Backpack Carrier Buying Guide

You may be familiar with baby carriers in general, especially the kind worn on the front of the body that can accommodate babies through toddlerhood. But some parents prefer a backpack-style carrier, which are especially helpful if a front carrier hurts your back or shoulders, or is generally inconvenient—ever tried cooking with a baby attached to your front? Not recommended. So various styles of backpack carriers can become must-haves for parents to get some hands-free time, especially for babies who want to be held frequently.

Jean Siri Moorjani, a pediatrician at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Florida, says most are used for babies 6 months and older. “Most of these products should be used for babies who have strong head control and can sit up on their own,” she says. “If your baby was born prematurely or is 6 months old and isn’t quite holding their head up strongly, I would not use a baby backpack carrier yet, and I would talk to your pediatrician or family physician.”

She recommends some other safety considerations before getting started with a backpack carrier:

• If your baby has a history of respiratory or breathing problems, speak to your doctor before using a backpack carrier, because the positioning could affect their airway. 
• In addition to checking the age requirement, check the weight limit for the baby backpack carrier. 
• Use a rearview mirror, so you can keep an eye on your baby since they will be behind you. These mirrors can be purchased separately and can be clipped on, and some are retractable, making access easy for caregivers.
• Make sure all the straps are tightened and secure when you put the backpack carrier on, and read the instructions on how to properly strap your baby in to help prevent any injuries. 
• If you’re hiking, keep an eye on low branches or obstacles because your baby will be higher than you. 
• Don’t lean forward while your baby is in the backpack carrier; bend at your knees instead of your waist. 

You aren’t going to want to wear a product, let alone climb a big hill, with something that isn’t comfortable for both the baby and you. So remember to consider your own comfort. Most backpack carriers have an aluminum or aluminum alloy frame, which, together with the waist or hip belt, distributes the weight of the baby and your gear along your back, shoulders, and hips, rather than all on your shoulders and neck, as some front infant carriers do, especially those without a waist belt.

Wearing a pack with a padded hip belt that feels comfortable is critical, says Scott Bautch, a chiropractor, CEO of Allied Health Chiropractic Centers in Wisconsin, and father of six. "The majority of the weight should be carried on your hips,” he says. “The shoulder straps are only there to control the motion of the backpack. You should fit the pack from your hips up, not your shoulders down."

Even though your child’s weight is evenly distributed by the carrier, don’t expect a backpack carrier to make your load light. A 25-pound child will still feel heavy after a while. While some backpacks accommodate children up to almost 50 pounds, it’s essential to know your own limits as well, especially if you’re healing your postpartum body. 

Hayley O’Hara, who’s a pelvic-floor physiotherapist and yoga instructor at Pelvic Goddess by Hayley and is based in Toronto, explains how to make yourself comfortable. “If you feel yourself starting to get tired, if you notice yourself arching your back to compensate for muscle fatigue, if your shoulders are rounding forward, or if you start feeling excessive pressure, pain, or stiffness in your back, neck, and shoulders, these are all signs that you are hitting your limit with carrying,” she says. “If you still aren’t sure what your safe limit is, I generally wouldn’t recommend exceeding 2 hours a day of baby wearing.”

She shares some additional tips for ensuring your own comfort and safety:

• Most backpack carriers should sit comfortably with weight distributed equally across the shoulders and midback, with less direct weight on the neck and low back. 
• Ensure that the straps fit snugly but aren’t too tight. If you feel a lot of pressure on the neck and shoulders, you may need to adjust the straps and positioning of the carrier to redistribute the weight more evenly. 
• Wide shoulder straps and waist straps are helpful for distributing this weight more evenly. 
• Maintain a neutral spine and shoulders when using the carrier.
• Always use your core when performing functional tasks.
• To get your baby comfortable, ensure that their hips are in a natural position spread to the sides, with the thighs well supported and the knees bent, according to Whitney Casares, a pediatrician, writer, and speaker at Modern Mommy Doc who’s based in Portland, Ore.

You might picture a full-sized backpack carrier complete with those aluminum frames and millions of pockets for all your hiking must-haves, but other types are available as well. Check out the differences to determine the best fit for you, because no carrier is one size or type fits all. I had to explore, try on, and even return a few carriers before finding the best fit—a perfectly normal process for carrier shopping.

Framed Carriers
These rugged carriers are made with substantial aluminum frames, and many have extra storage space to carry water, snacks, and diapers.

These carriers can be bulky unless you opt for a more sleek and foldable option. O’Hara recommends the MiniMeis G4 Shoulder Carrier for a more streamlined carrier that is still supportive, or the Thule Sapling. The Kelty Journey PerfectFit Signature child carrier is more of a full-sized option, with a zip-off backpack and multiple pockets.

