Soft Structured Carriers & Their Features

We often get the question, “What is the best carrier?” or “What is the most comfortable carrier?” With over 200 carriers in our library, it’s hard to say that any one is the best! Trying on carriers is much like trying on jeans—just because a brand works well for someone else doesn’t mean that it’s the best brand for you!

When it comes to soft structured carriers, it can be particularly tricky as there are so many options when it comes to size and features. We have over forty soft structured carrier brands in our library, but there are even more brands out there to try.

If you have not yet found the buckle carrier that is right for you, or you’re not sure what you’re looking for in a soft structured carrier, take a peek at all these varying features. The list is not exhaustive, but it’ll give you an idea of what all is out there.

​Seats
Kinderpack Infant seats can cinch down, Beco Geminis snap narrower, Emeibabys can adjust continuously, and Boba 4Gs are fixed width (an infant would need an insert). 

Wearing Options
Pognae only allows for baby to face in on the front, while a Lillebaby lets your baby face out.
The Original Bjorn can only be worn on the front, while an Ergo can be worn on the front, hip, or back.
A BityBean can be worn at a splashpad or in shallow water.
The panel width, panel height, strap length, and waistband size all vary between brands and models. Some can be worn from birth, while others are for much older children.

Straps
Lillebaby shoulder straps can cross behind your back in an X, while Tulas are fixed in a ruck/backpack style.
Boba 4G shoulder straps are curved to lay against your shoulders at an angle, while Olives & Applesauces are straight.
Chimparoo Treks have perfect fit adjusters (PFAs) on the straps near the panel to allow for more control over tightening, while the MobyGo has none.

Buckles
Kinderpack carriers have dual adjust buckles (you can tighten by pulling forward towards the panel or back towards your back), while Becos can only be adjusted one way.
Boba’s shoulder straps are buckled together on the wearer’s back, while Connectas are buckled on the side of the carrier panel.

Waistbands
Connectas have an unstructured and unpadded waist, while Lenny Lambs have a very structured and padded waist.

Other variations
Some carriers offer features like breathable mesh, hoods or head supports, a back support for the wearer, leg padding, or pockets. 
Some carriers have safety elastic for buckles or elastic to roll up the webbing on straps or waistbands.

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Have questions? Want to learn more about the carriers offered in our library? Attend one of our meetings to try a few on or speak to an educator about what carrier might be the best for you!