Full Buckle Carriers
Buckled carriers are sometimes referred to as SSCs (soft structured carriers). For some people, a carrier that buckles onto their body is a quick and convenient option, with others enjoying the fit of the structured support.
Because these carriers are often quite specifically shaped depending on the brand/make, what works brilliantly for one person might be quite uncomfortable for another, a bit like choosing the perfect pair of jeans. How well a carrier will fit your child at their age and stage is an important factor too, as the more structured carriers are limited in how much the size/shape adapts to different ages of children. Hiring to try before you buy is therefore really useful with SSCs, helping you find one that will be really comfy and convenient!
All of our buckled carriers can be worn on the front and, when your baby is sitting independently and strongly, on the back - some can even be adapted for a hip carry. Scroll down to see those still available!
Buckled carriers are sometimes referred to as SSCs (soft structured carriers). For some people, a carrier that buckles onto their body is a quick and convenient option, with others enjoying the fit of the structured support.
Because these carriers are often quite specifically shaped depending on the brand/make, what works brilliantly for one person might be quite uncomfortable for another, a bit like choosing the perfect pair of jeans. How well a carrier will fit your child at their age and stage is an important factor too, as the more structured carriers are limited in how much the size/shape adapts to different ages of children. Hiring to try before you buy is therefore really useful with SSCs, helping you find one that will be really comfy and convenient!
All of our buckled carriers can be worn on the front and, when your baby is sitting independently and strongly, on the back - some can even be adapted for a hip carry. Scroll down to see those still available!
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A note on carriers and babies facing outwards:
I'm often asked about babies facing outwards in carriers, and there are many carriers in mainstream shops which are marketed as offering this position, often used as a selling point. Not all the buckled carriers in Fife Sling Library can be used to carry your baby in a 'front facing out' position, but a few can (currently, the Lillebaby, the Beco Gemini and the Ergo Baby Omni 360). If you're wondering if you can, or should, try carrying your baby in this position, here are a few things to consider: From a safety point of view, babies cannot be placed in this position in a carrier until they have consistent head control, so that their head cannot slump to their chest and cause breathing difficulties. There is also no point at which you should switch baby to a facing-out position. Often, babies start showing more interest in seeing more of the world at 4 months or so, but this doesn't always mean that they HAVE to be turned round in the carrier - it's not a developmental need in many cases. |
Exploring hip carries and back carries can often give your baby a wider view, whilst keeping them in a parent-facing position, which has many advantages over a position facing away from you.
However, carrying your (head-controlling!) baby in a facing-out position may be a good solution in certain situations - the key is to be aware of the factors to consider and always remain aware of and responsive to your baby's needs, as with any sling or carrier use. You know your baby best! If you'd like to read more to be able to make an informed decision, here's a really great article below by Dr Rosie Knowles of Sheffield Sling Surgery and Carrying Matters: https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/the-fuss-about-facing-out/ |
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****CURRENTLY ON HIRE; AVAILABLE TO BUY MARCH 2021**** Carrier: Full buckle Brand: Manduca Model/colourway: Olive A really popular carrier, the Manduca adjusts easily to fit petite to larger wearers. The shoulder straps are straight and unclip from the body, making them crossable in a front carry if desired. Recommended for use for infants from 3.5kg (7.7lb) to 20kg (44lb). There is an infant insert to raise smaller babies to a safe height and the option to extend the back panel for more height when your child gets taller. Manufacturer's instructions |
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Carrier: Full buckle
Brand: Boba Model/colourway: 4G/'Tweet' Advised by Boba for babies from 7 - 45 lb, the 4G has a great insert like a cushion to raise smaller babies up. This insert has two settings to adapt for the in-between stage. There are also removable stirrups which help support the longer legs of a much older child in the 'M' position for best comfort. The straps do not detach from the body so are worn 'rucksack' style for front and back carries. Manufacturer's instructions download and videos here |
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Carrier: Full buckle
Brand: Boba Model/colourway: 4G/'Dusk' Advised by Boba for babies from 7 - 45 lb, the 4G has a great insert like a cushion to raise smaller babies up. This insert has two settings to adapt for the in-between stage. There are also removable stirrups which help support the longer legs of a much older child in the 'M' position for best comfort. The shoulder straps do not detach from the body so are worn 'rucksack' style for front and back carries. Manufacturer's instructions download and videos here |
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Carrier: Full buckle
