Babywearing 101 – Soft Structured Baby Carriers
When new parent discussions turn to baby carriers it is almost always the more modern pack-style baby carriers that first come to mind despite the great variety of baby carriers available today. There is no denying that pack-style baby carriers are one of the most popular options, and there are many reasons why parents opt to purchase a structured carrier.
Soft-structured baby carriers are essentially mei tai baby carriers with buckles. They consist of a main body and four straps that attach to the wearer and hold baby close. Rather than wrapping or tying the carrier to your body, quick-release buckles are used. Buckle carriers lack the versatility that wraps and mei tai’s offer as you are limited to strap and buckle placement when it comes to securing the carrier to your body, however the addition of buckles make for a very convenient option when it comes to a baby carrier.
As Many Unique Pack Carriers as There Are Babies
Unlike simple baby slings or wraparound baby carriers that have a very basic and similar construction between brand names, soft-structured baby carriers vary widely from one model to the next. There seems to be as many unique styles of structured carriers as there are babies, each with its own distinctive features. Differences between soft-structured baby carriers can be found in the number of carrying positions offered, whether or not a waist belt has been used for dispersing weight more ergonomically over the wearer, how a baby is suspended in the carrier, the angle at which buckles, belts and straps are placed as well as how much of your baby is supported by the body of the baby carrier itself, depending on the size of the panel.
This aspect of varying styles and features is important to keep in mind when selecting a buckle-style baby carrier. If one brand does not seem to be working well for you or your baby, you are experiencing discomfort, or a carrier lacks the versatility you are after in its design, there are many others to choose from that will fit and feel differently.
When selecting a soft-structured baby carrier one of the most important features to look for is a carrier that makes use of back-packing technology. Wider shoulder straps, padding in all the right places, and a supportive waist belt to help distribute baby’s weight to your hips and upper thighs for maximum comfort will aid in preventing strain on your neck, back and shoulders.
In-Arms Parenting – for Toddlers too!
Many parents are looking for a baby carrier to use with their older or heavier children. A soft-structured baby carrier is ideal for this. Because a structured baby carrier of the highest standards will adequately distribute a heavier child’s weight to the wearer’s hips and not put strain on the neck and shoulders, you can easily (and comfortably!) carry a child up to 40 or more pounds in many soft-pack carriers.
Advantages of Soft-Structured Baby Carriers:
• Easy for most parents to learn how to use as their concept is similar to that of a standard backpack.
• Ergonomic design in many carriers is more comfortable for wearers offering balanced weight distribution across both shoulders (choose brands carefully!).
• One of the best carriers for older babies & toddlers (40+ lbs), most parents find they can carry a baby the longest in a soft-structured carrier.
• Many can be worn on the front and back, with some brands offering more flexibility than others in carrying positions.
• An excellent option for the active parent that hikes or walks often or for longer periods of babywearing.
• Some carriers are designed primarily for “hip” carrying, a natural position for many parents when carrying an older, heavier baby or toddler.
• Convenient to put on and off quickly and easily.
• No wrapping, knots to tie or dragging fabric.
• A one-size fits most baby carrier, soft-structured carriers can easily be shared by different users.
• Mainstream look and ease of use is highly appealing to dads.
• These carriers usually have the highest resale value.
Disadvantages of Soft-Structured Baby Carriers:
• Buckles and the adjustment of belt straps have a learning curve many parents are unprepared for. Carrier may be uncomfortable if adjusted incorrectly.
• Not usually recommended for newborns without head control (less than 4 months old), although some carriers may have additional accessories to accommodate infants.
• Not the easiest or most discrete for nursing an infant. Some may require additional accessories for nursing.
• Structured baby carriers don’t offer the same “hug” or hold some other carriers are well known for, so they are less than ideal for cuddling with an infant or young baby.
• Usually these are the most expensive baby carriers due to the great deal of extra hardware and workmanship involved in manufacturing.
• Buckles make this a bulkier baby carrier so it’s not as compact for travel and may not fit in a diaper bag.
Because of their unique design and the ability to transfer most of a child’s weight to the hips, structured carriers are among the most comfortable baby carriers with even the heaviest of children. Parents that plan to use their baby carriers for a long walks, hiking, back-carrying, or for extended babywearing with an older baby or child, may find a soft-structured baby carrier suits their needs best.
Soft-structured baby carriers are comfortable, relatively simple to use and stylish with mainstream appeal. If you’re looking for a way to get started with babywearing but traditional baby carriers make you nervous, using a soft-structured baby carrier would be a great choice. With their longevity and easy back-carrying options, pack-style baby carries offer a value in a baby carrier that is hard to match. Pair this style of baby carrier with a popular infant option such as a baby sling or wraparound and you’ll have a perfect baby carrying combination from birth to toddler and beyond.
