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!
Gemma using the Ergobaby Omni Breeze
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.
5 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 turn 4 years old, or 20kg, so you can get lots of use and wear out of them
Read my review of the BabyBjorn Mini.
Gemma using 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!
Read about my favourite soft carrier, the Ergobaby Omni Breeze.
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.