April 2007
Features to consider Backpack carriers
Two important factors to consider in evaluating backpack carriers are: How much you'll use a backpack carrier and your baby's comfort and safety (not to mention yours). Many models differ by only a feature or two, which can add to the cost (or reduce it). Some features may be more important to you than others. Your best bet is to make a list of must-have features, such as those we cite below, and then try on and compare the various models.
The cockpit. Higher-end backpack carriers tend to offer a roomier ride for a baby and may include stirrups so a baby's feet don't dangle. That support may help reduce the chances your baby's feet will fall asleep as you're plodding along. Padding is key. Some parents say that their children seem happier in a plusher ride.
Fabrics. Backpack carriers are likely to be made of durable nylon similar to what's used in suitcases. Fabrics vary from lightweight to heavy-duty. The material should be sturdy, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean by wiping with a mild detergent. (Let the carrier air out a few days when it gets wet.) Light-reflecting piping or stripes can help drivers see you, but err on the side of caution by keeping a safe distance from traffic.
Fasteners. Carriers have a variety of buckles and fasteners for shoulder and waist straps, and babies' seat. Buckles that hold shoulder and waist straps should be easy to adjust and should hold the straps tightly so they can't work loose when the carrier is in use. Snaps and buckles should be sturdy and difficult for babies to unfasten.
Foldability. A framed backpack carrier that can easily be folded flat to fit in the trunk of your car or in a closet is a plus.
Kickstand. The kickstand should lock firmly in the open position and have hinges with spacers so fingers don't get pinched. When the carrier is on your back, the kickstand should close so it doesn't snag on things as you walk. On one model we tested, the Kelty K.I.D.S. Pathfinder, the kickstand didn't always close fully. It also didn't always automatically open fully to a stable angle. If you didn't notice this, it would pose a slight hazard when unloading a child by yourself. Otherwise, this carrier was rated comparatively high. When the carrier is on the ground with the kickstand open, it should be hard to tip over. However, as we mentioned, never use a carrier with a stand as a baby seat.
Leg openings. These should be fully adjustable to fit snugly around your baby's legs. Padding. Look for a backpack carrier with padding that covers the metal frame near your baby's face. You'll want padding that's firm rather than mushy.
Padding. Look for a backpack carrier with padding that covers the metal frame near your baby's face. You'll want padding that's firm rather than mushy.
Seats and seat belts. Look for a seat that adjusts to different baby sizes, so your baby can see over your shoulder from the beginning, but not so high that your child could fall out. The cockpit should be padded for comfort and have enough depth to support your baby's back, and fully adjustable leg openings that are small enough to prevent your baby from slipping out. Check all buckles and other securing hardware and be sure seams won't tear and straps won't slip.
Shoulder, waist, and chest straps. Shoulder-strap padding should be firm and wide. Putting your baby in and strapping the carrier on should be fairly simple. Shoulder straps should have an adjustable chest buckle that keeps straps on your shoulders and prevents chafing at the neck. They should also be adjustable even while you're carrying your baby. Overall, look for as much flexibility in the straps as possible. The chest strap should be adjustable in height and length; the waist belt should be vertically adjustable. But don't be swayed by fancy-looking padding, particularly on shoulder straps, which shouldn't take a lot of stress anyway. Fit and firmness are more important than padding thickness, especially at the shoulder. In the lumbar area, well-made carriers may have a large pad in the middle of the waist strap for adults that helps distribute the baby's weight from your shoulders to your hips and pelvic area, and prevents strain on your lower back. Carrying the weight lower is definitely more comfortable. In the store, fasten the belt to see if it's long enough and neither too high nor too low when the carrier is in place.
Storage pouches. If you can't leave your house without lots of toys, an extra bottle, snacks, and a diaper stash, and want a place to store your cell phone, you'll need a carrier with ample storage, and models differ. The Snugli Cross Country by Evenflo and the Kelty K.I.D.S. Pathfinder, offer the most storage of the models we tested. Some models have only a small pouch for a cell phone or bottle. Others are loaded with pockets, pouches, and toy loops, with handy ones built into the waist belt. Zippered pouches or ones with a Velcro closure are better because things can't fall out. Plastic-lined pockets are good for damp items. Some heavy-duty carriers for serious hiking have removable pouch accessories so you can choose what to add or remove. But be mindful not to exceed the weight maximum of the carrier you choose.
Sun/weather shield. Since a baby's eyes and skin are sensitive, you'll need to protect her from the sun and bad weather. Most backpack carriers come with a sun/weather shield or offer them as an accessory. If the carrier you select doesn't come with a shield, buy one separately on the spot. (As we mentioned, "soft" carriers don't offer this feature--see our report on soft carriers.) Not all sun/weather shields are created equal. The better shields are "hoods" that provide full coverage. And be sure to cover any part of your baby's skin that's showing with baby-appropriate sunscreen, starting at 6 months of age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Two important factors to consider in evaluating backpack carriers are: How much you'll use a backpack carrier and your baby's comfort and safety (not to mention yours). Many models differ by only a feature or two, which can add to the cost (or reduce it). Some features may be more important to you than others. Your best bet is to make a list of must-have features, such as those we cite below, and then try on and compare the various models.
