10 Best Baby Carrier Backpacks: Reviewed & Compared By Parents
Great Carrier For Dads
This Osprey carrier has anti gravity suspension which helps to safely distribute weight of your child.
Great Carrier For Moms
The Deuter carrier is extremely adjustable, making it the perfect solution for carrying children of all shapes and sizes.
Best Lightweight Carrier
The Lillebaby carrier is a versatile choice for parents who like to carry their child infront and behind them.
Bringing a new baby into the family comes with a lot of lifestyle sacrifices, but hiking doesn’t need to be one of them. Before you put your hiking boots away in a closet, consider purchasing a baby backpack carrier.
A baby backpack carrier can make hiking a breeze. The baby will enjoy itself as it gets to sit close to you and you get to continue your favorite hobby. We’ve compiled the best baby backpack reviews for you to make your purchase easier.
Baby Carrier Backpacks Compared
Image | Model | Weight Capacity | Sunshade | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Deuter Kid Comfort 1 Child Carrier For Hiking | Weight Capacity | Sunshade | ||
Osprey Packs Poco AG Plus | 40 Pounds | Yes | ||
LILLEbaby SIX-Position 360° Ergonomic | 40 Pounds | No | ||
Thule Sapling | 48 Pounds | Yes | ||
Clevr Cross Country | 33 Pounds | Yes | ||
Phil&Ted’s Escape | 40 Pounds | Yes | ||
Luvdbaby Premium | 40 Pounds | Yes | ||
Ergobaby 360 All Carry Positions | 40 Pounds | Yes | ||
Infantino Carry On Carrier | 40 Pounds | No | ||
TeckCool Store | 50 Pounds | Yes |
Why Do You Need a Baby Backpack Carrier?
While I may have focused on hikers up above, really anyone could benefit from the use of a baby backpack carrier. They’re much easier to carry around than a stroller and they free up your hands.
You could take a baby backpack carrier to the store, an amusement park, traveling, and more. In fact, you could even use one for your neighborhood walks. There are just so many different scenarios where using a baby backpack carrier would be the best option.
Using a baby backpack carrier is good for you, as it makes life easier, but did you know it’s also good for your baby? This is especially true for infants, as a study published by the Pediatrics Journal stated that babywearing for three hours a day reduced crying by forty-three percent overall. Plus, it always them to stay close to you and view the world from your perspective.
What to Look For in a Baby Backpack Carrier
Comfort For You & Your Child
One of the most important aspects of a good baby backpack carrier is comfort. There are certain features that make a huge difference in terms of comfort, for both you and your child.
You want good ventilation, first and foremost. Stirrups are also great in terms of adding comfort for the child. Padded straps and hip belts also help make a baby backpack carrier much more comfortable.
Softshell vs Hardshell
Softshell baby backpack carriers are often more lightweight. These carriers are usually best suited for babies under twelve months old.
Hardshell baby backpack carriers are heavier, but they offer more support and comfort. Kids up to four years old could sit in a hardshell baby backpack carrier.
Freestanding
Many of the baby backpack carriers we reviewed are able to stand up on their own. They come with a collapsible stand. This doesn’t really make a difference in terms of comfort or quality, but it does help make storage easier.
Collapsible
Again, a baby backpack carrier being collapsible doesn’t really make a difference in terms of quality or comfort, but it’s still a big deal. When baby backpack carriers aren’t collapsible, storage becomes very difficult.
It can also be hard, if not impossible, to fit an uncollapsed baby backpack carrier in your trunk, making it hard to travel with one.
Sunshade (SPF) & Rain Protection
This one is a huge deal in terms of safety for your child. Rain protection is important because of course, you don’t want your child getting soaked. However, a good, protective sunshade is an absolute must.
UV rays can be harmful to anyone but especially a child. If the baby backpack carrier you choose doesn’t have a good sunshade, please be sure to use a hat and lots of sunscreen.
Pack Weight With Child & Without
A lot of people think, “Why would I care how much the backpack weighs without my child in?”. You should care, especially if you have an older child.
