Backpack Baby Carriers

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Best Backpack Baby Carriers

Best For: Baby

Babies and toddlers generally love backpack carriers. The high vantage point makes it fun, and being close to their parents makes it feel safe and secure. Backpack carriers are best suited for children over six months who have steady head and neck control and can sit independently. But even so, not all backpacks are created equal. Here are some things to consider when purchasing one.

What to look for

1. Design. You will want to think about what kind of backpack carrier best fits your needs. There are framed carriers, which are more cumbersome but also more durable and useful for hiking. There are also soft carriers, which often can be worn a variety of ways, but are less useful for sports.
2. Weight capacity. Check to see how much a carrier will hold. You don’t want to invest in a product that your baby will outgrow before she can enjoy it.
3. Quality. It’s important to get a well-made carrier. Choose a carrier that has an adequate safety harnesses, and always do research before buying second hand equipment.

Best Overall Backpack Baby Carrier

Ergo Carrier

Price: $105
Weight Limit: Up to 40 pounds
Get Yours: babyearth.com

Pros: The ERGO Baby carrier is ergonomically designed to be comfortable for both the parent and the baby. It disperses your baby’s weight between her thighs and hips, removing any compression to the spine. For the parents, it balances the infant’s weight on your shoulders and hips for virtually effortless transport. It gets better! The carrier is made from breathable fabric and features a vent so it won’t make you uncomfortably hot.

Cons: This is a soft carrier that can double as a front carrier, so it’s not suited for extreme activity, like hiking.

Best Backpack Baby Carrier for Hiking

Deuter Kid Comfort III

Price: $289
Weight Limit: Up to 48 pounds
Get Yours: babies1st.com

Pros: Long-distance hikers looking for a deluxe child carrier should put the Kid Comfort III from Deuter at the top of their list. It features a ventilated harness system, fully adjustable padded child cockpit with side entry buckles, and tons of extra storage space. It also has a mirror that allows you to view your baby, top quality fabrics, reflectors…the list goes on. Parents and children will both be beyond comfortable with this one—it’s designed to please and made to last.

Cons: All those bells and whistles can be a real pain to set up. This backpack carrier is also probably too big and bulky for everyday use. And that price tag certainly can’t be overlooked.

Best Backpack Carrier for Toddlers

Boba Backpack Carrier

Price: $99
Weight Limit: Up to 45 pounds
Get Yours: amazon.com

Pros: Boba is a soft, structured baby carrier that works best for older babies and toddlers. The signature foot straps encourage a healthy sitting position for your child (in other words, they’re like stirrups that automatically eliminate slumping). And the foot straps not only give little legs a rest and keep your child in a comfortable position, but they also keep their legs from flailing around and kicking things (you, for instance). It’s made of 100% organic cotton, and is great for all kinds of everyday use.

Cons: The Boba is not a great carrier for newborns, since their legs aren’t long enough to take advantage of the foot straps. Also, some parents complain the shoulder straps dig.

Best Budget Backpack Baby Carrier

Chicco Smart Support Backpack

Price: $100
Weight Limit: Up to 40 pounds
Get Yours: babies1st.com

Pros: The Smart Support Back Pack is constructed of lightweight aluminum, so it’s a great in-between backpack. You can take it on light hikes or to the grocery store and be equally comfortable. It has a water-resistant canopy and sun visor with zip-off rain cover, making it useful in all kinds of weather. It has storage space, too. Overall, it’s good backpack carrier for the money.

Cons: This carrier is a bit on the heavy side and the hip straps are not adjustable.

MORE Baby Carriers »SHOP Baby Carriers

Comments

  • Five Finger Shoes
    August 14, 2010

  • Valuable information and excellent design you got here! I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and time into the stuff you post!! Thumbs up