Wear Your Child Carrier Backpack

Fit your child carrier backpack to your body and make sure you find it comfortable before leaving the house.

• Learn about child carrier backpack adjustment options: Read the child carrier backpack's manual and get to know your adjustment options.
• Adjust child carrier backpack straps: Put on the empty child carrier backpack; you'll have an easier time fitting the backpack without a fussy or fidgety child sitting in it. If you want to simulate weight, place a heavy object, such as a sack of flour or large book, in the backpack seat. Fit the shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt to your body. You should have 80% of the backpack's weight resting on your hips (not your waist) and the other 20% distributed across your shoulders. A snug-fitting sternum strap will help ensure that weight falls equally across both shoulder straps when your child shifts.

Make baby comfortable: Place baby in the child carrier backpack and see which adjustments you need to make to the seat. Make sure to place it low enough that if they stand on the frame, they cannot get out of the backpack. Your baby's weight should be equally distributed. Then take baby out of the backpack, adjust the seat, and return the baby to the backpack. Make additional adjustments as necessary. Consider using a small towel or receiving blanket to cushion leg openings.

Practice using the child carrier backpack

Putting your child carrier backpack on and taking it off with ease requires practice. Have someone spot you while you learn how to use your backpack. Try backing into the backpack as it sits on the floor or another stable surface. Some people choose to lift the backpack onto a knee while putting on shoulder straps. Find out which methods work for you before leaving the house on your own. Also reach back and practice folding your stand in so that you don't hit people or objects as you walk around town.

Follow child carrier backpack safety rules

Always use caution and common sense when you have your child in the child carrier backpack.

• Use straps: Always strap your baby in using the child carrier backpack's shoulder and waist restraint system.
• Bend properly: Bend at the knees when you pick things up so that you don't pitch baby forward.
• Avoid dangerous activities: Do not wear the child carrier backpack when you jog, bicycle, swim, rollerblade, drive, ride horses, climb ladders, cook, or perform any other activity outside of walking or hiking.
• Stay with your child: Do not place your child in a child carrier backpack and leave them unattended. Backpack stands will assist you when you load and unload your child, but will tip over if your child decides to throw their weight to either side.
• Ask for help: Ask for assistance if you need to reach something on a high shelf. Stand out of the way while someone retrieves the item for you so that baby does not get hit by a falling object. If you need help removing the child carrier backpack when you're away from home, find somebody to assist you.

Read the directions: Always read the directions and abide by warnings provided by the child carrier backpack manufacturer.


Choose a Child Carrier Backpack

Child carrier backpacks run the gamut from basic frames with seats to backpack systems designed for long walks and hikes.
Basic child carrier backpacks
Perfect for short jaunts around town, basic child carrier backpacks such as Gerry child carrier backpacks and Evenflo child carrier backpacks have a cloth or unpadded nylon seat, minimally padded shoulder straps, and a waist strap for your passenger. Some child carrier backpacks also come with a basic shoulder strap for your baby and a hip strap to give you added support. These lightweight child carrier backpacks usually include a small storage compartment as well. Look for removable seats made of a washable fabric or a seat made of material you can easily wipe down, such as nylon.

Travel/hiking child carrier backpacks
Rugged travel child carrier backpacks designed for hiking have more features than budget child carrier backpacks and often use materials that can withstand more wear and tear. They typically have a thick frame, structured seat, well-padded shoulder pads with multiple adjustments, and more than one storage area. Popular brands include Kelty child carrier backpacks, REI child carrier backpacks, and Tough Traveler child carrier backpacks.
If you plan to do a lot of hiking, look for a child carrier backpack with a padded hip belt and sternum strap that will properly distribute weight across the backpack. Also look for an adjustable seat that you can lower as your child grows taller, and a full safety harness that will keep your child strapped in if he or she jumps on the child carrier backpack stand, or in event you take a tumble. Always use a full harness when hiking.