If your kid is already thirty-five pounds, do you really want to add a ten-pound baby backpack carrier onto that weight? It’s a good idea to aim for a baby backpack carrier that doesn’t weigh too much without your child.
Extra Features
You don’t need extra features, but they sure can be useful! Extra storage, comfort options, and other fun things? Yes, please!
Some backpack carriers even include a safety mirror to check on your child, and some of the really fancy ones come with a diaper changing pad! Hypothetically, you could bring all this stuff separately, but why go through the hassle?
10 Best Baby Carriers Reviewed
1. Deuter Kid Comfort 1 Child Carrier for Hiking
Perfect For Hiking Moms & Dads
Seasoned hikers are always going to want the best baby backpack carrier, and the Deuter Kid Comfort 1 just might be the one for you. This backpack carrier can hold nearly fifty pounds, which is impressive considering most backpack carriers max out at forty pounds.
It’s easy for kids to get in and out of this one, thanks to the step-in side access. This is a framed baby backpack carrier, so you can be positive it offers good support.
The biggest drawback to this carrier is its lack of storage, this probably isn’t for you if you’re just hiking with yourself and the kid. If you have someone else with you who can carry things, then the Deuter Kid Comfort 1 is a great deal. On the bright side, carrying the kid might be exhausting enough for your back, so maybe it is good that you have an excuse not to carry additional items.
It’s our #1 choice because it offers style, comfort, and quality all at a fantastic price.
Pros
Cons
2. Osprey Packs Poco AG Plus Child Carrier
Perfect For Hiking Dads
This Osprey Poco AG Plus Child Carrier is one for the dads. Women, of course, could use this baby carrier backpack too, but the design makes us think this is the perfect men’s baby carrier backpacks. Mom, dad or whoever else will find that this backpack carrier is absolutely awesome for hiking and other outdoor activities. The baby will love it too since it includes a bug out curtain that will protect the little ones from bugs and dust - and if you don't want to use it, you don't have to.
It can hold up to 26 liters of storage, which is pretty impressive. Additional features such as a safety mirror and sunshade also help this baby backpack carrier standout from the crowd. The biggest area this model falls short in is comfort.
Unfortunately, the Osprey isn’t as comfortable for both the baby and wearer. The hip area is especially troublesome, that’s where most of the weight will fall. If comfort isn’t a huge issue for you, you’ll be satisfied with this baby backpack carrier.
Pros
Cons
3. LILLEbaby SIX-Position 360° Ergonomic Baby & Child Carrier
Perfect For Short Walks & Hikes
The LILLEbaby Six-Position 360° Ergonomic Baby & Child Carrier is an incredibly versatile baby carrier. It can be used from the newborn stage to about four years. This baby carrier is very customizable and can be worn six different ways. The straps are adjustable to fit any needs.
For the parents, it’s a pretty comfortable backpack carrier. However, there are inward pockets that may be uncomfortable for the baby. Also, the straps are pretty bulky which may be annoying.
This carrier isn’t a backpack like any of the other models mentioned on this list, so it doesn’t have as many cool features, such as storage options. If you’re looking for a lightweight baby carrier and don’t need a lot to come with it, the LILLIEbaby will be perfect for you. It works great for short hikes, and also for other fun and exhausting activities (especially for the little ones) such as visiting Disneyland!
Pros
Cons
4. Thule Sapling Child Carrier
Perfect For Travel
If the most important feature for you when looking for a baby carrier is safety, then you will want to check this one out. While the Thule Sapling Child Carrier could be used for many different purposes, I personally believe it’s the best baby backpack carrier for travel as it comes with a lot of cool, unique features.
It does come with a sunshade, but it also includes a safety mirror, two zippered belt pockets, large zippered compartments, and a water reservoir. There’s also side access, so it’s easy for older kids within the weight limits to get in and out. Babies can use this too, as long as they’re able to sit up by themselves.
The biggest complaint with this particular model is its comfort. It’s padded, but the padding can feel a bit stiff. It won’t ruin your day but some other models do beat this one in terms of comfort.
