Soft Structured Carriers And Baby Backpack Carriers

Deuter Kid Comfort II Backpack Child Carrier With My Little GirlWelcome! If you’re looking for a baby carrier, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for a soft structured carrier, a baby backpack carrier, or a full featured child carrier, this website is designed to show you your options.

I have NOT tried and tested every soft structured carrier and child carrier on this website, however, I have done the research so that you don’t have to. I’ve read the reviews and compiled lists of both positive and negative feedback. I’ve compared features, and prices. In some cases, I’ve even contacted the manufacturers for additional information. I try to give you the most information possible, so that you can make an educated decision about which baby carrier will suit your needs best.

I have not been paid for any of my reviews, the opinions and findings within this website are all my own. I understand that some of you may have your own opinion, I hope you do, and I strongly suggest that you leave a comment saying so. The more information provided to my readers, the better.

Types of Baby Carriers

I’ve narrowed the reviews on this website down to two main categories, and a handful of sub-categories. I am determined to make this easy. So, once you decide which type of baby carrier you’re interested in, click on the link below the description for a list of reviews.

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Soft Structured Carriers

Soft Structured Carriers are convenient, lightweight, and easy to use. They are designed to position your baby vertically in an ergonomically correct sitting position. They offer buckles, lightweight fabric, and plenty of support. This is the type of baby carrier you want to use around the house, or for quick trips to the grocery store. I’ve narrowed this category down into three sub-categories.

Newborn Carriers, aka Front Carriers

Babybjorn Miracle Newborn Soft Structured Carrier

Babybjorn Miracle Newborn Carrier

These soft structured carriers are designed specifically for a newborn, with a weight recommendation of 7 to 26 pounds. They only offer the front carry position, either front-facing out or front-facing in. Most offer additional head and neck support for newborns, as well as the correct newborn hold carry position.

Highlights & Advantages:

  • Better head and neck support for a newborn
  • They offer the correct newborn hold position, aka the Snuggle Hold with knees up (froggy style), or with their feet tucked under.
  • Breastfeeding Capability – Some newborn carriers are designed so that you can easily breastfeed while carrying.
  • Easy to load and unload – Some newborn carriers, like the Babybjorns, have a two-piece design that allows you to transfer your sleeping baby from carrier to crib virtually undisturbed.
  • Front facing-in and Front facing-out carrying position

Now, I feel it’s important to mention that there is a huge debate going on right now about the front facing-out carrying position. There are several babywearing groups that believe that this carrying position is NOT safe. They say it can be unhealthy for baby, both physically and mentally, as well as unhealthy for the wearer. There are plenty of arguments on both sides of the fence. If you want my opinion, I’ll tell you this. My daughter absolutely loved being carried in this position, therefore I used it. At the time, it was my understanding that after 4 months of age, once your baby’s spine and muscles were sufficiently developed, it was okay to use this position. So that’s what I did. I do NOT regret it, and yes, I would do it again. I will let you make up your own mind on this issue. Check out the following articles for more information.

Babywearing: Why Forward-Facing Isn’t For You, by The Eco-Friendly Family

What Medical Experts have to say about Forward-Facing Out – By Babybjorn

Click here for a list of some of the Best Newborn Carriers.

 

Back Baby Carriers, aka Multi-Position Baby Carriers

Boba Carrier 3G - Soft Structured Carrier

Boba 3G Carrier

These soft structured carriers offer several different carrying positions, including back carry, and front carry. Some even offer hip carry, and cradle carry. Weight recommendations range from 7 to 45 pounds, and 15 to 45 pounds. These soft structured carriers are extremely versatile. You can use them at home while doing chores around the house, at the grocery store, or long walks through the park.

Highlights & Advantages:

  • You can use one baby carrier from birth to toddler-hood
  • Multiple positions for each stage of development
  • Because of the higher weight capacity, these soft structured carriers are designed to offer the wearer more support, which results in longer wear
  • Some multi-position carriers offer additional features, like sleep hoods, and storage. Some, like the Boba 3G, even offer detachable foot stirrups for your child.
  • They take up very little space, which makes them great for travel or around town use.

Click here for a list of some of the Best Multi-Position Carriers

Hip Carriers

There are only a select few soft structured carriers out there that have been designed specifically for the natural hip carrying position. The Scootababy is one of them. Most multi-position baby carriers offer this position as well. The reason I’ve included it as a separate category is because I get so many questions about them. Hip carry is perhaps the most natural carrying position of them all. Think about it, when you carry your baby around the house, without a baby carrier, where do they usually sit? Exactly!

Click here for a list of some of the Best Hip Carriers.

 

Baby Backpack Carriers and Backpack Child Carriers

I’ve narrowed this category down into two sub-categories. The Baby Backpack Carriers and the Full-Featured Backpack Child Carriers designed for hiking or backpacking.

Baby Backpack Carrier

Kokopax Classic Baby Backpack Carrier

Kokopax Classic Baby Backpack Carrier

There are lots of parents out there looking for a frame style child carrier that is capable of everyday stuff, like shopping, or doing chores around the house. They want the frame style set-up, but they don’t want the bulk of a full-featured child carrier. They just want something that will keep baby and parent comfortable for extended periods of time. That’s what I call a baby backpack carrier. They’re a child carrier without the steroids.

Baby backpack carriers are lightweight, simple, and easy to use. You can use them around the house, doing yard work or washing dishes, or you can use them on easy hikes, or trips to the shopping mall. You can even use it as a substitute for a stroller. My daughter hates riding in a stroller, but she loves to ride in a baby backpack carrier.

Highlights & Advantages:

  • Your child must be able to hold his/her head up unassisted, usually happens around 6 months, before you can use a baby backpack carrier
  • It’s a frame-style child carrier without the bulk of a full featured child carrier
  • They offer an ergonomically correct sitting position
  • Your child sits up higher, compared to a soft structured carrier, and is better supported. Plus the view is much better.
  • If your kid hates the stroller, use a baby backpack carrier to run errands. It’s just as easy, if not easier!
  • They take up less space than a stroller too.

Click here to see a list of some of the Best Baby Backpack Carriers.

 

Child Carriers, aka Backpack Child Carriers

Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier

Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 Backpack Child Carrier

These are what I like to call deluxe, full featured child carriers. They offer all the bells and whistles. You can use them on long hikes, or even over-nighters. They offer a ton of storage, safety features galore, and plenty of comfort for the wearer as well. If you are an outdoor enthusiast that spends a lot of time on the trail, this is what you’re looking for!

Highlights & Advantages:

  • Your child must be at least 6 months, or capable of holding his/her head up unassisted.
  • Tons of storage – Some backpack child carriers even come with hydration pack storage for camelbaks, and detachable day packs.
  • Optimal support for you and your child – They are designed to be worn for long periods of time, so the support is unmatched. Some, like the Osprey Poco Child Carriers, even offer foot stirrups for your child which allow them to sit in a more supported position.
  • Sun/Rain Hoods – If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is, you’re going to be on the trail, so protection against the elements is a must.

Click here to see a list of some of the Best Backpack Child Carriers.

 

Well, hopefully that’s enough to get you moving in the right direction. Thanks for visiting, make sure you read my article, Benefits and Dangers of Babywearing, and keep your little one safe. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Thanks, and Good Luck!

 

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1 comment


  1. Deborah Northcutt

    Baby carriers are helpful for anybody with a child, whether they’re traveling or going for a stroll around the park. The Best Baby Carriers are designed to make parents more comfortable while carrying their babies. Thank you for sharing this informational post!

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