When it comes to baby carriers, I have tried quite a few and have some non-negotiables. They need to be comfortable for mom, supportive and safe for baby, and easy to put on (and it’s a huge bonus when they are cute too!) The Mabe Monarch baby carrier checks all of these boxes and more! I have found it to be a great carrier that offers good support, style, and versatility for both young babies and my growing toddlers.
This carrier is made from cotton and linen, comes in 15 colors and patterns, can be worn in three positions, and is reasonably priced, plus I have a code to save! I have used mine for over a year, and many of my friends have it. In this post, I am going to share my honest review and everything you need to know!
If you’re considering getting one, you can save 10% (it stacks with promotions) at checkout by clicking this link.
This post contains affiliate links, and I was gifted this wrap, but all opinions are my own. This is something that is very important to me. When you use my affiliate link, you don’t get charged any extra, but my family receives a small commission when you shop through one of my links. Thank you for supporting our work—we’re so grateful! Please do not use photos on this blog without permission!
Table of Contents
Mabe Monarch Carrier Quick Summary
If you’re short on time, here’s what you need to know about the Mabe Monarch Carrier:
Pros:
- Super supportive
- Easy to put on (no awkward hands behind your back)
- 3 carry positions (towards parent, facing out, and on your back)
- Snap-on panel head support/sun protection
- Cotton/linen blend
- Easy to clean
- Lots of colors and patterns, and a beautiful design
Cons:
- No supportive chest strap for wearing baby on your back
- No formal sun-shade
- Not the best for newborns
- Fabric is not the softest at first, but it gets softer over time
How Much Does the Mabe Monarch Carrier Cost?
The Mabe Monarch Carrier retails for $129.00, and if you use my link, you can save 10% (bringing it to $116). You can also purchase an accessory pouch for $35.
You can also buy on Amazon and Target!
Mabe Monarch Carrier Weight Limit & Specs
- Tested for babies 7-35 pounds
- Can be worn 3 different ways: facing in, facing out, and on your back.
- Machine washable (in a bag on a gentle cycle) and air-dry only
Carrying Positions
The Mabe Monarch Carrier can be worn three different ways: front carry facing you, front carry facing out, and back carry. You can start using the front inward-facing position right away (7 lbs+), but your baby must be at least six months old for the outward-facing and back carry positions. For these, your baby should be able to hold their head up independently and sit unassisted.
Mabe recommends only carrying your baby in an outward-facing position for 20 minutes or less.
Back Carrying in the Mabe Monarch Baby Carrier
You can usually wear your baby on your back around 6 months when they can sit unassisted. Always check with your doctor if you are unsure.
I personally found back carrying in the Mabe Carrier was better once my baby was older. I am between a size 4/6 and had the straps on the tightest setting, and because it is lacking a chest clip, I did not feel like I got a secure install until my baby was older, around 15 months (she is average for height and weight). Here is a video of me with her using the carrier on my back:
What Is the Mabe Monarch Carrier Made Of?
Something I love about the Mabe Monarch Carrier is that it’s made with all-natural fibers! Most of their carriers are 88% cotton and 12% linen, and the “Dream Wash Linen” color is 100% cotton.
The material is thick, padded, and breathable. It has lots of structure to support your baby’s body and your back. It comes pretty stiff out of the box, but softens with use.
Is the Mabe Monarch Carrier Comfortable?
As your baby gets older and heavier, babywearing can really hurt your back! I have friends who stopped babywearing earlier than they wanted because they didn’t have a good carrier. I have found the Mabe to be supportive, and it did not hurt my back even when wearing an older baby for longer periods The fabric has enough rigidity to help bear the load of your little one’s weight so that your back isn’t doing all the work. The thick padding and the crisscross straps are all big reasons why I think it is so comfortable.
Who Should Choose the Mabe Monarch Carrier?
I recommend this carrier to new parents all the time because it is so easy to put on and it’s supportive for the parent and baby. I ask moms who are wearing the Monarch what they think, and I have yet to meet one who doesn’t love it.
I would personally pair it with a newborn carrier like the Wildbird Wrap (review here) or the Ergo Embrace, because getting a good fit in the Newborn stage can be a little challenging with the Mabe (which is why they recommend 4 months +).
Other Mabe Product Reviews & Comparisons
Mabe also has a toddler sling, and you can check out my review here and watch this video!
Mabe Monarch VS Wildbird Aerial
- Mabe costs less at $50-$70 less than the Aerial
- Wildbird carriers are mostly linen, while Mabe are linen and cotton, and one is 100% cotton.
- The Wildbird can only be worn with the baby facing in on the front and back, not outward facing.
- The Wildbird has a chest strap for back carrying that the Mabe doesn’t have
- The head support on the Wildbird is less supportive than the Mabe because the Mabe head support snaps to the top of the carrier, and the Wildbird is freestanding
Mabe Monarch VS Happy Baby Original Baby Carrier
- The Happy Baby is a little more expensive at $169 v $129
- Both are made of natural materials, but the Happy Baby comes in a few different options, as well as limited edition fabrics
- The Happy Baby has a built-in sunshade that zips in and out
- The Mabe carrier is a little easier to put on without help because it crisscrosses in the back, whereas the Happy Baby has a buckle strap
Looking for a baby carrier? Watch my Best Baby Carrier video here, which features the Mabe:
Final Thoughts on the Mabe Monarch Carrier
The Mabe Carrier is a great option for parents of tiny babies or young toddlers. Its affordable price point, beautiful prints and fabric, and comfortable design make it an amazing option for the mom who wants all the baby cuddles while still being hands-free to do everything else we do in a day! It’s simple to put on and easy to clean, making it a perfect choice for busy parents. This carrier is one I reach for often and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a new carrier!
If this post helped, please consider shopping through my links (and save when you do) — it’s a small way to support my blog while keeping honest reviews like this coming. Thank you, and happy babywearing!
FAQs about the Mabe Monarch
Is the Mabe Monarch Carrier Hip-Healthy?
Yes, the Mabe Monarch carrier is hip-healthy. This is what Mabe said when I reached out:
The Monarch Carrier is thoroughly safety tested and ASTM & CPSIA certified. It is designed with hip health and the IHDI guidelines in mind, and allows for hip-safe carrying! (Hip safety in any carrier ultimately comes down to proper positioning and achieving the M position!)
Unfortunately, the IHDI hip safe product approval department is shut down and has been shut down since before the release or our carrier, and they are no longer updating the list. Instead, they have shifted their focus to educating on hip safety and achieving the hip safe M position!
When does the Mabe Monarch Carrier go on sale?
Yes, usually on holidays and Black Friday. My link and code stack on any promotions!
What size does Mabe Monarch fit?
The Mabe fits parents’ sizes XS-3XL. The waistband expands up to 55in.
Can you wash your Mabe Monarch?
Yes. Mabe recommends hand washing or machine washing on a cold, delicate cycle in a garment bag and laying flat to air dry.
Can you use the Mabe Monarch with an older baby?
Yes! This carrier can be used for children weighing 7-35 pounds. I am still able to wear my 2-year-old in it.
Is the Mabe Monarch good for a hot climate?
Yes. I live in a very hot climate and haven’t found the fabric to be too warm for either my baby or me. Since it is primarily cotton, it is breathable and moisture-wicking, but I will say baby wearing in 90+ degrees is hot in almost any carrier.