The cockpit. Higher-end backpack carriers tend to offer a roomier ride for a baby and may include stirrups so a baby's feet don't dangle. That support may help reduce the chances your baby's feet will fall asleep as you're plodding along. Padding is key. Some parents say that their children seem happier in a plusher ride.
Fabrics. Backpack carriers are likely to be made of durable nylon similar to what's used in suitcases. Fabrics vary from lightweight to heavy-duty. The material should be sturdy, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean by wiping with a mild detergent. (Let the carrier air out a few days when it gets wet.) Light-reflecting piping or stripes can help drivers see you, but err on the side of caution by keeping a safe distance from traffic.
Fasteners. Carriers have a variety of buckles and fasteners for shoulder and waist straps, and babies' seat. Buckles that hold shoulder and waist straps should be easy to adjust and should hold the straps tightly so they can't work loose when the carrier is in use. Snaps and buckles should be sturdy and difficult for babies to unfasten.
Foldability. A framed backpack carrier that can easily be folded flat to fit in the trunk of your car or in a closet is a plus.
Kickstand. The kickstand should lock firmly in the open position and have hinges with spacers so fingers don't get pinched. When the carrier is on your back, the kickstand should close so it doesn't snag on things as you walk. On one model we tested, the Kelty K.I.D.S. Pathfinder, the kickstand didn't always close fully. It also didn't always automatically open fully to a stable angle. If you didn't notice this, it would pose a slight hazard when unloading a child by yourself. Otherwise, this carrier was rated comparatively high. When the carrier is on the ground with the kickstand open, it should be hard to tip over. However, as we mentioned, never use a carrier with a stand as a baby seat.
Leg openings. These should be fully adjustable to fit snugly around your baby's legs. Padding. Look for a backpack carrier with padding that covers the metal frame near your baby's face. You'll want padding that's firm rather than mushy.
Padding. Look for a backpack carrier with padding that covers the metal frame near your baby's face. You'll want padding that's firm rather than mushy.
Seats and seat belts. Look for a seat that adjusts to different baby sizes, so your baby can see over your shoulder from the beginning, but not so high that your child could fall out. The cockpit should be padded for comfort and have enough depth to support your baby's back, and fully adjustable leg openings that are small enough to prevent your baby from slipping out. Check all buckles and other securing hardware and be sure seams won't tear and straps won't slip.
Shoulder, waist, and chest straps. Shoulder-strap padding should be firm and wide. Putting your baby in and strapping the carrier on should be fairly simple. Shoulder straps should have an adjustable chest buckle that keeps straps on your shoulders and prevents chafing at the neck. They should also be adjustable even while you're carrying your baby. Overall, look for as much flexibility in the straps as possible. The chest strap should be adjustable in height and length; the waist belt should be vertically adjustable. But don't be swayed by fancy-looking padding, particularly on shoulder straps, which shouldn't take a lot of stress anyway. Fit and firmness are more important than padding thickness, especially at the shoulder. In the lumbar area, well-made carriers may have a large pad in the middle of the waist strap for adults that helps distribute the baby's weight from your shoulders to your hips and pelvic area, and prevents strain on your lower back. Carrying the weight lower is definitely more comfortable. In the store, fasten the belt to see if it's long enough and neither too high nor too low when the carrier is in place.
Storage pouches. If you can't leave your house without lots of toys, an extra bottle, snacks, and a diaper stash, and want a place to store your cell phone, you'll need a carrier with ample storage, and models differ. The Snugli Cross Country by Evenflo and the Kelty K.I.D.S. Pathfinder, offer the most storage of the models we tested. Some models have only a small pouch for a cell phone or bottle. Others are loaded with pockets, pouches, and toy loops, with handy ones built into the waist belt. Zippered pouches or ones with a Velcro closure are better because things can't fall out. Plastic-lined pockets are good for damp items. Some heavy-duty carriers for serious hiking have removable pouch accessories so you can choose what to add or remove. But be mindful not to exceed the weight maximum of the carrier you choose.
Sun/weather shield. Since a baby's eyes and skin are sensitive, you'll need to protect her from the sun and bad weather. Most backpack carriers come with a sun/weather shield or offer them as an accessory. If the carrier you select doesn't come with a shield, buy one separately on the spot. (As we mentioned, "soft" carriers don't offer this feature--see our report on soft carriers.) Not all sun/weather shields are created equal. The better shields are "hoods" that provide full coverage. And be sure to cover any part of your baby's skin that's showing with baby-appropriate sunscreen, starting at 6 months of age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
