Benefits of using a soft carrier
Soft carriers are carriers designed to help you carry your baby on your front or back, are structured as they have buckles and straps, and are extremely light weight and portable.
There are many different brands and designs on the market, but they all generally achieve the same outcome.
As a lover of the outdoors, soft carriers are my go-to, I’ve used them nearly everyday with both my babies, and even now with my toddler. I love them so much I have three!
I use them when going for a walk with my baby, a longer hike, going in the garden or just popping to the shops. Also, they are invaluable to have at home, to keep baby close, help them fall asleep and to get some housework done, or run around after my toddler!
Soft carriers are a really easy way to stay physically close with your baby and build a bond, but baby wearing isn't something new! All of our ancestors have done it.
They are many different designs and brands available today, so it is important to find the style that suits you, either by trying a few on at a sling library, talking to a baby wearing expert, or hire a few before you buy. Facebook Marketplace and Vinted are great options too.
If you want to know more about different types of carriers, read this guide.
7 benefits of a soft carrier:
They are super portable! They fold up so small, you can pack them and take them everywhere
They are really lightweight, this makes it so easy to take anywhere and everywhere with you, and even when using them, you’ll barely feel that you’re wearing one
You’ll feel so close to your baby. Soft carriers help you keep your baby physically close you you, so you and your baby can bond and learn more about each other
You can wear baby in different positions. Depending on the design of the soft carrier, you have the option to carry baby on your front, facing you or forward facing, on your hip and back carrying. This is great to find out what you and baby prefer, but also as they start to grow and can hold their head up, watching your baby see the world with you, is the most precious moment
Soft carriers are a great financial investment as they grow with you and your baby, and eventually toddler! Again, depending on the design, soft carriers can be used until your little one turns 4 years old, or 20kg, so you can get lots of use and wear out of them
Depending on the design, you can alter the straps to find what is most comfortable for you, either cross your back or over your shoulders (like a backpack)
They are easily adjustable using the straps and buckles, so you, and someone else can use them. (It is useful to practice how to get the carrier on and what adjustments you need to make, before putting your baby in the carrier, so you and someone else feel comfortable with what to do)
Read my review of the BabyBjorn Mini.
3 benefits of a waistband carrier:
The waistband helps to distrubute the weight of baby or toddler evenly over your hips, leading to less back pain and the ability to carry them for longer periods of time. Some, not all, will have lumbar support, to alleviate lower back pain
They are really comfy! Wearing the waistband feels easy and still feels comfy on top of big jumpers and coats
They make wearing baby/toddler feel effortless. I can say this is especially true when I carry my toddler on my back, I forget he weighs almost 17kg!
Even with a waistband carrier, it is still really important to find the right one for you and your baby, as some offer a padded lumbar support and some don’t.
Read about my favourite soft carrier, the Ergobaby Omni Breeze.
Some soft carriers can be used for newborns, and they often come with a newborn insert to use. It is best to practice how you will use the insert with the carrier prior to using it with your newborn, so you are happy with the adjustments that you need to make.
As with any baby wearing, always follow the safety instructions on your carrier and follow TICKS to ensure you are carrying baby correctly and comfortably. Read about TICKS here.
If you need further support and advice about baby wearing, pop into your local sling library or check out Rosie Knowles’s website carryingmatters.