Hello there, parents! Maybe your baby, whom you’ve gotten used to carrying on your body with the help of baby wraps or ring slings, is getting bigger. In that case, you’re definitely starting to feel the need for more support from your carrier. Or maybe your baby is still pretty young, but you personally just need something more substantial than a wrap or sling. Say hello to soft structured carriers.

Soft structured carriers (SSCs), also known as toddler carriers, are basically like ring slings, except that they’re bigger, bulkier, and support bigger kids. They’re kind of like backpacks. They’re called toddler carriers because traditionally they’re made for carrying toddlers, but nowadays you can find SSCs for smaller babies on the market too. Here’s my tour of the five best soft structured carriers:

1. Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier

$159

• Quality: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Age: birth to 4
• Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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This bestseller is well-known among parents for its durability, its comfort, and the superb support that it offers. In addition to these factors, the Ergobaby Omni 360 is a very economical choice because it can be used with your baby from their first day in the world up until about the age of four years. With products like these, I like to think of myself as “amortizing” the cost over several years, and can recommend it for everyone.

2. Babybjörn Baby Carrier One

$219

• Quality: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Age: birth to 3
• Price: ⭐️⭐️

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If your in-laws are feeling generous and are treating you to something, then have a look at the Babybjörn Baby Carrier One. Much like the Ergobaby carrier, this one can be used from birth, up to about the age of three years—somewhat taking the edge off of the steeper price tag. Parents love the ease of adjusting it from a front- to a rear-facing position, as well as the super soft, premium materials. Finally, you can’t deny how easy it is on the eyes!

If you crack for this gem, then I suggest you go over and watch my guide to using the Babybjörn baby carrier.

3. Infantino Flip 4-In-1 Convertible Carrier

$24

• Quality: ⭐️⭐️
• Age: birth to 3
• Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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The Infantino Flip carrier has been getting a lot of attention from consumers, and it’s easy to see why. The price on this thing leaves the competition in the dust for economy. Parents appreciate that it gets the job done, and how lightweight and breathable it is. Keep in mind, though, that reviewers find the materials to be less soft and comfortable than the higher-end rivals. But I don’t think you’ll find anything better for this price!

4. Chicco SmartSupport Backpack Carrier

$129

• Quality: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Age: 6 months to 4 years
• Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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The Chicco SmartSupport carrier is a little different from the foregoing options. It’s a backpack carrier, meaning it offers more support and features than a standard toddler carrier. This one is not suitable for newborns, being designed for the range of about six months to four years. But it has phenomenal support and boasts a canopy to protect your kid from the sun’s rays. Parents especially love how compactly it folds for travel!

5. LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Airflow

$125

• Quality: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Age: 2 to 6
• Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Lillebaby is another brand with many happy parents to stand by it. This Lillebaby CarryOn Airflow stands apart from the other carriers here for two features in particular. Firstly, it’s exceptionally adjustable, allowing it to support children and parents of non-average size. Being on the taller side myself, that feature caught my eye right away. Secondly, it supports kids all the way up to 60 pounds, suiting it to use with kids between the ages of two and six or so. This one’s not for your newborn, but it’s a great option to carry their older siblings!