As a Peace Corps nurse during the 1960s in Togo, West Africa, Ann Moore saw African mothers do something that she found very interesting: they carried their babies in fabric slings tied securely on their backs. Moore liked the closeness between babies and their mothers when carried in this way. She observed how the babies seemed so calm because they felt secure and near to their mothers.

When Moore came back home to the United States and decided to have her own child, she wanted to carry her baby in the same manner. After her daughter Mandela was born, Moore attempted to secure the baby on her back just as she had seen in Africa, but the child kept slipping. Starting from a simple backpack and then refining it to their needs, Moore and her mother designed a carrier similar to the ones used by the women in Togo. Together, they came up with the original soft baby carrier, the Snugli®, as well as other kinds of specialized carrying cases.

Due to their invention, mothers and fathers all over the world are able to ride bikes, cook and run errands while carrying their babies close to them. Here is a picture of Moore with the Snugli®.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ann Moore

Who is Ann Moore?

Ann Moore is an American inventor best known for creating the Snugli, a baby carrier that changed how parents hold and carry infants close to their bodies.

What is the Snugli?

The Snugli is a soft, fabric baby carrier designed to let parents carry their babies comfortably on the chest or back while keeping their hands free.

Why did Ann Moore invent the Snugli?

She invented it out of her own experience caring for her young children. She wanted a way to carry them comfortably while still moving around and taking care of tasks, without relying on bulky or uncomfortable gear.

When did Ann Moore develop the Snugli?

She developed the first version of the Snugli in the late 1960s when she was looking for a better baby-carrying solution. It quickly gained popularity because it worked well and felt natural for parents to use.

What made Ann Moore’s design unique?

Her design focused on comfort, closeness, and practicality. Rather than metal frames or rigid supports, the Snugli used straps and soft material so babies could be held snugly and securely while parents remained mobile.

How did the Snugli impact parenting?

The Snugli encouraged a style of carrying that made bonding and attachment easier for caregivers and babies. It also helped pave the way for a whole category of modern baby carriers.

Was the Snugli patented?

Yes. Ann Moore secured legal protection for her design so that she could manufacture and sell the baby carriers under the Snugli name.

How did the public react to the Snugli?

Parents liked it right away because it solved a real problem for them. Its popularity spread through word of mouth as people realized it was comfortable, convenient, and useful in everyday life.

Can the Snugli still be found today?

Yes. Variations of the original Snugli and similar baby carriers are still available and widely used. Many modern carriers build on the ideas Ann Moore helped popularize.

What lessons can aspiring inventors learn from Ann Moore’s story?

Her story shows how paying attention to real needs around you and experimenting with simple ideas can lead to something meaningful. Not all inventions start in a lab — some begin with everyday life and a willingness to try something different.