WIN IT! Parenting by Nature is giving one T.O.P. reader their choice of in stock soft-structured carriers from their site. Canada and US addresses only please. To enter, leave a comment on this post listing the carrier & fabric you’ll be choosing if you’re selected as the winner before noon mst on April 20, 2009.
This is part six and the final installment (so sad – we’ve loved them!) in a series of guest-written articles by Parenting By Nature’s founder and mother of two, Tamara Champion. For more articles and information visit Babywearing 101 on the Parenting By Nature website or browse their extensive baby carrier selection. You’re sure to find the right baby carrier to suit your individual needs, style and desires!
Thanks so much, Tamara, for your very educational articles and amazingly generous giveaways. All of us, readers and writers, have loved them and think you’re the bomb!
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
This is part six and the final installment (so sad – we’ve loved them!) in a series of guest-written articles by 







April 14th, 2009 at 12:31 am
beco butterfly in carnival brown
April 14th, 2009 at 4:56 am
I absolutely LOVE my ergo carrier. My husband wears it without any issues. It is easy, portable and the extra backpack that connects is AWESOME.
I do not like it for little itty bitty babies, I feel like they get lost in there. My husband has worn our preschooler up till she was almost 4!
April 14th, 2009 at 5:15 am
I would love to try the Beco Butterfly II in Avery Beco/Black. It’s a beautiful carrier!
April 14th, 2009 at 5:48 am
I adore the Beco Baby Carrier, Beco Butterfly II in Avery Beco/Black.
April 14th, 2009 at 6:28 am
Wow I didn’t know they had a Ergo sport now! It sounds as if it would fit my husband a lot better than the original Ergo which doesnt fit him at all unfortunately
…So I would pick the Black Ergo Sport for him if I won. Thanks!!
April 14th, 2009 at 6:38 am
I like the becobutteryfly in carnival beco/brown
April 14th, 2009 at 6:40 am
We had a Bjorn with our last baby and LOVED it. But then I read on Parenting By Nature how the Bjorn isn’t the best for developing spines!! So we’ve been talking about getting an Ergo for the new baby, when she gets past the newborn stage. I’d choose the Ergo in Camel if I win. Or maybe the Ergo sport, since we live in the VERY hot Southeast US!!!
April 14th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier: Carnival Beco/Brown! wow this is gorgeous!
April 14th, 2009 at 7:39 am
I would pick the Ergo Baby Carrier, Sport. We do a lot of outside activities plus my husband would be more apt to wear black than a pretty fabric carrier! Thanks so much!
April 14th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Ergo Baby Carrier, Sport in black
April 14th, 2009 at 8:46 am
It’s a toss up between the Scootababy Piccadilly and the Ergo Sport. I love the look and simplicity of the Scootababy but the spine protection of the Ergo.
April 14th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I would choose the Beco Butterfly ll in the pattern Jacob Beco/Brown.
April 14th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I LOOOOOOOVE the becobutteryfly in carnival beco/brown, I would be very happy to use this!
April 14th, 2009 at 10:33 am
OOOh! I LOVE the Beco butterfly baby carrier in Carnival Beco/Brown.
April 14th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I love the Beco Butterfly in Avery.
Thank you very much.
April 14th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I would LOVE the Ergo Sport!!! While I’ve been a fan of babywearing from the getgo, my husband has had difficulties with fitting his broad frame into many of the carriers. The Ergo Sport sounds roomy and the reviews are awesome, I would love the opportunity to try it out!
Thanks for a great giveaway and a wonderful series on babywearing.
April 14th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Great article! I have used wraps and slings with both of my kids, but I have long been interested in the Ergo carrier. My daughter is over 35 lbs now so she is getting hard to wear in a sling. I love the camel and black, very unisex.
April 14th, 2009 at 10:53 am
I’d love the Beco Butterfly II in Jacob Beco/Brown! How adorable!
Thanks for the opportunity
annasmama0702@gmail.com
April 14th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Beco Baby Carrier, Beco Butterfly II
Beco Baby Carrier, Beco Butterfly II
April 14th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!!
More Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals and Fun:
coolcanucks.ca
April 14th, 2009 at 11:56 am
I would choose the camo
April 14th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Ergo baby carrier in blue color.thanks. This will be a great gift for my sis in law who just delivered a baby girl.thanks
April 14th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Pikkolo Baby Carrier in Jet/Black please!
April 14th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
becobutteryfly II in carnival beco/brown
April 14th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I would pick the Ergo design in the organic Chocolate material! It looks classy and functional
April 14th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I’d love the Scootababy Taupe Twill carrier!!
April 14th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I have your button
April 14th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I subscribe!
April 14th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
the Ergo Baby Carrier mverno@roadrunner.com
April 14th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I lilke the Upmama Hybrid Baby Slings in Chocolate.