Brand: Beco Model/colourway: Soleil/'Enzo' Offering a slightly wider body than some of the other 'birth to toddler' SSCs, the Beco has an optional insert (available separately to hire) to safely position smaller babies. The shoulder straps detach from the body so can be crossed for front carries. The manufacturer recommends this carrier is for babies weighing between 7lb and 45lb. Manufacturer's instructions (PDF) |
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Carrier: Full buckle
Brand: Tula Model/colourway: Baby size, wrap conversion/ 'Migaloo Sorbet' Tula is a really popular brand of carrier, with sturdy padding on the shoulder straps and waistband. The shoulder straps are fixed so are worn 'rucksack' style for front carries. The manufacturer recommends this carrier (used without insert) is for babies weighing between 15lb and 45llb. Manufacturer's instructions |
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Carrier: Full buckle
Brand: Connecta Model/colourway: Standard (baby) size, various models (see below) Connecta is also very popular, and also has a unstructured and simple design. Fife Sling Library has several baby size Connectas, listed below (also available in Toddler and Preschool size - see below). Baby size Connectas in Fife Sling Library (all pictured left, top to bottom): - Plain red cotton, petite straps - Plain purple cotton, petite straps - Grey/Pink wrap conversion, standard straps - Sky Blue Solarweave fabric*, standard straps You can carry your baby in a standard (baby) Connecta from approximately newborn, using the accessory strap to cinch the width as needed. The minimum recommended weight for this size is 7.5lb (3.4kg) and all sizes of Connecta are weight tested up to 24kg (just over 50lbs) - Connecta suggest it will comfortably support most children until around 2 years of age. The shoulder straps on Connectas cross on your back for front carries and come in standard and petite length: petite straps are 1.5 inches shorter than standard to allow a snugger adjustment if needed by people with a narrower body. *Connecta say, "Solarweave is a sun-protective fabric which blocks 95-99% of the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is highly breathable and non-irritating, even to sensitive skin. The Solarweave Connecta is constructed to keep your baby cool in the heat of summer as well as offering protection from the sun. Solarweave is a very strong fabric but with a soft cotton-like feel. It is very quick drying and is the ideal hot weather baby carrier." Manufacturer's instructions (PDF) |
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Carrier: Full buckle carrier
Brand: Connecta Model/colourway: Toddler size, various models (see below) All pictured on left, top to bottom as listed below Fife Sling Library has several toddler size Connecta listed below (also available in baby size, - see above). Toddler size Connectas in Fife Sling Library: - 'Planes', petite straps A Toddler Connecta will give a supportive and comfortable fit for most children from about 18 months until around 3.5 years or older. Suitable from 12kg to 24kg. The shoulder straps on Connectas cross on your back for front carries and come in standard and petite length for Toddler size: petite straps are 1.5 inches shorter than standard to allow a snugger adjustment if needed by people with a narrower body. Preschool Connectas are only made with standard shoulder straps. *Connecta say, "Solarweave is a sun-protective fabric which blocks 95-99% of the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is highly breathable and non-irritating, even to sensitive skin. The Solarweave Connecta is constructed to keep your baby cool in the heat of summer as well as offering protection from the sun. Solarweave is a very strong fabric but with a soft cotton-like feel. It is very quick drying and is the ideal hot weather baby carrier." Manufacturer's instructions (PDF) |
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Carrier: Full buckle
Brand: Scootababy Model/colourway: Black Suitable from 5 months up to 37 lbs, this fully buckled carrier has won awards for its unique design. It has a soft, fleecy shoulder strap which cups your shoulder for maximum comfort. Manufacturer's instructions (PDF) |
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Carrier: Full buckle
Brand: Tula Free to Grow Model/colourway: Marble This Tula is the Free to Grow model - it's really adjustable and suitable for babies and children from 7 to 45lbs. The mesh panel gives it extra breathability and coolness in warmer weather. Manufacturer's instructions |
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Carrier: Full buckle, baby size
Brand: Isara Model/colourway: Baby size/'Foxy' The Isara is a super option for small babies right up to toddlers! You can adjust the width by moving velcro panels within the waistband, and the carrier body height can be easily changed with webbing adjusters. In a front carry, the straps can be worn in an 'H' (rucksack) position or crossed, depending on your preference. The manufacturer recommends it is suitable for babies from over 4 weeks up to toddler age, with the seat width adjusting from 26cm up to 38cm. Manufacturer's video instructions |
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Carrier: Full Buckle
Brand: EasyFeel Model/Colourway: Preschool size; 'Ocean' A really adjustable, well-padded carrier, the EasyFeel Preschool size is the largest buckled carrier in the sling library. Older babies and children don't always want to stop being carried once they can walk, and this preschool carrier offers a really comfortable alternative to piggy backs for children who develop tired legs when out and about! The manufacturer recommends this carrier is suitable for children weighing between 16kg and 26kg. More info from the manufacturer |
