How easy it to put on and take off the Infantino Flip 4-in-1?

The process is simple thanks to the clips and easily accessible straps. Leg access is limited but then that’s usually the case with most carriers.

What are the seating positions like?

There are four options on the Flip – facing-in narrow seat, facing-in wide seat, facing out, back carry.

Compared to the competition, the Nuby 3 in 1 Baby Carrier and the Bebamour Baby Carrier both also offer three carry positions.

Is the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 ergonomic?

Yes, in one of the positions – when facing in, the carrier keeps your baby’s bottom and legs in the froggy ‘M’ position to protect their hips. There is also decent support with enough give to keep a curve in your baby’s spine, which is recommended.

Does it follow the TICKS guidelines?

It does indeed as the baby is Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keeping chin off chest and Supported in the back. To find out more, click here.

Is the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 comfy for you?

Initially the carrier is comfy, but the material could be tighter in places and no matter how snug I got my baby, I found there was still pressure placed on my lower back. So, it could be comfier. This slight strain is fine for shorter use, but any long-distance walking could end up getting uncomfortable unless you keep adjusting the carrier.

My experience is backed up by a number of online shoppers, who also found that after some time walking they suffered from lower back pain. It must be said however, that many more shoppers reported finding the carrier extremely comfy for long periods of time.

What is the sizing like?

There is plenty of give and excess available on the straps, and the carrier adjusts well, so the Flip will work on a smaller or larger parent in combination with babies of varying sizes. Essentially this is a fits-all sizing system that should work in most scenarios.

Can you put on the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 and take it off yourself?

You can, but it’s a challenge. Getting the child’s legs in isn’t the easiest thing in the world and it’s definitely quicker with a little help. That said, this is the case for most carriers, so this can’t really be a complaint here where the clips make the job a lot easier than some.

Many online shoppers report that while navigating the carrier on your own is a struggle initially, after a few times using it it’s much quicker and easier to get on.

What are the shoulder straps like?

The shoulder straps are a little padded and wide enough to avoid digging in, but they could be more padded and even wider, as over longer periods they can become uncomfortable. The ability to pull them in together at the back with a supporting strap is useful as that takes some pressure off your shoulders.

What are the buckles like on the Infantino Flip 4-in-1?

Big, plastic and chunky. As a result, they feel strong enough for the job, yet they are easy to clip in. They do feel cheap though, as the clip takes a bit of strength to open and remove when one-handed – more-so than fastenings I’ve tried on other more premium carriers.

Is it easy to put your child in the carrier?

Once you’ve got your child’s legs in the carrier that’s half the job done. There are pretty small holes for this and the layer between where they go and where the carrier holds to you is close, so you need to be careful that they’re going in the right section. If you’re putting your child on your back, then you need to have them half in already or have help – this is really difficult to do on your own – but then that’s the case for most softer carriers that have a back carry.

Is the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 comfy for your baby?

It appears to be, although the middle seat area isn’t very big, so if your child isn’t wearing a nappy it could dig in a bit. The fold over top makes it spacious for looking around and the addition of the dribble bib helps. Also, there is an expanding flap at the bottom that allows for a tighter or looser support depending on the baby. Using this lets you have your baby high or lower in the carrier.

On Argos, where the carrier is rated 4.7 out of 5, 96% of shoppers would recommend it and many have left glowing reviews, expressing just how comfy and happy their baby was while they were wearing it.

Can you breastfeed while wearing the carrier?

No, unfortunately.

Is the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 baby carrier durable?

While I didn’t test it for long enough to offer a truly fair answer, I would say the material does feel a little cheap. It’s not too harsh to say that the stitching will probably start to go over time and I wouldn’t be surprised if the plastic clips snapped if used a lot.

Is it easy to clean?

There are lots of overlapping straps and supports that make it tough to give it a quick wipe down although the addition of the removable dribble bib makes it nice and easy to clean that area. That said, it’s a really thin bib, so you may find you need to wash the carrier anyway. The carrier itself is machine washable, so it’s quite easy to throw into the machine to get it looking fresh again – I would worry about the clips being knocked about so much however.

Is the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 good value for money?

Yes, this carrier definitely does gives you value for money; you get a lot of functions for such a low price and the style and relative comfort you receive outshines its low price tag. That said, if you spend a bit more you may find you have increased back support and can wear it for longer, which may be a better investment.

Where can I buy the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 baby carrier?

It's available at Amazon, Smyths Toys and Argos.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Infantino Flip 4-in-1 is a great-value carrier that with its attractive design, comfy fit and multiple carry modes, defies its budget price tag. While its back support could be improved, and it doesn’t have the longevity of pricier models, it’s perfect for short-term carrying, or wearing around the house and it has delighted multiple parents with its ease of use. A fantastic bargain buy.