Top 5 Best Backpack Carriers For Babies (2021 Review)

Looking for the top backpack carrier for your baby?

Perfect! In this BabySchooling guide, you will learn the following:

  • Our top pick for a backpack carrier
  • The best carrier for your budget
  • What you should look for when buying a backpack carrier
  • And much more!

top best backpack carrier for baby review

Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the best backpack carrier for baby.

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Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

(updated as of 06/16/2020)

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Deuter Kid Comfort

  • Height adjustable seat so that your baby can sit comfortably and securely
  • A lightweight aluminum frame to make sure you aren’t carrying any extra weight
  • A removable chin pad for/ when your little one falls asleep

Trips out from day hikes to a walk in the park can be comfortable for both parent and child with this backpack carrier. This carrier not only looks great like a daypack but also has many advanced design features to make sure that your trip out is a happy one.

The carrier has a lightweight feel to it and has an air comfort back system that maximizes ventilation and can reduce unwanted perspiration especially on the back panel. The aluminum frame is strong and sturdy for peace of mind and the fold-out kickstand allows you to rest the carrier when placing it on the ground. 

This baby carrier itself is suitable for both mum and dad. It has an adjustable shoulder harness that lets you customize the fit by extending to meet different height requirements. For your child, there are height-adjustable footrests to stop their little legs from falling asleep. 

The pack is designed with a side entry so it is easy for the child to enter the carrier. There is also easy to adjust straps as your child grows. 

One of the best things about this carrier is that there are lots of storage options. Parents buy these carriers for practicality and so they can be hands-free.

Deuter Kid comfort carrier has as much storage as you need. There are storage pockets on the side, under the child seat, and a zippered hip belt pocket. This is great for storing extra items.

Top 5 Best Backpack Carriers For Babies

Short on time? We understand. Check out this quick overview of our favorite picks!

  1. Deuter Kid Comfort
  2. Kelty Journey PerfectFITChild Carrier
  3. Deuter Kid Comfort Active and Kid Comfort Active SL
  4. Ergobaby Carrier
  5. LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons

What are Backpack Carriers For Babies?

If you are keen hikers and you want your baby or small child to enjoy the experience as well, then a child carrier is a great option for you. This allows both you and your child to experience the great outdoors using a hiking carrier.

The supportive design of these carriers allows for a comfortable and safe ride. Most of the carriers we have mentioned are feature-rich with added support for the adult with adjustable straps to fit different body shapes and sizes as well as extra storage, such as mesh pockets that make the carrier a true hands free experience. 

Some of these carriers can be a bit on the pricey side so make sure you choose one that lasts, check out online retailers such as Amazon and Rei as they sometimes have great deals on these products. Also shop around as some carriers will not meet your needs, ask yourself the following questions. 

What kind of harness is there? Can both my partner and I use the carrier? Can the child seat be adjusted so that the pack grows with my child? Is there enough storage for everything that I take on a hike?  

In this article, you can see that we have broken down the best products and why these are the best baby carriers and at the same time hopefully answer all the questions you have about which backpack carrier suits you and your family.

Read Also:Our overall top picks for the best baby carriers

What Are The Different Types of Backpack Carriers For Babies?

There are different kinds of carriers for babies, and parents can often get confused about what sort to buy. The wrap carrier is newborn friendly and great for the early stages of the baby’s life.

They are difficult to get used to but look very stylish. The soft structured carriers like the Egrobaby Carrier or the Lillebaby Complete All season carriers are held together with buckles and have no frames. These are good if you are not a serious walker and don’t want to blow your budget on a framed carrier if you rarely go hiking. 

The advantage of soft structured carriers is the position of the child. The child seat is comfy and holds the baby in the correct position.

If they have an insert to hold the baby’s head then these carriers can be used from birth, if not then from 4 months upwards. These carriers usually come with padded waistband and shoulder pads so they are comfortable for the wearer.

The last kind is the backpack carrier that is worn like backpacks and can only be used for children that can sit unassisted. These backpacks are framed and the baby sits in the same position.

For better weight transition the backpack has padded shoulders and a waistband as well as additional straps, so both parent and baby feel secure. These backpacks are like a form of hiking gear. You can store many items as well as having a great day out with your child.

Read Also:What are the best baby carriers for dads?

What Makes A Backpack Carrier For A Baby Different From Any Other Product?

Backpack carriers have an aluminum or aluminum alloy frame. With the help of the waist or hip belt, it distributes the weight of the baby and your belongings along your back, shoulders, and hips rather than all on your shoulders as front carriers do.

