Soft Carriers

Soft baby carriers are based on traditional Asian carriers and come in two basic variations - buckle carriers and tie-on carriers. Both types of carriers are the easiest to use in our opinion, and their clean and simple looks make the very popular with parents. The basic design is a panel of fabric with waist and shoulder straps; the difference with buckle carriers being that the straps are fastened and adjusted with heavy-duty clasps rather than tied on. Both variants can be used on the front and the back, and some designs can also be used on the hip. These carriers are an ideal choice for a family with children of two different ages that both need carrying as well.

Buckle Carriers are constructed from a panel of material which has attached shoulder straps and a waist band which can be adjusted with buckles. These carriers are very simple to use and usually fit both parents. Most are not suitable from birth but some brands sell a sperate infant insert which enables you to carry your baby on your front in the carrier. The buckle soft carriers really come into their own as back carriers for babies who can sit up, and their ergonomic design means you can wear them for long periods with heavier babies and toddlers. We sell a range of buckle carriers:

Suitable from birth: Pikkolo Baby Carrier, Beco Baby Carrier (with optional infant insert )

Suitable from 5 months upwards: Pikkolo Baby Carrier, Beco Baby Carrier, Patapum Baby Carrier, Scootababy Hip Carrier

Suitable for toddlers: Pikkolo Baby Carrier, Beco Baby Carrier, Scootababy Hip Carrier, Patapum Toddler Carrier

Tie-On Carriers are an ancient design which has been updated for modern parents. Often called Mei Tais (pronounced May Tai) these carriers are based on a centuries-old Asian design and are very simple in design and use. The shoulder and waist straps are tied on which makes them more versatile than the buckle carriers and they can also be used from birth without need for an insert. The variety in Mei Tais comes from the shape of the carrier, designs of fabric available and other design details such as pockets etc. These carriers are a great blend of style and comfort. Many parents prefer the lack of buckles as the carrier will not need adjusting between users. We stock the following brands of tie-on carriers:

Suitable from birth: Babyhawk Mei Tai, Catbird Baby Mei Tai, Kozy Carrier, Wilkinet Soft Cotton Baby Carrier Wilkinet Organic Cotton Baby Carrier and the Wilkinet Soft Cord Baby Carrier

Suitable for toddlers only: unique to this style of carrier, Babyhawk have designed a larger-bodied carrier especially for toddlers - the Toddlerhawk. These are not suitable for smaller babies.