You've recently had a baby, and congratulations are in order! But now you're itching to get out of the house, hit the trail or even go on vacation. One of the easiest ways to carry your child and keep your hands free is by using a child carrier. Here's how to shop.
The Basics of Child Carriers
Your first option for a newborn is an infant carrier. This is a simple, frameless pack that snuggles your baby right in front of you. Most can hold an infant plus some baby gear to a total weight of up to 25 or 30 lbs. Infant carriers are wonderfully convenient for around-town use and air travel.
A child carrier typically has a frame and is designed to carry a larger child behind you. To use a child carrier, a child must be capable of sitting upright without assistance. The smallest child appropriate for a child carrier is about 16 lbs., which typically means a child about 6 or 8 months old. If unsure about your child's readiness, check with your pediatrician before heading out. The largest child appropriate to ride in a carrier is about 40 lbs., with some models supporting greater weight to accommodate gear, too.
Child carriers are a great choice for travel, hiking and use around town. Because the added weight and movement of your child could cause you to lose your balance, child carriers aren't recommended for hiking on loose rock, climbing, skiing, inline skating, biking or other high-speed activities.
Compare Features
Most child carriers share basic features such as adjustable shoulder and waist straps, adjustable child harness, a foldout kickstand and an external frame. Fit is paramount. Megan Nelson, REI Seattle inventory specialist, offers this advice: "The fit is just like a backpack, except the weight rides higher. However, the weight really is not much of an issue if the child carrier fits you right."
Here are some of the variables to consider:
Suspension system: This is the key to parental comfort. Most child carriers feature an easy-to-adjust ladder suspension, just like the ones found in many backpacks. A child carrier's adjustability is measured by the torso range (listed under the Specs tab on REI.com product pages). Read more about how to measure your torso size. Torso adjustments are simple: If you're on the tall side, move the suspension setting up higher on the back (or, if you're a shorter adult, move it to a lower setting). A few models feature a fixed suspension, which limits adjustability, but offer weight savings.
Kickstand: This bar provides a stable platform for loading and unloading your child. Most can be manually extended and retracted to the loading position with a simple tug. Other models feature a fixed-position kickstand (which saves a bit of weight) or a spring-loaded kickstand (which extends and retracts automatically—a nice feature). These all accomplish the same goal, so personal preference is the deciding factor here.
Frame: As noted earlier, frameless carriers are intended only for infants and gear totaling up to 30 lbs. or so. Most child carriers feature an external frame of tubular aluminum. A few models use an aluminum stay for support, much like those used in internal-frame backpacks, and may offer a daypack option.
Accessories: If you plan on using a child carrier only occasionally, you might not be interested in all the features of the deluxe models. However, if you plan to head off-road or carry lots of gear, consider models with the following extras:
Gear-storage capacity, including removable diaper bags or day packs
More adjustability options for a better fit
Diaper-changing pad
Hydration-system compatibility
Removable rain/sun hood (sometimes sold separately)
Removable bug netting (usually sold separately)
Fit the Child Carrier to You
First, adjust the child carrier to fit you. This is the main factor for your comfort. When making your initial adjustments, use books to weight the pack instead of your child.
Adjust the suspension system to fit your torso, so that the hipbelt rests on your hip bones (not your waist) and the shoulder straps rest on your shoulders.
Tighten the hipbelt so roughly 80% of the weight is on your hips.
Tighten the shoulder straps so the child carrier is stabilized and the remaining 20% or so of the weight is on your shoulders.
Adjust the sternum strap across your chest so that it doesn't interfere with your breathing.
Fit the Child Carrier to Your Child
Before putting your child in the carrier, adjust the height of the child seat. Make sure the child's straps are loosened and the kickstand is fully extended.
Now put your child in the carrier, and make sure his or her feet come through the leg openings.
Buckle and tighten all straps, including the hipbelt, shoulder straps, leg strap adjustments and sternum strap. Note: Not all child carriers have all of these strap options.
Tighten the side compression straps, if available.
Check to make sure the child's shoulder straps fit smoothly over his or her shoulders and that the leg straps are comfortable.
Tips on Using a Child Carrier
Lifting an occupied child carrier is similar to hoisting a heavy backpack (see our pack-hoisting video for instructions). The first few times you do so, have someone help you put it on your back. The steps: Lift the child carrier by the top handles, slip on the shoulder straps and buckle the hipbelt. When removing the carrier, loosen the shoulder straps and unbuckle the hipbelt. Grabbing the handle behind your head, bring the carrier around to your front, and grasp the second handle to help you set the child carrier on the ground.
Some additional pointers:
Don't leave your child unattended while he or she is in the child carrier.
Children tend to fall asleep in child carriers; occasionally check your child's position and comfort.
Child carriers aren't adequately stable to be used as a chair, nor should they ever be placed on elevated surfaces such as a bench, table or bed.
Do not use a child carrier if the frame or fasteners are damaged.
Make sure your child is protected from the weather.
Consider wearing a hat so your child can't grab your hair.
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