A good SSC is another carrier that can last from infancy through toddlerhood. Due to the buckles they are also easy to learn. This makes them very approachable carriers for both moms and dads.
SSC stands for Soft Structured Carrier. Unlike a hiking/backpack carrier it doesn’t have any metal on or in the “frame” to create the structure and support. Yet they can be extremely supportive! These carriers all have slightly different heights, thickness of padding in the shoulder straps, and thickiness/height of the waist strap, making there be really no “best” SSC. Some are better than others, granted. But which is the best? It really depends what fits you best. Your lifestyle plays a role as well.
When choosing an SSC it’s best to avoid shopping at the big name chains like WalMart or Target. While they do sell buckle-on carriers the carriers they sell won’t support your baby as long as a good SSC will. Generally you’ll see the average Bjorn is rated to 20-some lbs while a higher rated Infantino around 30 lbs. Most other SSCs out there-not on shelves of Target or WalMart – will last to 35, 40, 45+ (yes, that’s PLUS) pounds!
Comfort is a major issue as well. While the rating on some of the carriers you commonly see may say 20, 30 lbs, often you really start feeling the pull a while before your baby hits the weight limit. It can become very uncomfortable. Your back can feel strained too. While babywearing your newborn might have been great in it, you start to feel like strollers are more comfortable- no back pain! Yet if you look beyond the store shelves of the major chains you’ll find there are many, many carriers which are much more comfortable.
Resale value is greater on the other brands of SSC too. If you go in to your average consignment store for babies like Once Upon a Child, or look on craigslist, you’ll find a lot of used carriers for $20, $12, $10, or even $5-8. If you start searching for some of the great SSCs, you’ll find it’s hard to get one for less than $70 used (though it can be done). The longevity and resale value of these carriers is another major bonus for moms and dads.
“Crotch danging” vs the seated baby- this is another major issue in the babywearing world. For now we’ll stick with this, simply: In many of the Snugli-style carriers the baby sort of dangles from the carrier.
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The fabric goes between the baby’s legs up around the crotch, around the hips like a swim suit, leaving the baby’s legs danging there. There is some concern this may not be best for your baby. Even if you don’t hold to that, just think about the comfort for your LO, especially your little boy. Think how it would feel to be carried around by that area, with your legs danging straight down. Not the best! That’s why so many of the better carriers are “ergonomically designed”. This basically means that it’s designed so the baby is actually seated in the carrier, no pressure on the crotch and no danging legs.
Look at the difference:
Baby is seated in a Beco
With these ergonomic carriers you can buckle them on your front or your back. Some can do a hip carry. Others like the Pikkolo by Catbird and the Gemini by Beco allow for an ergonomic front facing out. However, if you choose to use this option, let it be only if your LO insists and only for short periods of time. The disadvantage of FFO is strong, especially when with a back carry your LO can see the world and turn away from it. Notice the last statement “…and turn away from it.”- that is key. You see, overstimulation can be a major problem with facing your baby outward. While there is a time period when many babies want to see the world, they can also be very quickly intimidated by the world. They just know it’s big. They don’t know without reading their parent’s face if what’s happening is ok or not. If they are overstimulated or frightened and they are in a back carry, hip carry, or front carry, they can look to you for comfort or turn away from what is bothering them. If they are facing away from you, nope!
Some good brands to consider:
Angel Pack– reversible, and great for petite moms
Action Baby
Beco– maker of the orginal and the Gemini (which allows for ergonomic FFO option) and one of the most popular SSCs on the market. Great for petite and average moms.
Ergo– great for Dads and average moms. One of the most popular SSCs on the market. Comes in many different styles- original, sport, organic, performance, and options.
Pikkolo (which allows for an ergonomic FFO option)
Patapum– cool and comfortable, especially for summer. Has the coolest sleep hood. Comes in regular and toddler sized.
Oh Snap by BabyHawk (suitable for 6/8 months and up only)- the most options for colors/patterns.
Boba by Sleepywrap (suitable for 12 months and up only)- has foot stirrups
Scootababy is a buckle-on hip carrier.
Nana’s Jetpack
Olives and Applesauce (comes with a built-in infant insert)
Kanga–
To use a buckle carrier, pull on the straps to adjust like with a backpack. Buckle on, and go.
On to Woven Wraps https://tristatebabywearers.wordpress.com/getting-started-babywearing/wraps/
Back to Choosing Your Carrier https://tristatebabywearers.wordpress.com/getting-started-babywearing/
The Tri-State Babywearers 
