Overview
Buckle carriers (also known as soft structured carriers) involve a waistband, a panel of fabric to hold your child, and straps that go over your shoulder and fasten back around to secure the panel. They're usually a pretty speedy option! The problem with smaller babies (below c. 4 months) and buckle carriers is either that the panel of fabric is too wide for tiny legs to fit around comfortably or that the panel comes up past baby's head, creating an airway/airflow risk.
The KahuBaby has cinchers to adjust the width of the panel for newborns (from 3.5kg) and smaller babies, and an 'apron style' waistband which helps to adjust the height as you can comfortably position the waistband higher on your body to allow more of the panel to go down and under your babies' bottom before it goes up their back. Another great feature of the KahuBaby is that there is a little cinch adjuster at the top of the panel to narrow the width there to support smaller heads from lolling about!
They come in gorgeous prints and (unlike the Mamaruga Zensling, which is similar in many ways) can do both crossed shoulder straps or rucksack style. The integrated clip which connects the shoulder straps is a really handy feature for later back carrying - no detachable strap to get lost!
Designed in the Lake District they feel breathable (padding on shoulder straps only) but strong. They also fold up nice and small and have no heavy structured elements. I LOVE THEM!
This 'Sunshine' version is made from a technical fabric rated UV50 which blocks 99% of UVA and UVB rays. It's also very quick to dry and doesn't sag if it gets wet, which is great if you're wearing while supervising other kids in a splashpark or paddling pool!
Details
Fabric composition: 100% polyester.
Manufacture: Czech Republic
Washing: 30 degrees, non-bio detergent and no fabric softener please (makes buckles slippy). Air dry (don't tumble dry)
Child weight range: 3.5kg - 16kg
Instructions
Carrying options: Front facing inward, front facing outward, hip (~4 months+) and back carry (~6 months+). For a standard front carry, shoulder straps can be used crossed or rucksack style.
How to guides:
KahuBaby's videos are made by Roamy Hunt who runs South East Slings: