What is a soft structured carrier?

A soft structured carrier is popular with babywearing parents because of the supportive, comfortable, and easy to use. Almost all of these will come with a padded waistband, back support, and adjustable shoulder straps that buckle together. Some include a sleep hood that is convenient for discreet breastfeeding, protecting your baby from the sun, and providing uninterrupted sleep. Soft structured carriers can be used to carry your baby forward facing, and on your back.

Getting Started

There is a wide array of soft structured carriers on the market; each comes with its own instructions. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow their specific guidelines. Pay close attention to the positioning recommended for the weight of your newborn. Some will require a temporary insert to fit properly.¹

Safety checks include:

• Baby’s airway is clear
• Baby is high enough to your face to kiss
• Ensure your baby has enough support on the neck, back, and hips

How to Forward Face Your Baby with a Soft Structured Carrier

Step 1

• Buckle the waistband and tighten to secure it.

Step 2

• Put the shoulder straps on without your baby and make sure that they are even, then remove them from your shoulders.

Step 3

• Place your baby on your chest. Their legs should be spread open wide and their knees positioned higher than their hips.

Step 4

• Support your baby with one hand and with the other hand put the straps over your shoulder. Tighten and secure shoulder straps for comfort.

Step 5

• Buckle the back straps and tighten them if needed.

Step 6

• Check that your baby is in an optimal position – hip placement, high on your chest, close enough to kiss. 

Breastfeeding in Your Soft Structured Carrier

Practice babywearing and breastfeeding in the comfort of your own home can help build your confidence for those public outings. Babywearing in a soft structured carrier will keep your hands free and allow you to nurse discreetly. 

Step 1

• Loosen the shoulder strap on the side you will nurse from first.

Step 2

• Support your baby’s bottom, then bounce up and down. Your baby’s weight will pull the carrier down to the level of your breast to latch. If your baby falls too low, tighten the shoulder strap to readjust the height.

Step 3

• Latch your baby. You can cover your baby’s head with the provided hood for more discreet breastfeeding.

Step 4

• After breastfeeding, lift your baby high with one hand and tighten the shoulders until your baby is safely secure at the correct level.

Pros & Cons of Soft Structured Carriers

✔Simple to Use

✔Breastfeeding can be discreet

✔Hood Option

✔Pocket for small items – wallet or keys

✔Good back & shoulder support for long babywearing 

✘Better for older babies 3mo+

✘Takes up more room to store compared to a wrap or sling

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Babywearing and Breastfeeding 
• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References