7 Best Baby Carrier Backpack: Product Features & Buying Tips

Looking forward to share some amazingly good times with your little one outdoors? We say, why not? Some of the most memorable moments we’ve shared with our kids over the years is time spent bonding outdoors. We totally understand how tedious hiking or jetsetting could be with a baby or toddler in tow.

One of the things we couldn’t have done without traveling the globe are baby carriers. Read on to find out our 7 best baby carrier backpack picks. I must say, we’re big fans!

Best baby carrier backpack for 2023 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons

So, you think you need a baby carrier backpack? Based on our experience, it’s totally worth it. It’s one of the most versatile baby gears you can take on a road trip, aboard a plane, or a hike in the mountain.

Whether you prefer soft carriers or framed carriers, they let you and your baby get around with relatively much ease and less hassle. Remember to shop for your baby’s comfort and safety but consider your own needs too.

Here are our top 7 picks with a quick view of key features:

Image	Brand	Product Dimensions	Product Weight	Material	Available Colors	Details
BEST OVERALL	Chicco	‎18 x 16.8 x 30.7 inches	6.4 lbs.	Aluminum frame	● Black/ Grey	Check price
PREMIUM PICK	Luvdbaby	Not specified	Not specified	● Aluminum ● Polyester	● Black/Grey ● Green/Grey ● Orange/Grey	Check price
BEST VALUE	TotCraft	‎14.9 x 14.6 x 3.5 inches	2 lbs.	Cotton	● Black Camel ● Khaki Green ● Pearl Grey ● Light Grey	Check price
	Besrey	‎17.13 x 13.35 x 7.91 inches	7.04 lbs.	Not specified	● Black ● Green ● Light Green	Check price
	Saddlebaby	12 x 7 x 12 inches	Not specified	Not specified	● Orange/Blue	Check price
	ClevrPlus	10 x 30 x 16 inches	5.48 lbs.	● Metal frame ● Oxford cloth	● Blue ● Green ● Grey ● Red	Check price
	CdyBox	‎14 x 7 x 3.1 inches	1.04 lbs.	● Polyester	● Pink ● Blue ● Beige	Check price

1. Chicco SmartSupport Backpack Baby Carrier 

When it comes to baby equipment, we always appreciate a well-thought-out design just like this baby carrier from Chicco. This model from one of the most trusted brands in baby care is designed with you and your baby in mind.

We found this makes added weight on your back more bearable to carry over longer periods of time. The best part is that it remains easy on the budget. For this, we were willing to spend a couple more bucks than going for cheaper alternatives. And, boy, was it worth it!

2. Luvdbaby Ergonomic Baby Carrier for Hiking

I personally love the multiple pockets on this thing! You can’t ever have enough storage for all the must-haves and just-in-case you simply can’t do without when you’re traveling with your baby. Yes, you can bring a toy, probably a handful of them, and fnd a space you can stuff it in there.

Other than that, it’s also absolutely convenient to wear and easy to store in a plane’s stowage. Not to mention, it keeps your baby perfectly safe and still even when he or she gets to sleep – which isn’t really a matter of if but when – LOL!

3. TotCraft Baby Carrier with Lumbar Support 

Weighing only 2 lbs., this product is ideal for all outdoor use, including errands when you have to bring along your child. Mums, you’ll love how light this is. At the same time, it’s structured in a way that keeps you both safe and secure. Of course, the best part is that it has the desirable qualities of the products listed on this best baby carrier backpack for kids at such an affordable cost.

4. Besrey Lightweight Baby Carrier for Camping – Best Ergonomic Baby Backpack Carrier

Lightweight, ergonomic, with plenty of space to store everything else you might need out there, this one here is a personal favorite for overnight camping trips and day hiking. We haven’t tried anything quite like it in the wild that’s for sure!

5. SaddleBaby Backpack Carrier – Best Soft Carrier Backpack

If you’re looking for something more basic yet functional and easy to take wherever you go then this option is definitely something for you to consider. It doesn’t have much of all the nice-to-haves but it’s certainly built for performance. After all, it’s designed for kids 2 to 5 so you’ll probably just need this carrier when your little one’s tiny feet get tired.

6. ClevrPlus Framed Baby Carrier for Hiking – Best Lightweight Framed Carrier for Baby

Definitely made to create precious memories outdoors, this baby carrier comes with a detachable canopy that can withstand rain, sun, or snow. Multiple pockets permit you to access all the things you’d want to be within arm’s reach even as your child is riding your back, that includes precious water and a few knickknacks.

7. CdyBox Soft Baby Carrier with 4 Adjustable Positions – Best Baby Carrier for Infants

What about infants? It’s so easy to say that newborns and their mums should stay indoors for the first few months as much as possible. But, in reality, you’d have to do at least some quick errands or visit loved ones too. This can well be an everyday babywear for you even inside your home.

