Are you ready for your next hiking adventure? Everything is perfectly planned, and all schedules are set, but where can you keep your baby? Well, why don’t you take him/her with you? Sounds nice, but is it possible? Yeah, it is quite possible with the baby carrier backpacks in hiking. You can carry your little one with you, all the way along on your hiking trip and there is nothing to worry about leaving your kid with someone. This article will help you to choose the right baby carrier backpack for you and your baby.

But make sure that your little one is around six months with a weight of at least 16 lbs. Though there might be baby carrier backpacks for children who are younger than six months, we don’t advise you in purchasing them since nothing is more important than the safety of your child. The baby must be able to be somewhat steady, and that might take around six months. Get it confirmed by your pediatrician whether your child can ride in a carrier. Make sure you’re that both your child and the gear in the pack weighs no more than 48 lbs. Anyhow we don’t think that it is a good idea to expose you’re newborn into a hiking environment. Let’s go through some essential features that your baby carrier hiking backpack must have.

The essential features to look in a baby carrier backpack.
• The suspension system

An adjustable suspension is a basic feature a baby carrier backpack for hiking. The suspension system must be adjusted to meet parental comfort. Hiking is a real adventure, and once you are carrying your baby with you, it is important to consider the comfort of both the parent the child. The suspension adjustability is measured by the torso range. Adjust the suspension system to fit your torso, to make sure that the hip belt rests on your hip bones and the shoulder straps rest on your shoulders.

• The kickstand

The kickstand helps to create a stable base when loading and unloading your child. When the carrier is on the ground with the kickstand open, you must make sure that it is hard to tip over. The other important thing is that the kickstand should lock firmly in the open position with hinges which has spacers so that fingers won’t be pinched.

• The Cockpit

A higher-end backpack carrier gives a roomier ride for babies and sometimes includes stirrups so a baby’s feet won’t dangle. There are baby carrier backpacks with removable fabric cockpits, so it will be easy for you to clean it. Another thing to consider is that padding can keep your baby more comfortable so it is better to buy a padded one when making the purchase decision.

 

• The fabric must be good

The material of the baby carrier matters, it is vital when coming to baby carrier backpacks in hiking. Baby carrier back usually really made out of durable nylon so that it will be in good condition for some reasonable years. Fabrics are varied from lightweight ones to heavy ones. When purchasing your carrier backpack you must make sure that its material is quite sturdy, it is moisture resistant, and can be easily cleaned by wiping with water and a mild detergent. Seats and shoulder harnesses of baby carrier backup usually made of moisture-resistant fabric.

• Straps (Shoulder, Waist, and Chest Straps)

The straps play an important role in holding your backpack onto you. Shoulder-strap padding of a baby carrier backpack should usually be firm and wide. Shoulder straps should have an adjustable chest buckle that keeps the straps on your shoulders to make you comfortable. The straps should be much flexible as possible. The fit and the firmness in the padding of the shoulder straps are more important than padding thickness when considering the shoulder. It is the shoulder that carries the much weight, and you must be comfortable when carrying some weight.

There are baby carrier backpacks which come with a large pad to support your lower back. The hip strap will help distribute some of your baby’s weight from your shoulders to your hips by preventing strain on your lower back. Carrying the weight lower on your body is more comfortable than resting the whole on your shoulders alone. Before purchasing your baby carrier backpack, you can fit it on at the store and see that everything fits and the straps are adjustable to keep you at ease throughout your entire journey.

• The seats and seat belts

You can’t overlook this feature when looking for baby carrier backpacks in hiking. Look for a seat which can be adjustable so that your baby can sit high enough in the carrier to see over your shoulder and so high for him/ her to fall out. A one with a padded cockpit will keep your baby.As we mentioned earlier, it is better to check that the buckles are good and that the seams won’t tear and straps won’t slip, before purchasing the backpack.

• The leg openings

The baby’s seat should have adjustable leg openings to prevent your baby from falling out from the carrier. Check whether the leg openings are fully adjustable so to fit around the legs of your baby when he/ she grows up since you buy a baby carrier hiking backpack to use it for quite a long period.

• A sun or a weather shield

This is not like any other hiking trip with family and friends because you are going to carry your baby with you. So there are many things to consider in addition to buying a normal backpack for hiking. Your baby carrier hiking backpack must have a sun or weather shield. A baby’s eyes and skin are more sensitive than of an adult, and this is the reason why you must protect your little from direct exposure to the sun and bad weather conditions. Even though your backpack has a sun or a weather shield, it would be still better if you can put on a wide-brimmed hat on your baby. Hiking involves going in bad weather conditions, and it is always better that you are well prepared. So look for a backpack carrier that comes with a sun/ weather shield to protect your kid.

• Look for the fasteners

Baby carrier backpacks hiking comes with a variety of buckles and fasteners on the shoulder and waist straps for both the adult and baby. This is essential to adjust your backpack to keep it fit. Buckles that are going hold shoulder and waist straps should be easily adjustable, and they must hold the straps tightly so that they don’t get loose once you are using the carrier. When coming to snaps and buckles, they should be sturdy and difficult for babies to unfasten.

• The Padding

A baby backpack carrier must be padded to cover the metal frame near your baby’s face, since in concerns safety. The padding must be firm rather than mushy. Both the shoulder straps and the hip belts must be padded since you are going to carry your backpack for a long period when you are on a hiking trip. Padded shoulder straps and the hip belts give more comfort and reduce the stress on your back.

