Seeking Recommendations for Backpack-type Carrier

My favorite carrier is actually my homemade meitai ;) because it's easy to use and is pretty portable, but I like my Becco Butterfly for long walks because of the extra support the waist and shoulder padding have. I've also heard very good things about the quality of the Ergo, the Pikkolo and the Patapum Toddler.

This site:
http://theportablebaby.com/carrierfeatures.html

has a good comparison chart and if you look around on the site there are a lot of good pictures of the different carriers (minus Bjorn, which this seller does not reccommend). She also has suggestions for which kind of carrier is better for large/petite body frames.

and this site:
http://www.thebabywearer.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?scsc

http://www.thebabywearer.com/cgi-bin/reviews/reviews.pl?s...

has a pretty comprehensive list of reviews (and tons of other info on babywearing in general)

If I were going to buy another backpack carrier, I'd purchase one without the inner body that my Becco butterfly has, because it makes nursing difficult, but having the insert allows you to have your child secure in the carrier before putting it on your back, so it really depends on what you are looking for in a carrier. Ergo and Patapum (and the older Becco 4th generation) are all similar to the Traditional Asian Style carriers. Becco butterfly has the extra inner body layer and an infant insert. I'm looking at the Pikkolo right now and it is very versatile if you want to do a variety of carries etc. You can even do a one shoulder carry and hip carry.

Look for a carrier with waist support and adjustable shoulder straps. Also make sure the child is in a natural position in regards to your body and the carrier. For example the Bjorn gives many people problems because the baby's legs are straight down and all the weight is on the child's crotch. This is very unnatural for both the baby and the parent. The Becco, ergo etc all have the baby's whole bottom supported as if they are in a sitting position--similar to when you would normally support your child (or give them a piggy-back ride. If there is a babywearing group in the area see if you can try out some of the different kinds of carriers other parents have, so you'll have an idea of the fit before you purchase.

Hope that Helps.

1 mom found this helpful

I can't rave enough about the Ergo carrier! I LOOOOOVE it. It's a little pricey (about $100) but worth EVERY penny.

Good luck.

C.

I liked the hip hammock for my son who is big for his age (now he is 3 and almost 40 pounds so he dosn't use it anymore). This time around I got a baby Ktan (like a double sling with various positions possible) and my 6 week old (under 9 lbs) does fine in it so far. I am planning to try the Ergo when she is a little bigger. We got hand me downs of the baby bjorn and a frame backpack and never used them and we tried the snuggli just a few times.

It's been a few years, but when my son was a baby we purchased a backpack/stroller that was an absolutely dream!! You can leave the child in the seat and pop the handles/wheels to stroll and then collapse them back into the backpack. We loved it!!

I did find it online and it's actually cheaper than what we paid 8 years ago....

http://www.babyage.com/products/sb100ab_instep_instep_str...

Good luck.

I second the vote for the Ergo carrier. So comfortable, packable, and light.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Ergo Baby!!

We have a Kelty, but not sure if this is too bulky for your needs. GL!

you need padded shoulders and a good hip belt. my oldest daughter LOVED the backpack...only reason why we gave it up was because when i was pregnant with her sister, my belly got to big to fasten the hip belt. kids love the freedom of being in their own seat, with a sky high view of the world. my daughter used to go from sitting to standing 100x times over - her way of exercising! During cranky late afternoons, when i would cook dinner, she was frequently on my back (literally)...happy to be next to mommy, but safely away from the stove.
Good luck and enjoy the new freedoms.

http://www.ergobabycarrier.com
The ergo is the best- you can use it in the front, the back or the side from birth all the way up to about 40 lbs. it supports your back and it's so comfortable for me, my husband and our son.

Me and my daughter love our Becco which is a soft structured carrier. It can go on your front or back, and is very comfortable and well padded. I also use Mie Ties if I am just wearing her for a short time ( she is 20 months old, so for long hikes or trips to the store I prefer the more padded Becco) They can be expensive but www.frogmama.com has seconds and clearance models.
Enjoy!

try the Ergo Baby carier- with it you can carry on the back, front and side.
and it is all cloth ( except teh sturdy buckles) so can be washed and folded into a diaper bag, or under the stroller.
-M.

I really love an Ergo for back wearing! It si 1,000 times better than the Bjorn. It costs around $100, but it is more than worth it!

I had a wonderful Eddie Bauer one. It had a sturdy plastic frame which was comfortable for us and my son and the frame opened so it could act like a stand so you could feed baby in it when you were out. It had a large pocket to put diapers and wipes in and a spot for a sippy cup.

I love the Ergo! Still using it on my 2.5 yr old!