The majority of the weight should be carried on your hips therefore you can travel further in comfort. These carriers are a must for long walks and hiking fans.

Many parents also use them when they go shopping, as they are hands-free and secure and at the same time the baby feels closer to you and can see what is going on around him or her. Much better than a stroller where the child can’t see you at all. 

Read Also:Our baby carrier recommendations for hiking trips

How Do Backpack Carriers Work?

You need to find a carrier that fits you. To do this you need to fit the carrier from the waist up, so fix the waist belt first then the shoulder straps.

Most good carriers have a metal stand that you can stand the carrier on while you put in your baby. As your child grows some have side openings so your child can climb in themselves. 

The stand is great for keeping the carrier still and upright while you secure your child. Please note this should not be used as a seat as well. 

The heavily padded shoulder straps and waist belt stop friction. Many carriers have added extras such as sunshade cover or rain cover. Some even have a rearview mirror as an extra so you can watch your baby. 

A water bottle holder and clips for adding extra are also very useful, as you may need to take a diaper bag or a changing pad with you on your trip, so are storage spaces in the carrier as the whole idea is that you are hands-free. 

Many of the hip belts have pockets so you can store your phone and keys, at the same time you can reach for them easily when needed.

Even though these carriers are great, remember they can take up a lot of space. They are outstanding for people who like the outdoors and want to explore with their children on their backs.

Read Also:Which baby carrier to choose if you have a bad back?

What Do You Look For In The Best Backpack Carriers For Baby?

There are many things to look for in a good backpack carrier. If you are planning longer outings consider ones that have great padding and excellent storage compartments. The carriers should also have clips so you can add extras to the pack like a hydration sleeve or a water bottle. 

Make sure your baby is comfortable or if your child the correct age and weight for the carrier. Always try these things out before you buy if possible.

See if the shape of the carrier fits you, can you extend the torso so that both you and your partner can wear it? Also, think about where you live, these carriers with your child inside are not light so you want a carrier with good ventilation on hot summer days.

If you are more into cold weather jogging, is the carrier insulated enough for your baby?  

There are many different brands of a carrier, some which we have covered in this review, shop around and find the best one for you. For example, the cockpit carrier which holds the baby up higher is great,  it includes foot stirrups like The Escape Carrier by Phil&Teds. 

Leg openings for the baby are very important. The baby needs to be placed in the right position and also to prevent your baby from slipping out. The seats and seat belts are also an important factor as you want your child to be comfortable, check that they can be adjusted for when your child grows.

did you know backpack carrier for baby fact

Do Backpack Carriers Actually work?

Of course, they do. These carriers are great for giving both the parent and child and enjoyable experience. The 5-point safety harness is as safe and secure as can be.

Make sure that the carriers have been approved and tested by a well-known organization and the carrier has their stamp of approval. They give you a sense of independence and allow you to spend quality time with your child doing something that you enjoy. 

Be aware of your own fitness level as you need to be quite fit to carry one of these for a long hike, even though they spread the weight evenly, at the end of the day you are still carrying your child and the backpack on your back.

Read Also:What kind of baby carrier do plus size moms and dads need?

Are Backpack Carriers Actually Safe For Babies?

The best backpack carriers have a 5-point harness for the child that connects the shoulder straps with the crotch, hip, and torso restraints. Don’t buy a carrier that only has a lap belt as this is not safe enough and your child can easily slip from the carrier.

Make sure that the carriers have been approved and tested. Don’t buy second-hand carriers unless you can get it checked out, there may be a fault or the carrier may have been recalled by the manufacturer.

Also if you are passing the carrier down to your younger child make sure that you inspect it for wear and tear as the straps can get worn down. Also, try the backpack out so that you know it is safe and secure and that instructions are included.

Best Backpack Carrier For Baby reviewed

Deuter Kid Comfort

  • Very comfortable
  • Secure 5 point harness
  • Quality suspension system

This carrier is both sturdy and comfortable. The Deuter brand is well-known for its quality suspension systems and this latest model is certainly no different. 

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With its height adjustability, it means that you can use it until your child is around 42 pounds. It has a great side opening option so your toddler can just walk straight in.

This carrier is great for mid-hike napping. With the tall back and the supportive sides, your child can easily feel relaxed and comfortable during a mid-hike nap.

