Child carriers, in one form or another, have been used by parents since ancient times and in all corners of the globe. Generations of child rearing has proven the usefulness of carriers for transportation, security, and hands-free convenience while keeping baby close. From primitive baby slings to today’s advanced carrier frames and designs, the use of child and baby carriers have helped parents stay on the go for as long as there have been children to carry.

Types of Carriers
Carriers fall within three basic styles: Front, sling and backpack. Generally, front and sling carriers are designed for newborns, infants and babies who can not yet sit up by themselves (usually up to about 6 months). Backpack carriers are for older babies and small children who can support themselves in a sitting position and are still light enough to be transported comfortably (usually up to 40 - 45 lbs. depending on the manufacturer).

The advantage of a front style or sling carrier is the ability to keep your baby close to you and within easy view while your hands are free to shop, work around the house or simply take a walk. Sling style carriers have the added benefit of allowing baby to lay in a natural fetal position while attached to mom or dad. In both cases, these infant carriers are comfortable (most babies easily fall asleep in them!), safe and as many parents will attest, the best solution to multi-tasking with a baby in tow!

Backpack style carriers are designed to provide greater support for heavier loads and longer wear. Once a child is able to sit up on their own, the backpack carrier opens up a whole new world to both baby and parent - a better view of the road ahead for baby and more comfortable wear for the parent. The majority of backpack style carriers have some sort of rigid internal/external frame construction that is designed to transfer the weight of the child and pack to the hips (rather than the shoulders like with a front or sling style carrier). Backpack carriers also often provide for more storage space allowing parents to tote addition items like snacks, toys, sunscreen or a sweater.

Many backpack carriers today also leverage such technical features as adjustable suspension and harness systems, high performance materials for lightweight designs, and even hydration compatible pockets for water reservoir systems.

In recent years, “conversion” backpack carriers have also been introduced to the market offering a more compact, lightweight design that is great for travel with kids. A conversion carrier is essentially a combination of a day pack and a child carrier that provides both storage and passenger options. These types of carriers look like a large day pack that (presto!) unzip to reveal a child seat situated between the back harness and the main pack compartment. These packs have limited adjustability and support so are not suited for extended hiking, but are ideal for travel since they have multiple uses and easily fit in airline over-head compartments.

Features and Options
Basically, the more expensive the carrier, the greater number of included features and options it will have. Please keep in mind however that difference in price is NOT a measure of safety performance! All the carrier designs must pass rigorous government and industry safety requirements regardless of the price. The lowest priced carriers are just as safe as the most expensive models (in relation to the activity it is intended for). However, the lowest price model MAY NOT be as comfortable as a more expensive option.

With this in mind, the features found on any given carrier are often related to the type of activity it is designed for. Carriers intended for the serious hiker will have more features to improve support and comfort than a basic carrier intended for casual walking or around town use. Depending on your lifestyle, some features will be more important to you than others so compare models carefully to make sure you are not buying more carrier than you need, or likewise, not buying enough features to make your outings fun and comfortable.

Some carriers are designed to support optional accessories like weather shields, cover ups, and transport cases allowing you to add on to your carrier depending on your individual needs.

Brands
There are number of companies that design and produce child and baby carriers. Some brands you may be familiar with and some others you have never heard of. Our product testing research finds that there are many excellent, often less well known brands, available so it pays to compare and do your research. We have also found that most physical stores will have available only a very small selection of brands (usually two or three) and then sell many different styles of models within that line. Many less well known and excellent child carrier brands are only found online and provide some great options.

A note about recalls: occasionally, some carrier manufacturers must issue recalls of certain products based on safety or other problems. In the event a recall is ever issued on a carrier that you have bought, we recommend first contacting the retailer you bought it from who should have information on the recall and be able to help you or work with you to contact the manufacturer. In many cases, recall problems simply require an easy fix or replacement part.

Tips for Use
Baby and child carriers provide one of the safest and easiest ways to spend time outdoors and on the go with your child. When used properly, both parents and kids will love moving about with a carrier whether out for a hike or attending an outdoor festival. In general we offer the following tips for safe and fun adventures with carriers:
• Start out slowly with your child - make your first outings with a carrier short, fun and positive so that your child will have the chance to get used to this new form of transportation.
• It is easy for a child to become sunburned while out in a carrier - if your carrier does not have a sun shield or cover be sure to use sunscreen and a hat.
• Know your limits and your child’s limits - you may think a 6 hour hike sounds like fun but your baby might not. Besides, will you be able to carry Jr. for that long and still be able to walk the next day?
• Bring snacks, toys, and other distractions for extra help along the way.
• Take time to adjust and fit your carrier properly
• Re-assess how the carrier fits your child periodically - babies grow fast and may require new fit adjustments.
• Consider a child view mirror if not included with backpack carrier - very handy if you need to see what’s going on back there.
• Make all necessary fit adjustments for your child before heading out.
• Make sure baby or child is well-insulated for cold weather outings.
• Read the manufacturer’s information included with your carrier about fitting, use and safety.
• Don’t leave your child unattended while he or she is in a child carrier.
• Since many babies and children often fall asleep in a child carrier, occasionally check your child’s position and comfort
• Backpack style carriers should not be set on elevated surfaces (like a picnic table, sofa, chair or bench)
• Baby and child carriers are not recommended for activities that can affect your balance like skiing, rollerblading or skating, among other things.

Categories: Backpack Carriers, Front Baby Carriers, Gear 101 Guides
Tags: backpack child carriers, Front Baby Carriers, hiking with kids, how to buy child carrier, sling baby carriers, Travel with Kids