If you are planning to travel with your carrier, consider buying one that’s small enough to fit in an airplane’s overhead bin. Baby carriers of all types are allowed in both carry-on bags and checked bags, according to the Transportation Security Administration. Some airlines might also let you check your larger carrier at the gate as you do with your stroller. 

If you are headed out on a long adventure in a framed carrier, give your baby some breaks just like you get, Casares says. “The biggest thing is to give your baby breaks,” she says. ”So you want to make sure that they’re not in a position where their legs are in one specific way [too long]. Think about yourself if you’re sitting in one position for half an hour. Just make sure that you’re taking your baby out, that you’re checking your baby, that you’re looking for any signs of constriction on your baby.”

Lightweight or ‘Urban’ Carriers
These carriers look more like a regular backpack but still have a structured frame to support your child. They’re less bulky than some of the more traditional backpack carriers, like the framed carriers above, and are more easily packed for short trips. 

There’s a wide range of carriers out there, so it’s a good idea to go to stores where you can try them on with your baby to see if both of you like the fit and feel. Camping goods stores such as REI often have a range of carriers in stock.

Multipurpose Soft Structured Carriers for Front or Back Carrying
Budget-wise parents might realize they don’t want to have to purchase a front carrier for the earlier days and months and a back carrier for later. Instead, they can opt for many soft structured carriers that have a supportive band around the parent’s waist, and adjustable straps, to accommodate multiple stages. O’Hara loves the Artipoppe Zeitgeist, which falls into this category, along with the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Harmony, Nuna Cudl Baby Carrier, and Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh.

Where to Buy 
• MiniMeis G4 Shoulder Carrier: Amazon, MiniMeis, Target
• Thule Sapling: Albee Baby, Amazon, Thule
• Kelty Journey PerfectFit Signature: Amazon, Kelty
• Artipoppe Zeitgeist: Artipoppe
• BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Harmony: Albee Baby, Amazon, BabyBjörn, Target, Walmart
• Nuna Cudl: Albee Baby, Nuna
• Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh: Amazon, Ergobaby, Target

Onbuhimos
If you want to carry your baby or toddler on your back but you have no interest in a large, bulky hiking carrier, you can check out an onbuhimo, a type of traditional Japanese backpack carrier (which also can be worn in the front), that looks like a piece of fabric that tucks under the baby’s bottom. It is a smaller carrier meant to be worn higher on the back; you put it on by placing the baby in the fabric while sitting, and you lean back to scoop them and the carrier up, then tighten the straps on the front of your chest.

These carriers come in beautiful fabrics and colors, and give parents a bit more freedom around the waist and belly area. That can be beneficial if you’ve had a baby recently and don’t want anything pushing against your belly, though they are absolutely meant for babies and toddlers with full neck control.

As a mom, I find this type of backpack a bit more daunting but attractive as a minimalistic option. When I’ve tried these in the past, there has been a bit of a learning curve, and it can help to have a second adult assisting until you get comfortable. With this style, it’s especially important to get the hang of it because there’s no waistband holding the baby up, just the pressure of having them against your back, and the fabric tucked under their butt.

If you’ve shopped for a baby carrier, you will quickly determine that it’s easy to get confused in a sea of options, features, and types, not to mention price ranges. Though priorities might differ per family, consider the following when you decide on a backpack carrier.

Versatility
It’s one thing to shop for your own size and comfort, but you might have multiple caregivers wearing the product, from grandparents to daycare providers to your partner. This can mean keeping an eye out for highly adjustable products and even measuring the waist and chest sizes of baby wearers to match them with product specifications. 

The Osprey Poco LT, for example, fits waists and hips up to 48 inches, and up to 21-inch-long torsos. Look for multiple adjustability points, including straps around the waist, straps that control the product’s height, and straps around the chest, when applicable.

Where to buy the Osprey Poco LT: Amazon, L.L.Bean, Osprey

The Cockpit
Higher-end backpack carriers tend to offer a roomier ride for babies and might include stirrups so a baby’s feet won’t dangle. That support might help reduce the chances that your baby’s feet will fall asleep during your outing. Padding can keep your baby more comfortable, and some parents say their children seem happier in a cushier ride. Finally, some carriers make it easy to remove the cockpit’s fabric lining for cleaning.

Five-Point Harness
On framed or urban backpack carriers, always look for an adjustable five-point harness (two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap), also called a "chest plate." Don’t purchase a carrier that relies on a lap belt that’s separate from the shoulder and crotch straps, leaving openings at the side that could potentially be big enough for a child to slip through.