• The frame

A frame is another important feature, and a sturdy and lightweight frame of tubular aluminium gives the perfect structure that is needed to carry the weight of the even larger child. The weight of the child and carrier is transferred your hips, through the frame where you can handle the weight more comfortably. Most framed backpack carriers come with a built-in stand that makes it easier to load your baby in and mount him on your back. Look for a backpack with a light frame which will give you less burden. The aluminium frames are more durable and lightweight. Back pain can be a problem for many parents, so when purchasing the backpack take time to make sure the carrier fits you well to avoid any problems.

• Pockets for storage

Since you are carrying your baby with you, pockets for storage are something essential. Look for baby carrier backpacks that come with many pockets and waist belts with loops for toys. Backpacks with zippered pockets are better so that things won’t fall out. Pockets with plastic lining can be important for putting damp items off your baby. Bottom storage compartments can store stuff that is needed on your journey. Large mesh pockets can help to hold toys in them.

• Review mirrors

This is something additional because some parents like to attach a review mirror to their carrier so they can see what their child was doing. It feels safer to keep an eye on the baby since you are carrying him/ her on your back.

• The safety certification

The safety certification is another important thing which you must look into when purchasing a baby carrier backpack. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission has already set manufacturing standards for baby carrier backpacks. See that your product is certified as the safety of use.

• The weight and the price

Well, you are going to carry a certain amount of weight with your baby and other needed stuff. And since you are looking for more features to add security for your little one, it is going to be expensive. That is why you need to purchase a backpack that is worth the price you pay for it. Yes, of course, the most important thing is to see that your baby is comfortable and that is why you are going to buy the best.

Most of the baby carrier backpacks are designed to hold a maximum weight of 40 lbs.Though most carriers allow for some adjustment, it’s important to know the weight limit and read the manufacturer’s user manual.

So at first, you must decide how much stuff that you are planning to carry. Don’t go for big backpacks if you cant handle the weight. If you are planning to use it more occasionally, you must buy a durable one that will last for a few years. Normally we assume that the price is an indicator of quality. But we can’t always depend on that because the price is not always a reliable indicator of quality. Being clear on how you will use your carrier will allow you to ensure that you select a model with all the features that you need.

The above are some essential features which you have to go through before purchasing a baby carrier backpack for hiking. If it is your first time, then it is better if you can refer to someone or go through some guides on how to choose the best hiking backpack and the essential features to look into when purchasing a backpack. Since you are going to spend a good amount of money and then again it is all about the safety of your child. Therefore you must ensure that you are buying the right one. Let us see how you are going to fit the backpack carrier to your baby.

Fitting the backpack carrier to your baby

There are several steps to follow when fitting the carrier to your baby. The following are some steps that you should follow when fitting the carrier to your baby;

You must adjust the height of the baby’s seat before placing your baby in the carrier. Make sure that the straps are fully loosened, and the baby’s kickstand is fully extended.
Look into the fact that the feet are slipping through the leg openings when you place your baby in the carrier.
And next, buckle and tighten all the straps. This includes the hip belt, shoulder straps and the leg straps. Some backpack carriers have side compression straps, where you have to tighten them too.
Check the height of the baby’s seat – your baby’s chin should be roughly in level with the top of the chin pad.
Then finally check to make sure that the baby’s shoulder straps smoothly fit over the shoulders and that the leg straps are comfortable. Don’t tighten the straps too hard since the baby will feel uncomfortable.
Something extra
There are always extras which you need to have when carrying your baby with you. Hikes are not like any other normal visit to the town or city. There can be any hazard. That is why you need to be prepared to face any such hazard. The following are some extras that will be useful.

• Food for hiking

Kids need to have something to eat in short time periods. Don’t forget to take a water bottle for each hiker with you. Some whole grain cracker squares, toasted oat cereal and dried or fresh fruits are the ideal snacks when you go on hiking.

• The additional gear

Take a blanket or a sheet, then a first-aid kit, a cell phone which is fully charged and a GPS, a compass or a map. Extra food and clothes. A headlamp or flashlight and a whistle might be some things that add up to safety gear.

• A bug spray for the baby

It’s hard to get rid of the bugs when you are out on a hiking trip with your baby. This is why you must use a bug stopper or a chemical-free spray which is made from essential oils since it is safe for babies under one year.

• Shades or sunglasses for the baby

Direct sunlight is something new for your baby, and he/ she might find it difficult to face it all at once. It is better to have shades for your kid.

• A toy

Well, it might not look that pleasant after all. You can take one or two favourite toys of your little one with you. This will do good if he/ she starts crying while you are on hiking. Kids can be easily consoled by giving their favourite toy to play.

• Appropriate clothes for your baby

It is better to dress your baby in a pair of long cotton pants, a T-shirt with long sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat. This is the best outfit to keep your baby comfortable, and protected from the sun and ticks. Then don’t forget to take one or two diapers with you. Sneakers and socks are better since it will cover the toes.

In addition to these, you better take sunscreen and a bug repellent with you since you are going to be outside most of the time.

  • Tips for hiking with your child
  • Follow the manufacturer using guidelines and instructions.
  • Get your little one used to the carrier before hitting on the real hiking adventure.
  • Go on a short hiking trial to somewhere close near your home.
  • Limit the first hike to a couple of few hours so that you can figure out how it works out with your little one.
  • Pack plenty of diapers with a proper arrangement for disposal.
  • Take easy routes on your hiking and never attempt to do any activity that might lose your balance.
  • The process of selecting the right baby carrier backpack is a complicated task. Take as much time it takes and put some effort so it won’t go waste. We hope that this article will be useful for you to make your purchasing decision. The right backpack would last for years which is why we say it is an investment more than an expense. Hope you will enjoy your hiking trip with the best baby carrier backpack with you.