Baby Carrying Made Easy
On this page we show you what makes a good soft structured carrier (SSC) or front pack, what the differences are between the main styles, how to get a comfortable carrier and why they are so good at getting baby from a to b as well as helping baby sleep when you need your hands free!
We compare the main soft structured carriers we offer from Beco, Boba, Ergobaby, Carifit & more. Only the most popular variants are shown below to provide an overview of the main differences between each manufacturer.
We love baby carriers at The Sleep Store. They're a great alternative to buggies as they keep baby close, helping them to relax enough to sleep. This lets you get on with your day, carrying your baby in comfort with your hands free. If you have further questions, request a carrier consult with our team of baby-wearing experts.
What is a Soft Structured Carrier (SSC)?
Soft Structured Carriers or SSC's are a very popular choice in the baby carrier range. SSC's, are also commonly known as a 'front pack' and they typically consist of a buckled, padded waistband, buckled padded shoulder straps and a back panel with a sleep hood. They are super quick to pop on and very supportive. SSC's do not require any learning or technique in the way a woven wrap does. This style of carrier is very popular with parents looking for a carrier that's quick and easy to put on, take off and adjust. This style covers brands like Beco, Boba, Ergobaby, and Carifit. Our in-house team of qualified baby carrier consultants hand-pick every carrier that goes into our range.
Watch Louise demonstrate our most popular soft structured baby carriers
Watch: Bestselling Soft Structured Baby Carriers at The Sleep Store
Here at The Sleep Store, we have one of the widest range of buckle carriers available from an Australasian retailer. All our carriers have been chosen by certified baby-wearing consultants for their comfort & safety. We have top brands such as Ergobaby, Beco, Boba & Carifit, but also stock lesser-known brands such as Diva Milano, Wildride & Love Radius. Many of our carriers are suitable to use from newborn, which makes life easier for new parents and we have options such as crossable straps, outward-facing carry positions and more. Watch Lou, a certified babywearing consultant, show you our best-selling soft structured carriers, including the Boba Bliss, a hybrid baby carrier.
What to look for when choosing an SSC style carrier
While you and your baby may take a little time to get used to carrying and working out the most comfortable position for you both, front packs (SSC's) do not require any learning or technique in the way a woven wrap does.
Most Soft Structured Carriers can be used for front or back carrying and from newborn (though with some carriers you'll need a separate infant insert). Some styles can be used hip carrying too, though they are a little fiddlier to set up this way than a Ring Sling. Unless specified, carriers are only used with baby facing inwards towards the adult, i.e. front carry facing parent or back carry like a piggyback position. While some new carrier models have an adjustable position for facing outwards with older babies, the recommended position for babies is facing in, towards the adult.
Soft structured carriers are fabulous for going hiking and provide fantastic support for long-term wearing. They are our most recommended option for a comfortable way to carry children for longer periods of time.
In the chart below, we focus mainly on carriers that can be used up until your baby is around 2 years old and in most cases up to 20kg. Beco even does a specific toddler carrier to keep the knee to knee support for your child, which means big hikes are possible even when 3yr olds get pooped - they're not heavy like framed backpacks so are easily carted along.
The different brands have different fabrics and may differ in the height of the back panel and the length of the waistband.
Comparison Chart - Soft Structured Carriers that can be used from newborn (do not require an additional infant insert)
| Beco | Beco | Boba | Boba | Ergobaby | Ergobaby | Carifit | |
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Model |
Gemini V2 |
Fly |
X |
Auri |
Omni Deluxe All in One |
Omni Classic Carrier - Cool Mesh |
Multi-position Core baby carrier |
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Why we love it |
Simple, versatile and comfortable. An upgrade on the much loved Gemini |
Ultra lightweight & portable for travelling |
Genuine newborn to toddler carrier as it includes toddler seat extender |
Amazing value and simple to use |
A well-known brand and popular option with multiple ways to wear. |
Incredibly breathable & lightweight to create maximum airflow |
Simple to use - no back straps. Universal sizing. Access to Carifit App for 12 months |
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Front Carry |
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Back Carry |
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Baby Facing Out Option |
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Hip Carry Option |
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Use from Newborn |
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From approx 1 month (3.2kg) |
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Maximum Weight |
15.8kg max |
20kg max |
20kg max |
20kg max |
20kg max |
20kg max |
20kg max |
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Sleeping/Nursing Hood |
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Cross Strap Friendly |
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Storage Pocket |
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Waist Belt Length |
69-149.8cm |
60-136cm |
65-150cm |
70-140cm |
66-140cm |
66-140cm |
Fits waist size 60cm - 150cm |
This comparison chart compares similar SSC's for carriers that are suitable from newborn through to around 20kgs (check the product page for carrier minimum and maximum weights). The chart compares carry positions, accessories and adjustability, so think about what features are important to you before you decide which carrier is best for you. If you're not sure, book a baby carrier consultation with our qualified team.
