Tuesday 4 March 2014

Slim Mama & SSCs

by Tami Grosset
Photos by Laura Lo

Last summer we began a project where we compared the most popular SSCs available to see how they fit on different frames. The result was over 200 photos showing front, back and side views of each position (front, back and, where appropriate, hip carries) for 6 different SSCs. We decided the best way to share the results was by weekly posts where we will focus on one mama each time. On the final week we will post a BIG comparison of all the frames and fits for each carrier.

This week we are looking how our carriers fit Slim Mama, Johanna. Johanna is 5'8" and wears a 0-2 dress size.

We selected carriers that are popular and available in Ottawa;
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 Position
Ergobaby
Beco Gemini
Manduca

Johanna's favourite carrier of all the ones tried was the Boba. She felt it fitted nicely at the waist and was the easiest to adjust, although she was not overly keen on the amount of padding. Initially her preference was for the Beco Gemini but felt that the back carry was not comfortable enough. Johanna has found it hard to find a SSC that fits nicely for a back carry since they are hard to adjust snugly enough in this position.

Johanna's least favourite was the Tula which had too much padding for her taste. Johanna has found it hard to find a SSC that fits comfortably and generally prefers to wrap with a woven since that has infinite adjustability.

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.

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