Pros
Cons
5. Clevr Cross Country Baby Backpack Hiking Carrier
Perfect For Cross-Country/Trails
The Clevr Cross Country Baby Backpack Hiking Carrier is, as you can imagine by reading the name, another great baby backpack cross-country carrier. This baby back carrier is great for parents on a budget. For this price range, you get a pretty impressive number of extra features, including a sunshade, rain protection, a kickstand, and a bunch of pockets.
The only thing you probably won’t like about this child backpack carrier is its quality of materials. The padded hip belt and shoulder straps aren’t as great as some of our other featured models. It’s also not too comfortable on long hikes and it doesn’t adjust well for shorter adults, but it is still a great choice for those trips to the amusement park or the zoo.
If your family is just going on a short hike, these downsides shouldn’t matter too much either, and you’ll enjoy the Clevr Baby Backpack Carrier.
Pros
Cons
6. Phil&Ted’s Escape Baby Backpack Carrier
Perfect For Travel
The Phil&Ted Company makes an excellent lightweight baby backpack carrier. This baby backpack carrier is absolutely focused on keeping both the child and the adult happy. It comes with a variety of attractive features, such as a sunshade, foot stirrups, and even a diaper changing pad! It really is a helpful and convenient choice.
What really makes the Escape unique is the small backpack it comes with. The smaller backpack can be worn with the carrier or it can be zipped off to make the overall weight lighter. It also compresses quite small, making it easy to travel with.
The only feature I would say the Escape needs to improve on is its comfort. The child sits pretty far from your back which could be a strain on longer hikes. It isn’t very adjustable either. If the Phil&Ted company were able to fix those few issues, this would be the perfect baby backpack carrier.
Pros
Cons
7. Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier
Perfect For Casual Use
The Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier is an awesome ergonomic baby backpack carrier, and it just so happens to be priced quite fairly. It comes with a range of unique features, including a sunshade, aluminum kickstand, and hip belt pockets. They all come in very handy to help you organize all the smaller items that you bring with you. It even has an insulated pocket for food!
Like the model above, it also comes with a removable smaller backpack for storage. A diaper changing pad is also included for those outdoors emergencies. One of the best things about the Luvdbaby is while it may be cheap, it doesn’t look like it at all.
Still, there are a few notable drawbacks. The shoulders and hip belt aren’t padded very well, so they can become uncomfortable on long hikes and with larger children. If you can deal with this, the Luvdbaby is excellent for its price.
Pros
Cons
8. Ergobaby 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier
Perfect For Everyday Use
The Ergobaby is different from every other baby carrier on this list. It’s front-facing and includes no storage. However, we still included it because other models on this list can’t be used until the baby is able to sit up on its own.
The Ergobaby can be used for newborns, with the newborn insert. Once the baby hits eleven pounds and outgrows the insert, it can be used until the baby is forty pounds. When comparing baby carrier vs. backpack, you want to keep in mind that soft baby carriers such as the Ergobaby are much lighter than baby carrier backpacks.
Many of the other models we’ve mentioned are only practical for hiking or traveling, but this can be used every day. Baby carriers make grocery shopping, neighborhood walks, household work, and more so simple! Baby gets to be held and mom (or dad) gets to have use of both their hands.
Pros
Cons
9. Infantino Carry On Carrier
Perfect For Hiking
The Infantino Carry On Carrier is a very interesting baby backpack carrier. It can be used until the child is forty pounds but it’s also suitable for infants as small as eight pounds.
Unlike other similar carriers on this list, it still offers storage. So no, it doesn’t have as much storage as some other baby backpack carriers on this list, but it does have a small little backpack. The advantage of it being a smaller choice is that it makes a perfect carrier for your airport and city-tourist adventures with your baby since you don't have to worry about it being too bulky to carry around. There’s a fold-in seat offering optimum support. As your child gets older, you can expand the seat out.
This baby backpack carrier does have an issue with comfort, unfortunately. The straps can really become a nuisance. If that doesn’t bother you too much, the Infantino works great for hiking.
