Which SSC Baby Backpack Carrier is right for me?

Soft structured carriers (SSCs), or baby backpacks, are some of the most common carriers you'll see. But what's the difference between them? How do you choose the right backpack carrier for you? And, when you do find one, how do you get the best fit?

Watch as babywearing educators Alexandra and Jessi talk about the different SSC styles. Lots of pro insider tips, too!

Here's a brief overview:

What is an SSC? - A soft structured carrier (SSC) has a buckle waistband, ruck backpack straps, and a panel to hold baby

What makes our SSCs special? - We use high quality woven (not screen printed, not canvas) wrap fabric converted into carriers (wrap conversion carriers). These are more breathable, more flexible and moldable, and more comfortable. They also meet US and EU safety standards and are made of locally sourced, baby-safe materials and dyes in Poland. The fabric is machine woven and hand-sewn

Fabric quality - does it matter? Higher thread count fabrics, like our Jacquard weaves, provide more comfort and support. All of our fabrics are safe and comfortable! But, you will get the most value out of our more intricate weave options. Mesh panel options are a different level of support. They allow for more airflow to baby, and can help if your little one "runs hot." But they may not help you, the caregiver, to feel less heat. Babywearing is always hot - it's 2 bodies up against each other! But fabric blends that are cooler, like our mesh or linen options, may be more comfortable, depending on your needs

What's the difference between the different types? There are 2 main styles of SSC carrier, the fixed panel or the adjustable panel.

Fixed panel carriers do not allow sizing of the panel height and width. Once your child fits in one, they can use it until it longer supports them comfortably. This makes for easy "get up and go"!
Our LennyGo is a fixed panel carrier, available in 2 sizes. The smaller size fits from about 6 months old to about 2 years old. The larger size fits from about 2 years old to 4 years old.

Adjustable panel carriers do allow for changes to the width and height. This can be done several different ways. These carriers can be harder to fit in the smallest sizes because the fabric will bunch up, out of necessity. But, they have a much longer range they can be used for.
Our Lenny Upgrade and Lenny Preschool Carrier are adjustable panel carriers. The Lenny Upgrade fits from about 4 weeks old to about 3 years old. The Lenny Preschool Carrier fits from about 2.5 years old to 6 years old

Sizing tips - Pro tip: sizing is not an exact science =). You and your child's comfort come first.
Choose the style you prefer, then the print you love (if you don't love it, you won't use it!).
Our adjustable panel carriers come with more "extras," like pockets, removable hoods, etc., so that's also something to keep in mind.
When sizing your child, you want to size by their height / leg length. For children under 1 year old, you'll want the carrier to support them from knee to knee and the panel height to come no higher than the base of the earlobe. Older children can support thigh to thigh as is comfortable for your child, with a panel height no lower than the armpits (to prevent them falling out backward when they wiggle!).
If your child is between sizes, choose the smaller size. A carrier that's too large for your child is difficult to use safely. You want to be sure that when they sleep or relax the panel is still fitting appropriately. A carrier that's too large is also more difficult to use, making it less likely you will reach for it and get full potential out of it.
If you get your carrier and it's not the right size, you can exchange for free! Just reach out to us and we'll help you out.
We're always happy to answer questions and help you with fit and comfort.

We love babywearing! It's a wonderful tool, and we want you to love it, too!

If you're ready for a carrier of your own, you can shop by style, age, and more on our website. Check out our SSCs here: https://mama-roo.com/collections/soft...