Babies love to stay close which this carrier does really well but, I also appreciate how it allowed me to move around, do some cleaning, walking exercise even, during those first few months. And, unlike most of the carriers on this list, it does give you different options to carry your baby, just in case you’re skeptical about carriers possibly causing hip dysplasia, just like we were.

Safe Baby Carriers:  Buying Guide

Backpack carriers for babies help keep both of your hands free which is desirable, most especially when you’re taking a trip or a hike. There are a few other considerations to make when you’re shopping for baby carriers that you must check before you buy.

Design

As a parent, you’d do everything that’s best for your baby. But, what parents often forget is that what works for baby must work for mum and dad too. We wish we’ve lived that wisdom sooner too – guilty as charged – and hopefully you learn that sooner for your own good.

Pick out a carrier that’s ergonomic for both of you. Remember that your baby and you will be in this together so might as well make it as comfy as possible for you both. Plus, if you’ll be sharing the carrier with your spouse or caregiver, make sure to choose a product that allows you to adjust the fittings.

Features and Customisations

There are generally two types of baby carriers, soft carriers and framed carriers. Decide which one you’re willing to carry around. It’s a great way to cutdown your list.

From there, you may start looking for key features that makes it safe and easy to wear for you and the little one:

• Overall product structure and support
• Adjustable belts, buckles, and harness
• Cushions and pads
• Pockets and other gear
• Cleaning and maintenance specifications

What many tend to overlook is fabric color. Sure, greys and blacks are easy-to-wear and probably what many of us tend to go for but, when it comes to carriers, fabrics that are easy to spot, even by drivers, are the best as far as safety is concerned.

Weight

It seems like a no-brainer but it’s easy to forget when you’re presented with hundreds of choices. When you’re shopping in store, try it on your back. When shopping online, make it a point to check out the product weight and dimensions.

In either case, also check the maximum carrying capacity andd so a bit a math to make sure that the carrier can support your baby’s weight plus other stuff in your stash.

Intended Use

Keep in mind to look for a baby carrier that is age-appropriate. Some carriers are better suited for infants while some are made for toddlers. In either case, the ultimate measures to consider are your baby’s age, weight, and size. Make sure your baby won’t slip into the holes or slide down over your head when you bend forward.

You should also think about when, where, and why you’re planning to use a baby carrier. ClevrPlus Framed Baby Carrier for Hiking would be a great choice if you’re sporting outdoors.

If you intend to take it on a plane, take note that there may be specific air carrier guidelines that you must follow. One specific rule of thumb that has worked for us when traveling with carriers is double-checking if the carrier fits in the overhead bin. In any case, we strongly suggest calling up your airline to check.

Budget

Baby furniture can easily rack up hundreds up to thousands of dollars if you’re not careful. When shopping for babies, we all tend to be emotional but, over the years, we’ve learned some hard lessons along the way. One of which is to refrain from splurging.

Truth is, kids grow up so fast. Invest in comfort and safety but not for features that are nice to have. In the case of backpack carriers, you’ll likely have to shop for a new one after 6 months up to one year anyway so consider only how and where you want to use it for that time period only.

Save when you can because there’ll be more you’ll need to spend on as your baby grows. Don’t go overboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are baby carriers safe for babies?

Baby carriers like the CdyBox Soft Baby Carrier with 4 Adjustable Positions are perfectly safe for infants and toddlers. However, it can harm your baby and you too if you’re not careful about how you make your choices.

Hip dysplasia is one of the possible risks parents are concerned about when considering baby carriers. It is a condition that develops when infants’ hips are injured and unable to develop properly. Poor ergonomic design and improper positioning of babies in a carrier can lead to this condition.

Q: How do I know if a carrier is safe for my baby?

Look for standard compliance seals or claims on the product labels. If unsure, ask the seller about it and require proof.

For your further information, you should also check out the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s prescribed standards for soft infant and toddler carriers, and standards for framed child carriers.

Q: Is there a minimum age requirement for babies to be on carriers?

Babies should only be placed in backpack carriers when they’re able to hold their head in upright position and sit up on their own or with little help. That would be when they’re about 4 up to 6 months. In our case, we didn’t put our kids in carriers in a vertical position until they were 4 months old.

Q: What should baby’s proper position be in a carrier?

Babies 4 months and older should always be placed in an “M” position, with legs spread out widely on both sides of you. Your baby’s legs should never be too close to each other to prevent hip dysplasia. It’s always best for babies less than one year old to be placed in front of you, in such a way that your chest is against baby’s chest.

Also, other pointers recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics are as follows:

• Never put premature babies in carriers.
• Refrain from using carriers that force baby’s body to be in a C-shape.
• Make sure that baby’s back, head, and nape are supported and kept in an upright position.

Conclusion

So, the best baby carrier backpack will help promote attachment between you and your baby but will never compromise on health and safety. Choose wisely and select a product based on expert-recommended standards. Beyond that, always make sure that you’re following manufacturer’s notes on product use, and check safety features frequently.