SSC; Soft Structure Carriers

Yes ladies...

I'm venturing into babywearing

It'll be the SSC for me

Will be pasting IRL pictures

(Picture credits to Shaz from JumpSac, LiXa the Mama Arya & MBW forum)

Slight variation from 1 SSC to another..

Here's just an example..

These types of carriers have snaps/buckles and preformed pockets/straps for babe, and are "structured" as compared to a more free-flowing sling or pouches.

These types resemble a mei-tai asian baby carrier, in that they often secure at the waist and over the shoulders.

They will often have buckles instead of straps that you tie together, making them look a little more "commercial" than other abc's may. The straps are often padded for comfort.

As with abc's, babe's head control should be taken into consideration (but not necessarily dissuade you) when buying a structured baby carrier. This is because babe will be held vertically, and will need some sort of support for "floppy baby head".

As the carriers are made en masse for a certain body type, some mamis have problems with a perfect fit (their torso may be too long or too short, the waist strap may hit above or below the waist, etc). Perfect fit is essential for proper baby wearing, as a bad fit means a bad/sore back and shoulders. But, many many mamis love their structured baby carriers!

As they look a little more "commercial" and have fewer ties/adjustments that need to be made (as compared to an abc), it seems more papis gravitate towards this style of carrier if they have already rejected pouches/slings/abc's. They also may fit the style of a mami who is not looking for something handmade/looking for something commercial, but supportive and a good product.

Structured carriers may come with extra options like a head cover to support/cover babe's head when thye fall asleep inside, a pouch on the front to carry soft things against/near babe like dipes/wipes, cell phone holders, etc.

Since they are often padded, they are less able to be stuffed into a diaper bag. But, as their shape lends the baby's weight to be dispersed across both shoulders & the waist of the wearer, it may be a good choice for long walks and/or mamis with older babies who may feel discomfort holding an older babe (or any babe) for long periods of time.