April 14th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Beco Baby Carrier, Beco Butterfly II
April 14th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
i love the beco in carnival! it’s so pretty. thanks so much!
April 14th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I would pick the EllaRoo Mei Hip London. Thanks!
April 14th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I subscribe!
April 14th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I like the beco carrier in the sara pattern.
April 14th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I like the Beco Baby Carrier, Beco Butterfly II in Avery Beco/Black.Please enter me in the giveaway
April 14th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Hard choice! The scootababy San Fransisco.
April 14th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I’m a subscriber.
April 14th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I would want the Ergo Baby Carrier in Black with retro lining!
April 14th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I’m a subscriber.
April 14th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Your button is on my blog.
April 14th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Great giveaway
My favourite is the Upmama Hybrid Baby Sling!
Thanks
nancyrobster@gmail.com
April 14th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
I’m a subscriber via email!
Thanks
nancyrobster@gmail.com
April 14th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I would pick the becco butterfly II in Jacob’s brown. This is a beautiful carrier.
April 14th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I love wearing my baby and he loves it too! He gets a much better vantage point of his surroundings and he feels nice and safe in my arms so he is secure about interacting with other people and exploring new situations. People tell me he is an exceptionally friendly baby. I think much of this is because he is worn most of the time and hardly ever in a stroller. I have the Ergo and love it, but the Ergo sport would be great with the hot weather!
April 14th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
this was a wonderful & very informative series-thanks so much! I’d love the Ergo Baby Carrier in black/camel-so wonderful. I really learned a lot-thanks again!
April 14th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Your button is on my sidebar, thanks!
April 14th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
I’m an email subscriber, thanks
April 14th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
tweet tweet, thanks! http://twitter.com/idahojill/status/1522610752
April 14th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
beco butterfly in avery!
April 14th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
I would choose the beco butterfly in carnival beco/brown. So pretty!
Thanks
yzgirl4 at verizon dot net
April 14th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
I just borrowed an Ergo from a friend a LOVE it! I have a Freehand MeiTei carrier and love it, but it takes too long to get my 15-month-old in and out. I love the ease of the Ergo carrier. I would love one in the black and camel or chocolate!
April 14th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
So hard to pick one! I’d love the Beco Butterfly in Rusty/brown please!
April 14th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I’m a subscriber!
April 14th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I have your button on my website!
April 14th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
I like the Beco Butterfly II in Carnival Beco/Brown.
April 15th, 2009 at 1:22 am
I like the freehand in Amelia.
April 15th, 2009 at 1:41 am
i’d get the beco one in Avery Beco/Black
autumn398 (at) yahoo.com
April 15th, 2009 at 6:32 am
Love the Beco Butterfly in Avery. It would be perfect for my new arrival in three weeks!!!
April 15th, 2009 at 6:50 am
I would pick the Beco Butterfly in Carnival Beco/Brown.
April 15th, 2009 at 7:18 am
I would choose the Ergo baby carrier in Camel. Thanks!
April 15th, 2009 at 7:40 am
I love the Beco Baby Carrier, Beco Butterfly II.
April 15th, 2009 at 8:02 am
thank you
April 15th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I would love the Ergo Baby Carrier, Sport!
April 15th, 2009 at 9:08 am
i think i would choose the Beco butterfly ll / pattern Jacob Beco & Brown.
April 15th, 2009 at 10:39 am
I would choose the ergo carrier in black. I’ve heard so many good things about these carriers.
April 15th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I love the BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Carnival!! Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
April 15th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Beco Butterfly II in Ryan/brown
April 15th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I’d pick the Beco Butterfly II in Avery Beco/Black. Pretty and practical
April 15th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I would choose the Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier in Avery Beco/Black. Thanks.
April 16th, 2009 at 2:02 am
I’d love the The ERGObaby Sport in black.
April 16th, 2009 at 9:17 am
The Beco Butterfly in Avery is my fave.
April 16th, 2009 at 9:27 am
I would choose the dark chocolate organic ergo or the sport…can figure out which is more AWESOME than the other!!!
April 16th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I really like the Beco Butterfly II in Avery Beco/Black. THank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
April 16th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I would LOVE the Beco butterfly baby carrier in Carnival Beco/Brown.
ditedesco at aol dot com
April 16th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
I really like the beco butterfly in Sara Beco/Black> As a mom to twins anything to help my aching back would be a god-send!!
April 17th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I’m looking into getting the Ergo in Camel so it would be great to win it!!!
April 17th, 2009 at 11:43 am
I’d love the Beco Butterfly II in Sara
April 17th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Love the Ergo baby sport carrier in black.
April 17th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
My favorite is the EllaRoo Mei Hip Helinski .
