A carrier certainly helps with hands-free mobility, and the bonding it promotes is a plus! And yes, anything that helps establish a consistent sleep schedule is a lifeline, especially for new parents.
I've also found an old-school infant bathtub stand useful for keeping my little one safe and contained during bath time, especially when they're too young to sit up on their own. And of course, what baby gear conversation is complete without mention of the humble white noise machine?! That static-y shush has calmed many a fussy baby, including mine! Seems like there's always something new to discover.