Baby Backpacks Free Up Busy Parents

Baby wearing is popular for good reason: it frees up parents' hands, gives the child a birds-eye-view, and is practical for activities including cooking, hiking, shopping, and helping other children. The baby backpack is a must-have accessory for active and outdoors-loving parents and ranges in price from $30 to $200, depending on brands and features, and are widely available both new and used.

For parents used to carrying their baby or toddler in their arms or in a front carrier, using a baby backpack will feel like their child has gone from 30 pounds to 5 pounds overnight. The backpack itself is shaped like a camping-style backpack with a lightweight frame and hip and shoulder straps that distribute your child's weight on your hips and legs. When you first start using the backpack, make all necessary adjustments so the weight is properly distributed on your hips instead of your back and shoulders.

Baby backpacks come in a variety of sizes and models with many optional features. Many carriers include storage and accessories like toy loops, kickstands, reflective tape, and sun canopies. The most important features are restraining harness safety belts for the child, padded shoulder and waist straps for parent comfort, and easily adjustable straps to ensure your child's weight is evenly distributed. A stable kickstand lets you put the baby in easily while the pack is sitting on the floor.

Like everything else, the baby backpack does have a few downsides. It is difficult to see the little one once he or she is on your back. While you can hand the child toys or even snacks, you won't be able to see his or her face. Additionally, unlike a Bjorn, transferring a sleeping child from the backpack to crib is difficult unless you have an extremely heavy sleeper. Although most backpacks are rated to 40 pounds, most parents will quickly tire of carrying that much weight on their backs and retire the backpack closer to 30 pounds.

The following products are both good backpacks. The reviews highlight the most relevant features but do not repeat basic information from above.

Evenflo Cross Country Framed Carrier ($70)

The Cross Country Carrier is simple to use and lightweight. Features include a 3-position hip belt, adjustable shoulder and waist straps, roomy storage bag for baby essentials, vertical kickstand, and removable sun shade. The breathable mesh panels help keep both parent and child cool. The carrier is readily available, including on eBay. However, the backpack is only rated for parents up to 6 foot 2 inches and has light padding so after long periods of baby wearing your shoulders will likely feel your child's weight.

Kelty Pathfinder Backpack($170)

Kelty is the premier baby backpack brand and the mid-range Pathfinder is its most popular model. Support is personally fitted through memory foam side straps that conform to your body and easily adjustable shoulder and hip straps for easy back-and-forth between parents. The Pathfinder is extremely comfortable for both the parent and child because of breathable padding and lining. Additionally, the kickstand can be easily pushed out so you can set it down without jostling your child. The backpack itself weighs less than 8 pounds, includes multiple storage bags, and has a washable seat. The higher price reflects its many superior features, however, the cost is out of reach for many parents.

Regardless of which brand you buy, the combination of view, fresh air, and stimulation virtually guarantees your child will nap well after - or during - a backpack session and parents will love the multi-functional freedom provided by baby backpacks. Get going!