Whether you’re hiking through a mountain pass or simply running errands, a baby backpack can provide you with both mobility and a closeness to your child. Child carrier packs come in all styles and formats – from softly structured front carriers to framed baby back carrier hiking packs that are designed for long treks. Whichever one you choose, pick one that’s going to match your lifestyle and needs. This article will go over the basic benefits of babywearing as well as the different styles of structured baby backpacks – and frontpacks!
Basic Babywearing Benefits
Babywearing is a common practice proven to provide a sense of calm and security for young children. Parents are also able to remain close to their child at an almost eye-level while keeping their hands free. Baby carriers of all styles, from packs to hip slings, are used in the house to get jobs done and outside when walking. They’re especially helpful for parents who use transit, walk a lot or need to be generally mobile.
Popular Pack Styles of Baby Carriers
Because of the wide variety of products and the range of uses, some parents like to have two carriers; one for long hiking excursions and another for local jaunts and quick errand trips. Below is a synopsis of some of the most popular pack-style child carriers and their specialties.
BabyBjorn: Soft and cozy, the BabyBjorn is a front pack carrier targeted at newborns and small infants. While the carrier specializes in newborn neck support and a design that’s both functional and stylish, it won’t support a child who weighs much more than 20 lbs. The Bjorn baby carrier has two padded shoulder straps and a waist belt to help distribute the weight.
Ergo Baby Carrier: Versatile and adjustable, the Ergo is made to last well into toddlerhood. Ergos are great for day trips, small hikes and quick errands. The soft and structured carrier can be worn as a front pack, on the hip or side, and as a baby backpack with a lumbar support waist belt. They’re also designed to keep the infant in a splayed position, one that’s been shown to relieve pressure on the spine and prevent hip dysplasia – a side effect of some carriers that only bolster a child in the groin area. Though the Ergo is suitable for newborns, parents will have to purchase a separate infant insert.
Deuter KidComforts: The Deuter line of baby backpacks are heavy-duty hiking models that are high-tech and highly structured. While these carriers may be ideal for long treks, they can sometimes be a tad overkill for quick urban jaunts and small errands. The basic Deuter KidComfort will hold up to 48.5 lbs, but they are not recommended for young infants. Because the Deuter can’t be worn as a front carrier, it’s important to always be aware of your child and what’s within their reach.
Kelty Infant and Child Carriers: Kelty offers a wide range of products from their Wallaby front pack carrier to their high-tech Adventure Child Carrier. Because their products are broken out by child’s weight and parent’s purpose, it’s important to determine exactly what you want your carrier for and for how long you want to use it. If you’re looking for a long-distance hiking pack, Kelty might be the place, but make sure you check the size requirements. Some carriers are designed for infants while others are specifically for young children. And, again, always be aware of your child and their surroundings when wearing a backpack style carrier.
