How to choose a soft-structured baby carrier?

After all thought, you’ve decided that you want a quick and easy-to-wear baby carrier that doesn’t require tying, is simple and intuitive, and doesn’t look overly “homemade.” In short, it is a soft-structured baby carrier. Now, all you need to do is choose the model that will work perfectly for you.
The most accurate method is to try it out (link to article “Where you can try baby carriers”).
However, many parents find it challenging to arrange a fitting and prefer to rely on our experience and the unique features of Topa-Top carrier backpacks to make the best choice.

General Features

All Topa-Top soft-structured baby carriers provide:

• a comfortable, ergonomic position for your baby;
• precise weight distribution for you;
• front, back, and hip carrying positions;
• discreet breastfeeding while wearing the carrier;
• adjustable sizing for parents from 34 to 50 with precise adjustments;
• a high back-carrying position (for extreme sizes, we recommend a custom fit);
• shoulder straps that can be worn either parallel or crossed (optimal weight distribution for front carrying).

Topa-Top baby carriers are made of durable drill fabric and woven fabrics specifically designed for babywearing.

Model Features

Our most popular newborn soft-structured baby carrier:

Easy Top

• Description: A soft-waist baby carrier with a built-in baby’s seat. Its special design adjusts to the baby’s size (3–14 kg, 0–24 months).
• Advantages:
  • Ideal for small, low-birthweight newborns;
  • Simple to use;
  • The soft waist helps protect the mother’s pelvic floor postpartum.
• Recommended for:
  Easy Top is a perfect choice for small newborns and those with low birth weight. It is also suitable for mothers who need to start carrying soon after giving birth.
• Not recommended for:
  For the larger babies or those who gain weight quickly (higher percentiles), Multi Top or Baby Top Pro would be a better choice.

Multi Top

• Description: A baby carrier that provides soft, snug support for tiny babies and larger toddlers, thanks to it’s unique adjustment mechanism (3.5–18 kg, 0–36 months).
• Advantages:
  • Combines the feeling of a wrap with the speed of a buckle baby carrier;
  • Precise adjustment to baby’s size and weight;
  • Thin, soft fabric adds comfort and coziness.
• Recommended for:
  Parents who want the wrap-like hug feeling of fabric combined with the ease of a backpack.
• Not recommended for:
  Parents who prefer a built-in seat or do not want to spend time adjusting the fabric.

Baby Top Pro 

• Description: A structured baby carrier has a semi-rigid waistband and extra padding on the sides. Its design makes achieving the correct baby position easier. Includes two adjustment mechanisms before and after the baby can sit independently (3.5–18 kg, 0–36 months).
• Advantages:
  • The semi-rigid waistband ensures optimal weight distribution;
  • Built-in seat supports baby’s spine;
  • Additional adjustments for better weight distribution for babies older than six months.
• Recommended for:
  Baby Top Pro is an excellent choice for heavier babies and parents with back issues.
• Not recommended for:
  Parents who prefer the softness and flexibility of fabric or a more minimalist look.

Summer Top

• Description: A summer version of the baby carrier. Lightweight and minimalist, with minimal fabric and easy adjustment (4–14 kg, 2–24 months).
• Advantages:
  • Compact and takes up minimal space;
  • Folds into itself;
  • It can also be a hip seat.
• Recommended for:
  Summer Top is ideal as a summer carrying or for travel, flights, etc.
• Not recommended for:
  Long-term use or for older children.

Toddler Top

• Description: A structured backpack designed for carrying heavy toddlers, providing back support for parents.
  With a rigid waistband and soft, padded shoulder straps, it can handle heavy loads comfortably (8–24 kg, 4 months (with adapter) – 64 months).
• Advantages:
  • Minimalist design but suitable for large loads;
  • Optimal support for parents carrying big kidds.
  • Allows for a wide age range of carrying.
• Recommended for:
  Carrying large toddlers or heavy babies.
• Not recommended for:
  Parents with smaller children who want a more versatile carrier.

Preschool Top

• Description: A backpack designed for preschool kids. Provides optimal support for carrying larger kids, including those with special needs (14–36 kg, 24–96 months).
• Advantages:
  • Provides optimal support for parents and enables mobility.
  • Allows carrying of large to very big kids.
  • Offers a solution for extreme situations, such as children who have difficulty walking or are undergoing treatments..
• Recommended for:
  Parents who need to stay mobile with large kids.
• Not recommended for:
  For parents with sizes below 38, it might feel loose.

Onbuhimo

• Description: A compact, lightweight backpack without a waistband. Onbuhimo is designed for quick, simple wearing and is suitable for both toddlers and small babies (3.5–22 kg, 0–36 months).
• Advantages:
  • Quick and easy to wear.
  • Transfers all weight to the shoulders, freeing the hips.
  • Available in two sizes (0-12 months / 12-36 months).
• Recommended for:
  Short back-carrying sessions for pregnant women or parents with limited mobility.
• Not recommended for:
  As a primary carrier for long-term use.

Still unsure which carrier to choose?
Here, you can find a quick comparison table of all carriers.
Of course, you are also welcome to consult with a certified babywearing instructor for guidance.