Half buckle or full buckle: what is the difference between these two types of baby carrier?

Above all, many parents want one thing from a baby carrier: something simple. And many believe that a carrier with buckles is exactly that. In everyday life, the picture often looks different.

Here we explain how the full buckle and the half buckle differ, where each system has its strengths and what you can look out for when making your decision. At fairs we talk to a lot of parents, and the same questions keep coming up.

The full buckle: simple, until it meets everyday life

A full buckle is built like a backpack worn on your front: the waistband and shoulder straps are closed and adjusted with buckles. The big advantage is obvious: there is no need to tie knots in long shoulder straps. For anyone who shies away from knots, that sounds like the simplest solution.

In everyday life it often turns out differently. If both parents carry and they are built differently, the buckle has to be readjusted and tightened every time. On top of that, with models that have a back buckle, its position and reach matter, because you need to be able to reach it easily when putting the carrier on.

In addition, the straps of a full buckle usually rest on the shoulder only at certain points. Not everyone gets on well with that, especially if their back is already giving them trouble or the child gets bigger and heavier.

The half buckle: tied to fit every body

With a half buckle, the waistband closes with a buckle and the shoulder straps are tied. The straps are tightened directly against the body. This means the carrier automatically adapts to every body shape as you put it on, and it is quicker, because nothing has to be readjusted.

That is exactly what makes it so practical when both parents take turns carrying and are of different heights. Grandma, Grandpa or an aunt can also use the carrier without lengthy adjustments.

The trade-off: the straps have to be tied. That is quickly learned, most easily in a short consultation or by trying it out. After that, the movement comes naturally.

The advantages of the half buckle at a glance

• It adapts to every body shape as you put it on.
• You do not have to readjust anything when someone else carries.
• It is quick to put on.
• The straps can be fanned out and spread the load across the whole back.
• The MonDoudou fits from birth up to around clothing size 98.

Straps that fan out

On many carriers the straps rest only at certain points. The straps of the MonDoudou, by contrast, can be spread out over the shoulder and distribute the load across the whole back. You notice this especially if you already have back problems or as your child gets bigger.

Half-padded straps

The half-padded straps take up the weight on the shoulder and cushion it. Nothing presses into the neck, nothing cuts in.

What to look out for in any carrier

Whichever system you choose: a good carrier adapts to the baby, not the other way round. Babies sit comfortably with a rounded back, as if in a hanging chair, their thighs well supported and in what is known as the M-position.

Here is what you can look out for when trying one on:

• Putting it on: How quickly and confidently can you put the carrier on by yourself?
• Switching: How much effort is it when a second person wears the carrier?
• Comfort: Where do the straps and waistband rest, does anything press or cut in?
• Back buckle: If there is one, can you reach it easily?
• Advice: Have us or a babywearing consultant show you the carrier again step by step. That is the quickest way to feel confident.

What we often hear

At fairs we talk a lot with parents who try out the MonDoudou. One sentence comes up again and again: finally a carrier that does not cut in anywhere, does not press anywhere and sits comfortably.

We are there for you after your purchase, too

We support you after your purchase as well, so that you feel confident. After you buy a MonDoudou, we are happy to show you in a video call how to put it on.