Unit 2: Carrier Types

This unit will give an overview of the types of carriers available in our library

SSCs

Soft structured carriers (SSCs), also know as buckle carriers, typically have a main panel with back-pack style straps and a waist belt with a buckle closure.

In this image from Lovetobenatural.co.uk you can see the parts of a soft-structured carrier or buckle carrier.

Some of these features create both the ease of use for some people, as well as the specificity of the fit.

Some carriers allow for the body panel to be adjusted through snaps, buttons, or zippers, while others require the use of an infant insert to achieve a supportive fit.

Also, some styles allow the shoulder strips to be crossed, while others do not have that capability.

Popular brands of buckle carriers include (but are not limited to):

Ergo
Lillebaby
Tula
Inantino
Beco

Meh Dai/Beh Dai

This carrier type originated in China. It typically has a rectangular body panel with 4 straps, one at each corner. There are straps at each corner, two for the shoulders and two to tie at the waist. There may or may not be padding or additional structure at the waist. The shoulder straps may be a narrow or wide (wrap straps) and may or may not have padding.

In this image, you can see the shoulder and waist straps of a Meh Dai, as well a reminder of the importance of respecting carrier origins and pronunciation.

The straps, and lack of structure through stiff padding, allows a Meh Dai to have an incredibly adjustable fit for every wear-er and wear-ee.

Some carriers allow for the body panel to be adjusted through snaps, buttons, velcro, or drawstrings, while others allow other adjustments such as an elastic band or rolling the waist.

Some Meh Dais have narrow straps while other have wider (wrap) straps.

Popular brands of meh dais include (but are not limited to):

Infantino
Tula
Fidella
Didymos
Babyhawk

#NotYourPodBuTaiRespecting East Asian Traditional Baby Carriers Use the full names of the carriers to preserve the cultural origins of the carrier. For example: [brand name] bei-dai or [brand name] podaegi or [brand...

Ring Slings

A ring sling is a long piece of (typically) woven fabric with two rings sewn on to one end.

In this image, from mamainstincts.com, you can see a toddler in a ringsling. The image also includes notes about fit.

Ring slings come in a variety of fabric types, including cotton, linen, bamboo, silk, wool, and many different fabric blends, The rings are typically aluminum or nylon and are constructed so that they have no seam. (The lack of seam is important, because a seam on the ring can cause a weakening of fabric with friction)

Ring Slings also come in different lengths, so that a wear-er may find a comfortable amount of fabric to support the wear-ee with a comfortable amount of excess fabric or "tail"

Shoulder styles vary in ring slings, as well. There are many options that can significantly affect the feel and comfort of the sling on the shoulder of the wearer. Shoulder styles can be "hot dog", "hybrid", "gathered", or a variety of pleat options, just to name a few! We have multiple shoulder styles available in the lending libraries.

Wraps

A wrap is a long piece of (typically) woven fabric. The ends may be tapered or blunt.

Content

Hybrid and Other Carriers

Content

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