Pros

  • Best baby seat design
  • Adjustable shoulder harness so you can customize the fit for adults with a different torso length
  • Aircomfort back system for maximum ventilation

Cons

  • Sunshade could give more protection on the sides
  • A little expensive
  • The Osprey Poco has more storage

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Child Carrier

  • Built with comfort in mind
  • Broad padded child seat
  • Value for money

This carrier is one of the most economical on the market. It has a cozy seating place for your child and with a 5 point harness, you are assured that your child is safe and with foot stirrups so there are no dangling legs.

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There are some padded shoulder straps and a thick waistband to help the adult feel comfortable as well. This carrier is lightweight, much lighter than other brands on the market that is the Kelty Journey PerfectFİT signature, but with the lack of storage and canopy for the child, this is a perfect carrier for the casual hiker.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Lack of storage
  • No canopy

Deuter Kid Comfort Active and Kid Comfort Active SL

  • A plush machine washable chin pad
  • Offers a women-specific version Active SL
  • Colour coordinated buckles

This carrier comes in two versions; there is the standard version and the women’s version Active SL. The women’s version offers a shorter adjustable back length and narrows more ergonomic fit than unisex carriers.

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The safety harness is easy to manage and the women’s version also has color-coordinated buckles. There is some storage with a large mesh pocket under the child’s seat.

Deuter is the best for ventilation with the use of mesh around the back panel. For easiness, there is also a kickstand that lets you put the carrier down with ease, a comfortable side entrance for your independent toddler.

If you have a smaller baby who likes to take a nap when hiking there is a headrest/drool pad so they don’t move around. 

Pros

  • Has great mesh ventilation
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a sunshade
  • No specific place for a water reservoir

Ergobaby Carrier

  • Very light
  • Number of carrying options
  • Lumbar support

This carrier is different from the others in the review as it doesn’t have a frame. Therefore this carrier isn’t what you need if you want a serious hiking backpack.

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It is however good for a walker who wants to do exercise with their baby. It has a very comfortable waistband along with different options for carrying your baby and as it has no frame it is very easy to store or carry on holiday with you. The whole pack is washable which is very useful.

Pros

  • Lightweight and well-padded
  • Is good for short periods of time

Cons

  • Because you have the baby close to you there isn’t as much freedom
  • Not for long hikes
  • Can make you very hot

LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons

  • From newborns to 45 pounds
  • Perfect for colder weather
  • Number of carrying positions

This baby carrier is like the Ergobaby carrier in the fact that it doesn’t have a frame and you can carry your baby in a number of positions.

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As the carrier is suitable for newborns and has a maximum weight limit of 45 pounds this carrier is great value for money. It has a versatile design that has a zippered panel that you can unzip and adjust the ventilation.

At the same time on cooler days, your baby will be nice and snug and warm in the carrier. The carrier although ventilated isn’t perfect for warmer climates but great for fall and winter walks.

Pros

  • Suitable for newborns
  • Different carrying positions
  • Doesn’t require an extra insert for newborns

Cons

  • Too hot for humid weather
  • The adjustable seat has only two options

Our Top Pick: Deuter Kid Comfort

Trips out from day hikes to a walk in the park can be comfortable for both parent and child with this backpack carrier. This carrier not only looks great like a daypack but also has many advanced design features to make sure that your trip out is a happy one.

  • Very comfortable
  • Secure 5 point harness
  • Quality suspension system

The carrier has a lightweight feel to it and has an air comfort back system that maximizes ventilation and can reduce unwanted perspiration especially on the back panel.

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 The aluminum frame is strong and sturdy for peace of mind and the fold-out kickstand allows you to rest the carrier when placing it on the ground. 

Final Thoughts On Backpack Carriers For Babies

These backpack carriers are great, that is the best way to describe them if you have a love of the outdoors and cross country walking you certainly want to share this experience with your child. These backpack carriers allow you to do that.

They are a secure way to transport your child and give a greater experience than any baby stroller. There are some points you need to take into consideration, you are carrying a child and a backpack on your back, many of the products we have reviewed say that the weight is spread evenly so you don’t feel the pressure on your shoulders, but at the same time you are still carrying your child.

The 5 -point harness is a must as are plenty of storage places, the mesh panels help for ventilation which is great when you are doing any sort of exercise. Buy the carriers with care, try them out first, even if you are buying online which usually have cheaper deals make sure that you visit a store first and see that it fits your body shape.

As they are not cheap you want to make sure that you are buying the right one for you. Finally, if you enjoy any sort of walking and do it on a regular basis these backpack carriers are a must for you to enjoy the outdoors with your beloved close to you.