April 17th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
My favorite is the Ergo Baby Carrier, Sport. I like it because my husband can also wear it. I have a printed baby sling, but my husband finds it to girly for him. THANKS for the chance.
April 17th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I have always wanted to try the Beco Baby Carrier, Beco Butterfly II, we have two Ergos already. We LOVE our ergos!
April 17th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I’d choose the Beco Butterfly in Jacob.
April 17th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I like the Beco in Avery black pattern.
April 17th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I really liked the Ergo Baby Carrier, Sport
Ergo Baby Carrier. I think this is the best one.
April 17th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Ergo Baby Carrier in Camel or the Black Retro. I am not very familiar with baby carrying as the sling I bought from someone else, was to big for me. I didn’t end up using it and I feel bad for my little man.
Anyways your product looks well made and I spent a great deal of time on the site, not sure which one to pick as the selection is so varied. It looks like you have something for absolutly everyone.
Thanks for the chance to visit your site and win one of these great carriers, it really does sound like a wonderful thing.
Michelle
April 17th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I subscribe.
Michelle
April 18th, 2009 at 9:19 am
becobutteryfly in carnival beco/brown
April 18th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier
I currently have a Ring Sling and a snuggli I hate using the ring sling on my infant and the snuggli makes me nervous.
April 18th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
My pick: Pikkolo Baby Carrier in black
April 18th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I would pick the Beco Butterfly, Avery. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
April 18th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Pikkolo in Mocca Rouge/Black.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I would select the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:36 am
I really like the ergo baby carrier in camel.
ferriza2[at]yahoo[dot]com
April 19th, 2009 at 3:03 am
The Beco Butterfly, in Avery. They’re all great — it’s hard to choose!
April 19th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Ah, I think that an Ellaroo would round out my carrier stash nicely, especially in the Helinski (Helsinki?) patten
April 19th, 2009 at 8:50 am
the camo would be perfect
April 19th, 2009 at 8:56 am
I woul chose the Ergo carrier in Black/Green.
April 19th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I like the Beco Butterfly Carnival Beco/Brown
April 19th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I would love the Ergo in Black & Camel!!!! Thanks for the opportunity!
April 19th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
the Beco Butterfly II in Avery Beco/Black
April 19th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I would love the Beco Baby Carrier in Sky!
April 19th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
I would choose the beco carrier in the sara pattern.
April 19th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
I like the Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier in Sara Beco/Black. Thank you.
April 19th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I have five kids and used a baby carrier for all of them. They keep your hands free so you can do the many tasks you need to do. I have never seem so many innovative and beautiful designs. Mine was plain and boring. These carriers would of made me look good even when i just wearing my cozy sweat pants.
April 19th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I love the Scootababy Hip Baby Carrier (Scootababy Versailles)
April 20th, 2009 at 1:22 am
I like the Ergo Baby Carrier, Sport!
April 20th, 2009 at 1:25 am
My favorite is the Ergo baby Carrier Sport. in black. THANKS
April 20th, 2009 at 1:27 am
I like the The Beco Baby Carrier SARA print. To carry my son. Thanks for the giveaway.
April 20th, 2009 at 3:56 am
ergo in blue
April 20th, 2009 at 5:06 am
I heart the Beco Baby Carrier, Beco Butterfly II in thecarnival brown:)
April 20th, 2009 at 6:35 am
BECCO BUTTERFLY IN BROWN IS MY FAV!
April 20th, 2009 at 7:27 am
I love the Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier in the Avery fabric!
April 20th, 2009 at 8:18 am
I would choose the Ergo Baby Carrier Sport in black.
April 20th, 2009 at 8:29 am
I like the Avery Beco Baby Carrier, Beco Butterfly II.
April 20th, 2009 at 8:29 am
I have always wanted to try out the Pikkolo in a chocolate. Scrumptious!
April 20th, 2009 at 9:01 am
I would love to try the Beco Butterfly II in Avery Beco/Black!
April 20th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Ergo Baby Carrier Sport (black) is the one that I love
April 20th, 2009 at 10:43 am
I like the Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier in the Jacob design
April 20th, 2009 at 10:52 am
I really like the Ergo Baby Carrier in Black/green.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:15 am
ergo baby sport thanks
April 20th, 2009 at 11:39 am
I like the scootababy wall street carrier. Very chic and looks strong.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Beco Butterfly, Avery
April 20th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I’d choose the Ergo Baby Carrier
April 20th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Pikkolo Baby Carrier
April 20th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Scootababy hip carrier.
January 12th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I love the Baby K’tan in black, I even got it embroidery with my sons name on it!
March 20th, 2010 at 1:01 am
After doing about 10 hour in market research I have to say I’d go with the Beco Butterfly 2 in Lenka. I have an active 18 month old and a new little one due in April.
March 31st, 2010 at 12:54 pm
I would get the Pikkolo or Oh Snap!