Pros
Cons
10. TeckCool Store Baby Backpack Carrier
Perfect For Hiking
Finally, we have the TeckCool Store Baby Backpack Carrier - a great model to finish our list. This baby backpack carrier is excellent for hiking. It’s built to last and it’s comfortable for both you and the baby. You can trust that your baby is secure, thanks to the padded cocoon with double protection safety jacket, safety straps, and stirrups.
There’s also a metal stand to hold the backpack carrier upright when it’s not in use, and it folds small. This backpack carrier also offers an additional small, removable backpack, which is great to bring all the essentials with you.
The biggest complaint we have with this baby backpack carrier is the sunshade isn’t as protective as the other models, so you may want to keep that in mind. You might find that your baby still needs to wear a hat for protection. All in all, this is a pretty good baby backpack carrier.
Pros
Cons
What is a Baby Backpack Carrier?
A baby backpack carrier is a backpack designed to hold your baby as well as your things. There are many different models of baby backpack carriers, and each one is unique.
Even so, most of them have similarities. Most baby backpack carriers feature a seat in the back, that’s where the baby goes. They have padding for both you and the baby’s comfort. You won’t feel weighed down when you have one with a good, ergonomic design.
Hiking/Comfort
Baby backpack carriers have many uses, but a lot of people use them for hiking. If you’re planning on going hiking, you want a baby backpack carrier with your (and baby’s) comfort in mind.
A good baby backpack carrier will have an ergonomic design, good weight distribution, and padded shoulder pads. The best baby backpack carriers even feature a hip belt.
Lightweight/Minimalist
Baby backpack carriers are usually more comfortable when they weigh less. Some baby backpack carriers weigh as little as three pounds.
However, it’s important to realize that lighter baby backpack carriers may not have as many bells and whistles. You shouldn’t expect as many storage options on the models that are really light.
Top Toddler Backpack Carriers by Age Group
Our #1 Child Carrier | Max Weight | Backpack |
|---|---|---|
For 1 year old | 40 pounds | |
For 2 year old | 40 pounds | |
For 3 year old | 48 pounds | |
For 4 year old | 40 pounds | |
For 0-12 months old | 40 pounds |
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What’s the difference between a baby backpack carrier and sling?
Baby backpack carriers are quite different from baby slings. Baby backpack carriers work better for older kids, whereas baby slings can only be used until the baby is a few months old. Also, baby backpack carriers are better for hiking as many offer storage and comfort items that a baby sling doesn’t.
What age is too young/old for a kid carrier backpack?
Excluding the Ergobaby 360, all the backpacks we’ve reviewed require the baby be able to sit up on its own, which usually happens at around six months old. Your child is too old for a kid carrier backpack when they hit the weight limit, which is usually around 40 pounds.
Will I hurt my child if I use a child carrier backpack?
No! Child carrier backpacks are designed to be safe for your child to sit in.
How can a backpack carrier change your life?
A lot of people wrongfully believe that they have to give up activities, such as hiking, when they bring a new baby into the family. That’s not the case. A backpack carrier can allow you to continue activities such as hiking. They could also be used for everyday things such as grocery shopping.
Are kid carriers suitable for men and women?
Absolutely! Men's baby carrier backpacks aren’t really a thing, all of them are unisex.
Will you need to buy any extra equipment to use with your backpack carrier?
That depends, if you buy a baby backpack carrier with extra storage options, a sunshade, and a safety mirror you’ll have everything you need. If you buy one without all the bells and whistles, you’ll most likely need to get some extra equipment.
Where is a good place to buy a child backpack carrier?
Amazon is the best place to buy a child backpack carrier. They offer the best prices and selection.
Conclusion
Hikers with children will love child backpack carriers. They make it easy to take your little one hiking. There are so many different kinds available that they’re suitable for newborns, four-year-olds, and everyone in between. Some have frames, some are soft, and some even allow your child to stand.
Fancier baby backpack carriers even come with additional features such as a removable storage backpack. We hope our baby backpack carrier reviews help you find the perfect backpack carrier for your needs.
