How to Choose Child Carriers

Getting Started

Child carriers are designed to be used by adults to carry small children who are capable of holding themselves upright. The youngest children appropriate for a child carrier are usually 6 or 8 months old. The oldest are 4 or 5 years old, or 45 pounds. Child carriers are best for travel, hiking and use around town. Because the added weight and movement of your child could cause you to lose your balance, child carriers aren't safe for hiking on loose rock, climbing, skiing, inline skating, biking or other high-speed activities.

Comparing Features

All child carriers feature an external frame, adjustable shoulder and waist straps, child harness and a foldout kickstand. If you plan on using a child carrier only occasionally, you might not be interested in all the features of the deluxe models. However, if you plan to head off-road and carry more gear, consider models with some of the following extras:

• Extra storage capacity for gear, including removable diaper bags or day packs
• More adjustability options for a better fit
• Removable rain/sun hood
• Diaper changing pad
• Hydration system
  
  

Fitting the Child Carrier to You

First, adjust your child carrier to fit you. When making your initial adjustments, use books to weight the pack instead of your child.

• Adjust the suspension system to fit your torso, so that the hipbelt rests on your hip bones (not your waist) and the shoulder straps rest on your shoulders.
• Tighten the hipbelt so 80% of the weight is on your hips.
• Tighten the shoulder straps so the child carrier is stabilized and the remaining 20% of the weight is on your shoulders.
• Adjust the sternum strap across your chest so that it doesn't interfere with your breathing.
  
  

Fitting the Child Carrier to Your Child

Before you put your child in the carrier, adjust the height of the child seat. Make sure the child's straps are loosened and the kickstand is fully extended.

• Put your child in the carrier, and make sure his or her feet come through the leg openings.
• Buckle and tighten all straps, including the hipbelt, shoulder straps, leg strap adjustments and sternum strap. Not all child carriers have all these strap options.
• Tighten the side compression straps.
• Check to make sure the children's shoulder straps fit smoothly over your child's shoulders and that the leg straps are comfortable.
  
  

Using the Child Carrier

The first few times you use it, ask someone to help you put an occupied child carrier on your back. Lift the child carrier by the top handles, slip on the shoulder straps and buckle the hipbelt. When removing the carrier, loosen the shoulder straps and unbuckle the hipbelt. Grabbing the handle behind your head, bring the carrier around to your front, and grasp the second handle to help you set the child carrier on the ground.

Some additional pointers:

• Don't leave your child unattended while he or she is in the child carrier.
• Children tend to fall asleep in child carriers; occasionally check your child's position and comfort.
• Child carriers aren't adequately stable to be used as a chair. Nor should they ever be placed on elevated surfaces such as a bench, table or bed.
• Do not use a child carrier if the frame or fasteners are damaged.
• Make sure your child is well-insulated in cold weather.
• Consider wearing a hat so your child can't grab your hair.