How to Hiking with a Baby Carrier
Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.
It’s important to know when your baby is ready for a backpack. Newborns need a frameless carrier to snuggle them close to you. However, once they are able to sit upright without assistance, weigh at least 16 pounds, and have full control of their head and neck, they can use a child backpack carrier with a built-in frame.
When using a children’s backpack, you must be aware of activities that should be avoided, such as hiking on loose rocks, trail running, rock climbing, skiing, skating, biking and any high-speed activities. Kids backpacks are great for hiking, backpacking, traveling and walking around town.
When shopping for a kids backpack, consider key features like suspension, kickstands, frames, and accessories. Suspension adjustability is critical to parent comfort and can be measured through torso range specifications. The air helps provide a stable base for your child to move in and out of the carrier, while the frame provides the structure needed to carry the weight of a larger child. Accessories like gear storage, diaper changing mats, and removable rain/sun shields can be helpful, but can also add weight and price to a carrier.
Remember to be realistic about the amount of items you plan to carry and whether you need specific features. Finally, always make sure your child’s weight plus the gear in the carrier does not exceed 48 pounds.
To attach the straps to a child’s backpack, first adjust them to fit your body. When making adjustments at home, use heavy objects such as books to weigh down the backpack rather than placing your child in the backpack.
Adjust the suspension system to fit your torso so that the hip belt rests on your hip bones and the shoulder straps rest on your shoulders. Tighten the waist so that 80% of the weight rests on the hips, tighten the shoulder straps so that the kids backpack remains stable and the remaining 20% of the weight rests on the shoulders. Tighten the weight straps from the top of the shoulder straps toward the top of the back panel at about a 45-degree angle. If you find a gap between the straps and the top of your shoulder, loosen the straps and try again. Adjust the chest strap so it does not interfere with your breathing.
Adjust your child’s seat height before placing your child in the carrier. Make sure the child’s shoulder straps are loosened and the brace is fully extended. Then, place your child in the carrier, making sure their feet slide through the leg openings. Tighten and tighten all straps, including waist belt, shoulder straps, leg strap adjusters, and chest strap. If there are side compression straps, tighten them. Check that the seat height is correct so that your child’s chin is roughly level with the top of the chin pad. Make sure your child’s shoulder straps sit smoothly over your child’s shoulders and that the leg straps fit snugly.
How to pack and lift a backpack
Putting on and taking off backpack straps is similar to lifting a heavy backpack. While holding the top handle and pulling on the shoulder straps, lift up the backpack straps and buckle the waist belt. To remove the straps, loosen the shoulder straps and unbuckle the waist belt. Grab the handle behind your head and pull the harness in front of you, then grab the second handle to help you place the backpack strap on the ground.