Having the right baby carrier for hiking makes getting out on the trail a much more enjoyable experience. There are a few different types that are all good for different things. The three main types are wraps, soft carriers, and framed carriers. They all have pros and cons and I am going to lay out all of them.
Wrap
A baby wrap is best for a newborn because they are soft and keep the baby close and snuggly to mom. Wraps are typically just long pieces of fabric tied and wrapped around your body. I loved my Solly Baby wrap for the first few months of my baby’s life.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Small and compact
- Carry baby on the front—Able to replace binky, feed them, and check their temperature
- Works for small babies that don’t have total control of their head
Cons:
- Only option is to carry baby on front
- Weight is distributed a lot on shoulders
- No storage
Soft Carrier
A soft carrier can also be used with a newborn (assuming it comes with a newborn insert) and up until they are a toddler. They offer a little more support than the wrap so you can carry a little more weight in it. You’re also able to wear your baby on your back or your chest depending on which you prefer. I still use my Ergobaby Omni 360 when I travel and for walks around the neighborhood.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Small and compact
- Can carry baby on the front—Able to replace binky, feed them, and check their temperature
- Works for small babies that don’t have total control of their head
Cons:
- Weight is distributed a lot on shoulders
- Not as great viewpoint for baby when worn on back
- Not much storage
- No weather protection built in
Framed Carrier
Framed carriers are very popular on the trail because they are designed with hiking in mind. You need to wait until you baby has complete control of their head before they are able to ride in it. Once they’re old enough, they will love the higher vantage point and everything they can see. Your back will also thank you because, when fitted properly, it puts most of the weight on your hips. This makes for a much more comfortable carry.
I use the Osprey Poco Plus and love it. Lots of storage, the sun shade is attached, and a great suspension system that makes it comfortable for me to carry all day long. It also has the option of putting a rain cover on which I love. Not only do I use it when it’s raining or snowing, but also if it’s extremely cold or windy. It helps keep my baby a little warmer.
Pros:
- Weight is distributed more comfortably so you can carry your baby longer
- Lots of storage space
- Baby sits up higher for a better view
- Comes with a sun shade and optional rain protection
Cons:
- Heavier than other types of carriers
- Not as compact
- Baby has to have complete control of head to be able to ride
So depending on what you’re hiking, and how old your kid is, your decision on which carrier is best for you and your family might vary. It never hurts to ask a friend to try their carrier out or go into the story to try one on!
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