Ultimate Guide to Child Carrier Backpacks and Infant Carriers

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If you have a young child, you know how much they’re in your arms. It’s a lot.

There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s how babies are wired—they need that closeness to a parent.

And that’s fine until you need to get stuff done. Parents get pretty good at doing things one-handed, but some tasks require two hands.

And that’s not even considering having other children or adventuring with your little one.

We used our infant carrier a lot with our first. After having our second, it seems like he practically lives in it some days!

Once my oldest got too big to adventure in the infant carrier comfortably, we invested in a child carrier backpack. This was an excellent investment for us.

I wish we’d done it sooner. Adventuring with the child carrier backpack was so much easier!

I did a ton of research on both infant carriers and child carrier backpacks before buying. To make your life easier, I’ve got you covered with all the things you need to consider.

The Evolution of Child Carriers

The evolution of child carriers has seen them transforming from simple wraps and slings to the sophisticated, ergonomic baby carriers and child backpack carriers we see today.

Initially, these solutions served the basic need to keep our little ones close while allowing parents the freedom to engage in daily tasks. Fast forward to the present, and the landscape of child carriers has undergone a revolution, driven by an increasing appetite for travel, outdoor activities, and the need for hands-free convenience.

Modern advances have ushered in a new era of child carriers, marked by the innovation of baby travel essentials like lightweight and adjustable baby carriers, designed to ensure the utmost safety and comfort for our youngest adventurers.

From infancy with newborn carriers to toddlerhood with sturdy child carrier backpacks, the focus has continually shifted towards creating safe, secure, and comfortable environments for children, all while providing peace of mind for active parents.

The journey through the evolution of child carriers reflects a deeper understanding of parental needs and child development, leading to the creation of the best baby carriers that cater to the dynamic lifestyles of families today.

Types of Child Carriers

There are a few different types of child carriers out there, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the choices.

I’ve used a stretchy wrap, a structured carrier, and a child carrier backpack. There are also slings and hip seats for toddlers.

They all have pros and cons, so let’s look at each.

Stretchy wrap: You can typically use a stretchy wrap from birth, and there are various ways to use it. You can use it as the baby grows, but people often stop using it somewhere around 15 pounds as it can start to sag. So, this one is a shorter-term carrier.

It can be a bit complicated to figure out at first, but you can find plenty of tutorials online.

I did use one when my second baby was born, and I liked it. I stopped using it before he got to 15 pounds because I’d used a structured carrier with my first son and preferred it.

That said, I was happy to have the stretchy wrap when my baby was so new. I was quite a bit weaker after a c-section and ended up falling while carrying him outside. He was tucked in so securely that he didn’t even wake up.

There are many different stretchy wraps out there, but I went with the Aura Baby Wrap by Ergobaby.

Structured carrier: This type is typically for babies starting around 12 pounds and going up to around 45 pounds. It’s great for a little more long-term use.

It’s usually easier to get on and adjust, often with just a few buckles or clips. Switching from inward-facing to forward-facing is quick.

This carrier is my favorite for when my kids are babies. My husband and I used it multiple times daily with our first and are currently doing the same with our second.

There are a lot of great structured carriers. We went with the Ergobaby 360 with mesh panels. We also got the infant insert so we could use it when they were smaller than the recommended 12 pounds.

One downside with structured carriers is there isn’t anywhere to carry gear.

Sling: The sling is similar to the wrap, with a few key differences. You can wear your baby right from birth in a sling, and because the fabric isn’t so stretchy, you can continue to wear your baby into toddlerhood without the sag a wrap has.

It has much less fabric than a wrap, so it takes up less space when stored.

Some people find the sling more complicated than a wrap, but many find it less complicated.

Whether you choose a sling over a stretchy wrap depends on personal preference and what kind of carrying you plan on doing.

Hip seat: This carrier isn’t something you can use from birth—you can start using it at around six months.

It’s not as versatile as the other carriers, as the options for carrying are limited.

It also doesn’t allow you to have two free hands as no straps hold the child on the carrier. You need to have one hand around them to keep them on.

It is an excellent option if your child doesn’t want to be in a carrier but always asks you to hold them. You only need an arm around them instead of having all their weight on your arm. This can be a game changer for those clingy phases.

Child carrier backpack: You can use one of these hiking packs starting at six months or when your baby can sit up unassisted. I typically wait until they’re a little older only because I can breastfeed in a structured carrier and have my baby nap while I run around with my older son.

But this will be our go-to once my baby gets a bit older and doesn’t need to feed so much.

It offers so many more conveniences. There’s typically a storage compartment where you can keep snacks and water, a few diapers and wipes, and maybe a jacket or hoodie.