Fabric
Backpack carriers are usually made of durable nylon similar to that used in regular hiking backpacks. Fabrics vary from lightweight to heavy-duty. Some have features such as a ventilated area in the back to reduce perspiration, and lots of "air-mesh linings." If you picture how toasty you can get on your own when you hike in the summer, you can basically double that with a big carrier and baby on your back. So breathability is a top concern.

The material in your carrier should be sturdy, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean by wiping with water and a mild detergent. Let the carrier air out for a few days if it gets wet. Light-reflecting piping or stripes can help drivers see you when it gets dark, but keep a safe distance from traffic. Avoid using a baby carrier after dark or any time visibility is poor.

Fasteners
Carriers have a variety of buckles and fasteners on the shoulder and waist straps for adults and babies. Buckles that hold shoulder and waist straps should be easy to adjust and hold the straps tightly so that they can’t get loose when the carrier is in use. Snaps and buckles should be sturdy and difficult for babies to unfasten.

Kickstand
The kickstand should lock firmly in the open position and have hinges with spacers so that fingers won’t be pinched. When the carrier is on your back, the kickstand should close so that it doesn’t snag on objects as you walk. When the carrier is on the ground with the kickstand open, it should be hard to tip over. Still, as we mentioned, never use a carrier with a kickstand as a baby seat. Some carriers let you open the kickstand while you’re still wearing it, making it easier to put your load down when you’re alone with the baby and want to take a break.

Leg Openings
The child’s seat should have leg openings that can be adjusted to be small enough to prevent your baby from slipping out. But they should also be fully adjustable to fit snugly around your baby’s legs as he grows. You also don’t want these to be too tight, so make sure the baby’s legs aren’t so constricted that they are leaving indents or otherwise showing signs of cutting off circulation.

Padding
Look for a backpack carrier with padding that covers the metal frame near your baby’s face. You want padding that’s firm rather than mushy. You also want well-padded shoulder straps and hip belts—just as you would on any backpack you’re going to carry for a long period of time.

Seats and Seat Belts
Look for a seat that adjusts so your child will sit high enough in the carrier to see over your shoulder from the beginning, though not so high that they could fall out. The cockpit should be padded for comfort and have enough depth to support your baby’s back. And it should have leg openings that can be adjusted to be small enough to prevent your baby from slipping out. Check all buckles and other securing hardware and be sure that seams won’t tear and straps won’t slip. 

There is often a built-in recovery period of about six months between when you give birth and when you can start using a backpack carrier, which can help give parents time to heal. But, O’Hara says, there can be lingering injuries that can make carrying a backpack tough for the postpartum body.

“If you have a severely weakened core, have been diagnosed with diastasis recti and/or hernia after birth, if you had a cesarean birth, or if you have any other postpartum complications, then you may not be able to tolerate these recommended loads safely,” she says. “Following a core-safe pregnancy and postnatal exercise program is extremely beneficial for the protection and recovery of your core and pelvic floor during the pre- and postnatal periods.”

Before baby wearing, she says to ensure you aren’t experiencing any of the following issues: “Gapping and/or doming of your midline abdominal wall (especially when doing core work), urinary leakage, abdominal pain, neck and back pain, postpartum bleeding beyond two months, perineal pain or bleeding, and difficulty contracting your core muscles.” 

“From clinical experience, I generally recommend for my clients who are recovering after birth not to exceed the average weight of a 2-year-old, 12.2 kg [26.8 pounds], or 15 percent of their body mass. It can take up to two years for the core and pelvic-floor muscles and associated tissues to heal,” O’Hara adds. “In addition, the pregnancy and postpartum periods are associated with higher risk of back injury due to bodily changes and lifestyle changes associated with caring for a baby.”

As a mom with great intentions but little time to hike up mountains (especially because we don’t have any mountains), I always found backpack carriers to greatly depend on your lifestyle before babies. If you haven’t hiked much before, you might not get your money’s worth out of a full-sized hiking backpack now. But if you are someone who does move around town quite a bit and wants a hands-free experience like prebaby life, it might be your favorite item you purchase for your child. It can help to take some time to see what specific needs you have after the baby is born, instead of jumping into purchasing a hiking backpack during pregnancy. 

But hiking carriers might be part of you as a parent remembering that you can do many more things than you think with your baby, from hiking on a trail you loved before to heading to a museum without a stroller. Just keep in mind your own limits, your child’s, and the ones the product manufacturer recommends for everyone’s comfort and safety.