Baby Carriers

Backpack carriers have been around for some time. These carriers are more structured than fabric carriers like slings. While they’re called backpack carriers, most can be worn in front as well. Most parents find that these carriers are best used in front when babies are younger and on the back when they’re toddlers.

In a traditional backpack carrier, you can have your baby face in toward you or out, facing away from you. Younger babies will feel more comfortable facing mom, but as babies get older, they’ll like facing away from you so that they can see the world. Both of my children loved riding in my “Baby Bjorn” carrier and loved facing outward from the age of six months on. But, both preferred to be facing me when they were sleepy.

Backpack carriers are great because they ensure that baby’s weight is supported very evenly by your hips, back and shoulders. They can be tricky to learn to use, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to get baby in and out quickly and easily. Dads seem to prefer backpack carriers over baby wraps and slings, likely just because they look a bit more masculine. I’m pretty certain that I would never have been able to get my husband in a blue paisley baby sling, but he used the backpack carrier as often as I did.

There are a few downsides to baby backpack carriers. The first is that they are not suitable for babies who cannot support their own heads. In fact, they don’t prove to be very useful or comfortable for baby until he’s about 4-5 months old. However, once baby is big enough to use the backpack carrier, it’s a very useful device for both infants and toddlers. I used my backpack until my son was nearly two and until my daughter was at least 18 months old. I used it in front for the first few months and then on my back when they were a bit older.

If you’re expecting, I think it’s wise to register for both a sling or wrap type carrier and a backpack carrier. The sling will be useful in the first few months and is by far the best baby carrier for nursing mothers, because you can nurse without removing baby from the sling. But, you’ll likely use a backpack carrier when baby gets older, and even through the toddler years. Plus, baby’s Dad will likely stake a claim on the backpack carrier!