They have a kickstand to keep it steady while strapping your child in that often folds in when you’re wearing it. They frequently come with a sun shade, and you can buy a rain cover.

There is a wide range of child carrier backpacks. But if you’re willing to invest in a good one, you’ll find features like the ability to adjust it to your height so it’s easier on your body.

I highly recommend spending the extra money if at all possible. We had an inexpensive hand-me-down that wasn’t great. It wasn’t at all comfortable for us to wear, and it had our son in uncomfortable and unsafe positions.

My personal favorites are the Thule Sapling or the Osprey Poco line. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Carrier

There are many factors to consider when looking for the ideal child carrier:

• Safety: Safety is the first and most important thing to look for. When researching which carriers to go with, I looked for brands that boast secure harness systems, adequate head support for newborn carriers, and stable structures that promise peace of mind across every terrain.
• Comfort: Comfort, both for the little explorer and me, trails closely in importance. Ergonomic baby carriers that distribute weight evenly, feature adjustable straps for a snug fit, and include breathable materials can mean the difference between wanting to get out more or not getting out at all. It won’t get used if either of you isn’t happy with the comfort.
• Adjustability: The paths we tread vary, as do our needs over time. Adjustable baby carriers that grow with my child offer a versatile solution. They adapt as effortlessly as we do to new adventures.
• Durability: Durability ensures our gear can withstand the spills and thrills of family hiking and travel. Quality materials, reinforced seams, and robust construction are the hallmarks of the best child carriers, promising countless shared adventures.

Safety First: What to Look For

Embarking on outdoor adventures with our little ones snugly and safely on our backs is an unparalleled joy. Yet, navigating the options for baby hiking backpacks, infant carriers, and toddler carriers can be daunting.

As someone who’s ventured into the great outdoors, from bustling city trails to serene forest paths, I’ve realized that safety must be the cornerstone of any child carrier selection process.

The landscape of baby travel essentials is vast, but here are the non-negotiables I’ve learned to look for:

• Secure Harnesses: A safe baby carrier must include adjustable, robust harnesses that snugly fit around your child, anchoring them safely.
• Adequate Padding: Comfort goes hand-in-hand with safety. Look for carriers with sufficient padding on the shoulders, back, and where the child’s legs dangle.
• Lightweight yet Sturdy Fabric: The materials should be durable yet not cumbersome, ensuring the carrier withstands the elements without weighing you down.

I’d also highly recommend that once you get a child carrier, you spend some time learning how to use it properly. Instructions will likely come with it, but you can find countless websites and YouTube videos to help you know how to use it best.

Comfort for You and Your Child

The ergonomics of child carrier backpacks and infant carriers go hand in hand with safety.

If you have a carrier that isn’t ergonomic, you could be putting your child in unsafe positions. Not only that, but you can also injure yourself with a carrier that doesn’t consider ergonomics.

You want to opt for an ergonomic baby carrier with a snug, secure fit that supports your baby’s natural posture.

You also want to look at the ergonomics of the wearer. Having multiple ways to adjust the straps, and sometimes even adjusting for the wearer’s height, will help you get that comfy, secure fit.

Durability: Carriers that Last

Next, you want to look at durability. If the carrier is going to fall apart in six months to a year, it’s not worth spending the money.

You want to look for quality materials, reinforced seams, and robust construction.

It’s also worth considering how you clean the carrier. Kids can be a little gross. There’s no way around it, so having a carrier that cleans fairly easily can make a big difference.

A child carrier that isn’t durable can put your child at risk. It’s always a good idea to look your carriers over frequently for faults.

Maintaining Your Child Carrier

The best-constructed carrier won’t last if you don’t take a few easy steps to maintain it.

Firstly, regular cleaning according to the manufacturer’s instructions is essential. They can get pretty gross pretty fast if we’re not careful. Wiping them down and washing any removable parts often can prevent mold and mildew.

Secondly, proper storage is essential. You want to keep your carriers in a dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent material degradation.

Lastly, you’ll want to do periodic inspections for wear and tear.

Joining the Adventure: Beyond the Basics

From adjustable baby carriers that grow with our child to safe baby carriers that assure us of their well-being, the outdoor baby gear we select becomes part of our family story.

These baby travel essentials provide comfort and safety and make our adventures memorable. So, let’s make every outing with our little explorers count, from baby’s first hike to toddler’s first summit, with the best baby carriers 2024 has to offer.

If you’re wondering how to become adventurous parent, check out this post!

And if you’d like to see some more of my adventure gear picks, check out my Benable list!