how to Buy a Baby Carrier Backpack

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How to purchase a baby carrier backpack?

Updated: February 3, 2022

How to Buy a Baby Carrier Backpack?

It’s no secret that we are crazy about baby carrier backpacks! Whether on the trails or around town, they are the most efficient mode of transportation for your baby while on the go. Once you know that a baby carrier backpack is the next baby gear item for your family it’s time to figure out the best way to buy one. Child carriers are an investment and it’s worth your time to research.

Our goal in this article is to provide a guide on how to buy a baby carrier backpack. Here’s what we’ll cover:

Which baby carrier backpack is best for your family?
Where to buy a baby carrier backpack?
When to buy a baby carrier backpack?

1. Which Baby Carrier Backpack is Best for your Family?

Research is key. Take a look at our article 4 Steps to Baby Carrier Backpack Success with helpful tips and quick links on how to research baby carrier backpacks. The main sources of information come from online reviews (like this one from The Kid Packer!) and product tour videos on You Tube. A great place to start your research is our Top 5 Baby Backpack Carriers article.

To begin, ask yourself the following three questions:

1. How do you plan to use it?

Many consider hiking the primary use for baby carrier backpacks but, they can be used for so much more!

In our article What is a Baby Carrier Backpack we describe three tiers of features/comfort levels. Tier 1 is a basic child carrier backpack, Tier 2 includes minimal features and Tier 3 are full featured baby carrier backpacks.

If you plan to use your baby carrier backpack primarily for light use such as shopping or short outings you may consider tier 1 or tier 2 carriers. If you intend to use your child carrier backpack primarily for hiking, long outings or extensive travel you may consider purchasing a tier 3 child carrier.

2. Who will be wearing the baby carrier backpack?

While baby carrier backpacks are typically designed to comfortably fit most adults, some are better for larger frames and some better for smaller frames. For example, the Osprey Poco Plus (Review) includes adjustable hip belt padding. This allows the wearer to adjust the padding portion of the hip belt to accommodate a larger waist. While this pack fits most adults, someone with a larger waist should look for this feature. Alternatively, someone with a smaller frame should look for a child carrier designed for smaller frames like the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL (Review). This child carrier backpack is designed with the female frame in mind. This pack can also be worn by larger adults but is most comfortable on a smaller frame.

Most baby carrier backpacks fit most people. Take a look at the following quick links for more details on how to choose a child carrier for all types!

Quick Links

3. What’s your budget?

The quality and quantity of baby carrier backpack features typically correlate with price. As mentioned above, there are multiple tiers of baby backpack carriers from minimally featured to top of the line. If you are on a tight budget take a look at our Best Inexpensive Baby Carrier Backpacks article. We define an inexpensive baby carrier backpack as costing less than $200. If you don’t plan to use your child carrier heavily a lower cost option is great to consider.

Fortunately, there are baby carrier backpacks available for every budget including packs that offer great value between the $200 and $300 price points. Some of our favorite baby backpack carriers fall in this category including the Osprey Poco (Review), Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL (Review), and Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature (Review). Child carriers in this category tend to rate well on comfort/safety, rate high on value but lower on extra features and gear storage.

If your budget allows for it, high end baby carrier backpacks typically cost $300 or more. These child carriers are made by high end outdoor gear manufacturers and include ample features/comforts. The best baby carrier backpack in our opinion is the Osprey Poco Plus (Review). Other great options in this category are the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro (Review) and Thule Sapling (2021 model) (Review).

2. Where to Buy a Baby Carrier Backpack?

We wrote an entire article on where to buy a baby carrier backpack, take a look here:

To summarize, once you determine which child carrier backpack is best for your family you can purchase online, in-store, or used.

1. Online

Purchasing a baby carrier backpack online is the most convenient and can be the most cost effective way. It’s easier to catch sales online, shipping is typically free over a certain price point and you don’t need to leave the comfort of your own home. Amazon, REI, Moosejaw, L.L. Bean and may others offer a great variety of baby carrier backpacks.

2. In Store

Buying a baby carrier backpack in a store is a great option especially if you have never worn a child carrier or backpacking backpack before. In store allows you to try them on and test the features before purchasing. A major downside to purchasing in store is availability. Baby carrier backpacks are in high demand and are often out of stock. It’s best to call the store before you go to make sure they have your item in stock. In our opinion, the best store to purchase baby carrier backpacks is REI. They have knowledgeable staff available to help with fit and have a great return policy.

3. Used

Purchasing a baby carrier backpack used is a great option! Especially if your child is no longer a baby and you only have a few years left carrying them. Great places to find used baby backpack carriers include Facebook Marketplace, REI Garage Sale, Craigslist and Ebay. We particularly like using Facebook Marketplace because you can see the child carrier before you buy.

2. When to Buy a Baby Carrier Backpack?

Even though we consider baby carrier backpacks an essential item year round, they are harder to come by before spring break and summer. You are also more likely to find a deal in the ‘off’ season either through Black Friday or other outdoor gear sales. With this in mind, winter may be the best time to purchase a backpack carrier but, we would argue that it’s best not to wait if you find the right one.

There really is no off season to getting out and about with your child. Take a look at the following quick links for How to Hike with a Baby in Winter and Top 5 Unexpected Ways to Use a Baby Carrier Backpack for more ideas on how to use your new purchase!

Quick Links