Buckle Carriers
Soft Structured Carrier / Buckle
Fabric body panel with waist and shoulder straps that buckle.
- Adjustable between caregivers
- Usually can be used from Birth - Preschool+(depending on sizing)
- Two shouldered carry
- Can be worn on the front, (sometimes) hip, and back
Notes on Adjustability
Buckle carries come in several sizes and the ability to do hip or forward facing out carries. Below I am going to talk about some of the differences you may see in a buckle carrier and what to look for when you are deciding on a carrier for your family.
Newborns / Small infants
If your goal is to wear a newborn or a small infant in a buckle carrier, it has to have the capacity for the seat to narrow or include an infant insert. Even then, some buckle carriers may not be suitable for your infant depending on their size.
Infants & early toddlers
Infants starting at about 4-6 months old and toddlers will generally fit into a regular or standard sized carrier without needing to make many, if any adjustments. Make sure the child is within the weight limits for the carrier. Both of their knees need to be able to bend at a 90 degree angle and the top of the body panel needs to land somewhere between the bottom of their ears to their arm pits. If it goes over their ears, they are still a bit too small for the carrier. If it is further down their backs than their arm pits then they have outgrown it and it will be less comfortable for the person wearing them.
Toddler Carriers
Toddler carriers are generally sized for bigger toddlers and early preschoolers depending on the child’s size. Make sure the child is within the weight limits for the carrier. Both of their knees must be able to bend at a 90 degree angle. The top of the body panel needs to land somewhere between their arm pits and the nap of their neck. If it goes over their ears or they cannot easily bend both legs at a 90 degree angle without putting pressure on the seams of the carrier, they are still a bit too small for the carrier. If it is further down their backs than their arm pits then they have outgrown it and it will be less comfortable for the person wearing them.
Preschool +
Preschool and big kid carriers are just that, for those children who are in preschool or older. The same sizing rules apply to this as to the toddler carriers. These carriers come in handy for families who do a lot of outdoor activities/traveling and may little legs or brains may need a break. They have also, rightfully, gained in popularity among special needs families.
