A soft structured carrier (buckle carrier) is a baby carrier...with buckles! :) It is based on the mei tai design, but instead of straps that you tie on, it has buckles that you buckle on. They are super easy to use and a favorite among daddies. Most buckle carriers have a padded waist and shoulder straps. Some cross at the back when doing a front carry and some go over your arms and shoulders like a back pack.

Purpose/Need	Boba	Oh Snap	Pikkolo	Beco	Scootababy
Front Carrier
Back Carrier
Hip Carrier *We are only marking the Scootababy, since the others are not the most comfortable for hip carries.
Use with both partners
Recommended for infants
Supportive for heavier babies/toddlers
Best for nursing new baby
Housework
High back carry (peek over shoulder)
Hiking
Quickest for in and out
Purpose/Need	Boba	Oh Snap	Pikkolo	Beco	Scootababy

Boba Baby Carrier

• Padded shoulder straps
• Padded curved waist band that adjusts two ways (front and back)
• Tall body that is recommended with only older babies and toddlers. My 10 month old fit into it just right, but at 6 months, he'd be too small for it.
• Curved panel that conforms to your little one's body.
• Feet stirrups so that your little one rides at the ergonomically correct 45 degree angle.
• The shoulder straps are worn like a backpack.
• Has less bulky shoulder straps than the ERGO.
• Removable sleeping hood and foot straps

Oh Snap by BabyHawk

• Padded shoulder straps
• Padded straight waist band that adjusts two ways (front and back)
• Tall body that is recommended with only older babies and toddlers. My 10 month old fit into it just right, but at 6 months, he'd be too small for it.
• Has a structured head rest and the body of the BabyHawk mei tai.
• The shoulder straps are crossed on your back when doing a front carry, similarly to a mei tai.

Pikkolo by Catbird Baby

• Padded, memory foam shoulder straps
• Non-padded waist straps, which means you can tie the straps at your waist vs. your hips.
• Short body that can be used really well from birth on.
• The body can be cinched at the bottom to allow baby to ride legs out early on and also facing forward in an ergonomically correct position.
• The shoulder straps are crossed on your back when doing a front carry.
• Has a sleeping hood that comes in handy when your little one falls asleep.
• Dual adjustable buckles, so you get a really nice fit with your baby.

Beco Baby Carrier

• Padded shoulder straps
• Padded curved waist band that adjusts two ways (front and back)
• Tall body
• Curved panel that conforms to your little one's body.
• Removable infant insert so that you can wear it with your newborn comfortably.
• There's also an insert inside of the panel, which many moms find helps them feel more secure when using the baby carrier.
• The shoulder straps are worn like a backpack.
• Removable sleeping hood

Scootababy Baby Carrier

• One shoulder support
• Padded curved waist band
• Tall body
• Curved panel that conforms to your little one's body.
• The shoulder straps are worn like a backpack.
• No sleeping hood
• Functions best as a hip carrier

How to choose among these carriers? Depends on your babywearing needs!

• Carrying a newborn? The Beco and Pikkolo would work. The Beco has a removable infant insert. The Pikkolo can be used without an insert and the fit is perfect for a newborn.
• Carrying a toddler? Of these, I'd choose a Boba, Beco or a Oh Snap, since the bodies are taller.
• Have lower back pain? The Boba, Beco and Oh Snap can be tied on your hips so will ease your lower back and the padded waist adds additional support.
• Need cute prints? For sure the Pikkolo, Beco or Oh Snap would meet that need. ;)
• Have a baby that insists on front facing? The Pikkolo allows you to carry your baby in an ergonomically correct front facing position.
• On a budget? For sure the Boba   is the most affordable and believe me... really nice too!
• Couldn't figure out a ring sling or pouch, but would love an easy to use hip carrier? Scootababy is your answer.