Average Mama & SSCs

by Tami Grosset
Photographs by Laura Lo

Today we are continuing with our project showing how our 6 favourite soft structured carriers fit mamas with different frames. This week its Average Mama's turn!

Our Average Mama role was shared by Eryn and Alexandra. Alexandra is 5'3" and wears 8-10 dress size. Eryn is 5'5" and wears a size 6.

To recap, the carriers we chose to focus on are;
The Ergobaby (which offers a front facing in, hip and back carry)
The Beco Gemini (which offers a front facing in, hip and back carry. It also offers a front facing out position but since it was the only carrier in our selection that offered this carry there was nothing to compare it to so we chose not to picture this.)
The Boba (which offers a front facing in and back carry)
The Onya (which offers a front facing in and back carry) 
The Manduca (which offers a front facing in, hip and back carry) and
The Tula, standard (which offers a front facing in and back carry)

Front Facing In

Ergobaby

Beco Gemini

Boba

Onya

Manduca

Tula

 Back Carry

Ergobaby

Beco Gemini

Boba

Onya

Manduca

Tula

Hip Carry

Ergobaby

Beco Gemini

Manduca

Alexandra, who modeled most of the carriers said that her favourite carrier was the Manduca and her least favourite was the Onya.

'All the carriers fit me well enough but I found the Onya too big for us now and the Gemini a bit small... More so to do with my baby's size than the overall fit. Right now my little one could barely see over it (Onya) so it wasn't my favorite today. Once she's bigger then it might be great!...... What I loved about the Manduca is that you have the option of crossing the straps with a wider seat than the Gemini.'

NB When looking to purchase a SSC it is always recommended to try a carrier first, rather than base the purchase on reviews. Whilst there are some generic fitting issues for certain body frame types the fit of a SSC is very personal and subjective. If you are looking to purchase a new carrier in Ottawa there are many brands that can be tried out first at Milkface, Extraordinary Baby Shoppe and Belly Laughs (see our recommended retailers list). If you are planning to purchase a used carrier the Ottawa Babywearing Group Sling Library has a good selection of SSCs for you to borrow before you make your purchase.