What is a baby carrier backpack?
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What is a baby carrier backpack?
Updated: September 2, 2021
What's in a Name?
While shopping for a baby carrier backpack you will find different names describing the same products. The terms baby carrier backpack, baby backpack carrier and child carrier backpack are all referring to the exact same products. So confusing! So, while doing your research, make sure to search each of these names because you will most likely find information under each.
Here at The Kid Packer, we tend to use ‘baby backpack carrier’ most frequently, but try to use all of the familiar names when we can.
Whether you call it a baby carrier backpack or baby backpack carrier, you and your baby are going to absolutely love it! Let’s take a look at what a baby carrier backpack is and what they are good for.
What is a Baby Carrier Backpack?
Now that we know what to call it, what exactly is a baby carrier backpack? Our definition of a baby carrier backpack is a hard framed backpack designed to carry a child from 6 months up to 5 years old. This definition leaves a lot of wiggle room for what a baby backpack carrier can look like and features that can be included.
Baby backpack carriers can be as simple as a The Piggyback Rider or as deluxe and plush as the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro. They all achieve the same goal which is to comfortably carry your child on your back regardless of what type of adventure you are on.
Features of a Baby Carrier Backpack
Baby backpack carriers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and can be bare bones or full of features. Let’s break down three tiers of carrier features:
First Tier - Basic
At a minimum, baby backpack carriers include the following:
- Hard frame
- Backpack straps
Great examples of a basic baby backpack carrier are:
Second Tier - Minimal Features
This group includes baby backpacks carriers that are perfect for light use, grandparents, or as a starter child carrier.
Packs in this category tend to be:
- Light weight (less than 7.5 Ibs)
- Include some storage
- Often include an optional sunshade
Third Tier - Full Featured
This category includes the cream of the crop in the baby backpack carrier world! This category is for heavy use, long outings, multi-children households and people who genuinely appreciate high quality gear. The brands in this category are primarily high end outdoor gear outfitters.
In addition to what’s listed above, this category typically includes:
- Child foot stirrups
- Washable drool pad
- Hydration bladder compatibility
- Plush adult straps
- Highly adjustable sizing
- Plush child cockpit
- High quality materials
- Extra gear storage
Examples include:
What are Baby Backpack Carriers Good For?
1. Hiking
While researching baby backpack carriers, hiking is one of the first topics that comes up and for good reason. Baby carrier backpacks provide the absolute best access to the outdoors for families with young children.
Baby backpack carriers are highly adjustable and can be easily worn by any size framed adult. For hiking, we recommend the third tier baby carrier backpacks. This category provides the highest level of comfort for the adult wearer and child while including the most storage space.
If you are looking for the best baby carrier backpack for hiking, take a look at the Osprey Poco Plus (full review). The Osprey Poco Plus provides the best overall features for the outdoors and includes the best sunshade on the market.
2. Travel
While hiking may be the most popular way to use a baby backpack carrier, travel may be the biggest game changer. Baby backpack carriers can really change the way you and your family travels domestic or abroad! Picture exploring the Great Wall of China or any other ancient ruin with a stroller. I can tell you from experience that it would be impossible without carrying the stroller for much of the journey. We have explored countless ruins and temples with a baby backpack carrier and it is a game changer. Many tourist destinations around the world are not stroller accessible.
Another game changer for travel specifically is the ability to move quickly. Whether between flights or catching a train, speed can be critical to the success of a trip!
The best baby carrier backpacks for travel should include a good amount of storage, a sun shade and collapse/store relatively small. A great option to look into is the Osprey Poco LT (full review) which includes stowaway straps and collapses really small without sacrificing storage.
3. Events
Ever try pushing a stroller through a crowded event? Or, even worse, ever try pulling a wagon through a festival? The ‘excuse me’, ‘I’m sorry!’ and ‘coming through!’ comments get really old. A baby carrier backpack is the perfect way to navigate crowds without the disruption pushing a stroller can cause.
Another benefit to the backpack carrier is that your child gets a birds eye view of what’s going on around them and can actually enjoy the event. Strollers really limit their view to what is immediately around them lower to the ground.
The perfect solution to taking a baby to an event is the baby carrier backpack!
4. The Unexpected
Our favorite feature of the baby carrier backpack is the ability to deal with the unexpected. There is no better way to transport your child in crowds or when in a rush. We recently wrote an article on the Top 5 Unexpected Ways to Use a Baby Backpack Carrier.
Here are the top 5 we detail in that article:
1. Shopping
2. Chores
3. Nap Time
4. High Chair
5. Surprises
What is a Baby Carrier Backpack? - Summary
So, what’s in the name ‘baby carrier backpack’? Regardless if you call it a baby backpack carrier, child carrier backpack, or baby carrier backpack, if you have one, you have an amazing tool for adventuring with your little one. There are various levels of features, quality and price points. A baby carrier backpack is the most nimble and efficient way to carry your baby or toddler whether traveling abroad or just around your neighborhood.
If you are interested in purchasing a baby carrier backpack, take a look at our Top 5 Baby Backpack Carriers article!
About The Kid Packer
Here at The Kid Packer, we want to help you live your best life. A great baby backpack child carrier can help you do just that. After having used a child carrier backpack for over 1,500 miles of adventuring and exploring, we have a passion for them and know what makes a great pack that both you and your child will love. We hope our comprehensive research allows you to confidently find the right backpack for your needs!
