backpack travel with baby

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

The 17 Best Travel Baby Carriers in 2023 [Includes Wraps, Slings & Backpacks]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

187 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

48 Published Articles 3399 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

6 Published Articles 1207 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Table of Contents

Why buy a travel baby carrier, the different types of carriers, things to consider with baby carriers for travel, the 7 best baby carriers for travel, the 5 best wraps and slings for travel, the 5 best backpack carriers for travel, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Traveling with an infant can seem like an impossible task when you consider the vast amount of gear you will need to take with you. Cribs, car seats, and even strollers add bulk and weight to already tightly packed suitcases and carry-ons, so finding a way to keep your child close and your hands-free is a sure-fire winner.

With this in mind, let us introduce the humble baby carrier.

Your travel stroller will be a key piece of your baby gear from the day your precious little one enters the world. But a baby carrier offers different kinds of benefits and should be a part of your baby traveling inventory right from the start.

Flexibility and Convenience

One of the very best reasons to use a baby carrier is the sheer convenience of having your baby close to you at all times. Forget about unfolding strollers with a baby in your arms, or hiking up and down cobbled streets or sandy beaches with wheels that won’t work. A baby carrier makes light work of baby transportation.

Couple this with the fact that your baby is more likely to be soothed and sleep close to the warmth of your skin, and you are on to a winner.

Keep Your Hands Free

Grab your passport, open your purse, or even hold your toddlers’ hand while knowing your baby is safely strapped to your body.

Having both hands free is an absolute luxury when you are a parent to young children, and the convenience it offers when traveling through airport security, or fighting the crowds on public transportation, will make your baby carrier worth its weight in gold.

Leave the Stroller at the Hotel

If you are venturing out to explore while you are on vacation, you may want to leave the stroller back at the hotel. Get out in the countryside, go explore historical ruins, or even hit that bustling city center without the worry of how to take your stroller with you.

Make Flying With a Baby an Absolute Breeze

Most air carriers will allow infants under 2 years old to travel for free when they are seated on the lap of an adult. While this is fine in theory, having an upset, hungry, or simply restless baby on a long flight can be frustrating for both you and your little one.

A baby carrier allows you to strap your baby in and let them rest on your chest while you are in the air. You can read, eat, and keep your baby calm for longer when they are held close to you.

They Offer Security Wherever You Are

If you are visiting somewhere where you are expecting large crowds, inclement weather, or just an environment that is very different from your home setting, you may feel more secure knowing your baby can be wrapped up close to you. Keep them warm and relaxed next to your heartbeat as you explore.

Not all carriers are the same, and depending on the age and weight of your baby, combined with your own personal preferences, there are lots of different types of carriers to choose from.

Front-facing Carriers

The most popular of all carriers, front-facing carriers are easy to load and unload and truly do keep your little one close to your heart. They are as easy to use with newborns as they are with older babies — you can carry your baby sleeping on your chest or turn them round to face the world for smiles and giggles.

These are particularly good for getting through airports as they are incredibly secure for babies , and once fastened properly, they should also be comfortable and practical for mom or dad to wear.

Made from cloth with soft linings and padded straps, this type of carrier can usually be thrown in the laundry when it needs a freshen-up and shouldn’t take up too much room in your case or carry-on bag when you are not using it.

Bottom Line: While front-facing carriers are always popular, some parents can find the positioning of the baby uncomfortable for long periods.

Hip Carriers

These lightweight and minimalist carriers are useful for older babies and help to evenly distribute the weight while you carry your child. Most parents spend a vast amount of time carrying their children on their hips anyway, and these little cushioned slings simply help to accentuate what nature gave us.

Keep your hands free while your baby rests on your hip and maybe try using one of these around the house before you take them somewhere busier or use them for long periods. It’s a useful addition for a trip to the grocery store, but it may not be so good for crowded public transport or long flights.

If you are a fan of the great outdoors and want to introduce your little one to the joys of hiking, biking, or just getting out there, these types of carriers are perfect for toddlers and older babies and are very comfortable.

Backpacks feature a sturdy frame to keep the baby well-supported, as well as padding, straps, and lumbar support to help balance the load and keep mom or dad comfy. You can also protect your little one from the elements with rain covers and sun shades.

Carrying your baby on your back will reduce your view of them, but they will have an incredible view of the world around them. These types of carriers can be a little bulky when not being used, but they usually come with their own carry bag, and the fabric parts can all be washed.

Traditional, inexpensive, and easy to take virtually anywhere with you, slings are an age-old way of keeping your baby close to you. Made from swathes of soft, often brightly colored fabric, they look super cute and are an inexpensive and versatile way to carry your child.

But, and there is a big but here, the reason moms switched from slings to baby carriers when they first became readily available is because there are some safety concerns related to sling-carrying.

If the sling tie comes undone, your baby could fall and hit the floor, or if your baby is too small to hold their own head up, a sling could pose the risk of suffocation.

Bottom Line: If you really want to use a sling, go ahead by all means, but it’s important to educate yourself on how to tie them and how to keep your baby safe before you carry your baby in one.

Affordable, lightweight, and super easy to use, these wraps are comfortable for both parent and baby. Unlike a sling, wraps are available in different sizes and can be worn in various ways to suit the style you would best like to carry your baby.

Check out the different types of wraps available and educate yourself on the best way to wear one before you buy. Once you have found the right wrap to suit your needs, you will love the portability of wrap-carrying and how soft and washable the fabrics are.

To ensure that you have the right carrier to suit the age and developmental stage of your baby, as well as one that matches your personal preferences, consider the following before you commit.

The Age of Your Baby

Baby-wearing can work well with infants of all ages, but the key to your success is knowing which kind of carrier works best for the different stages of your child’s development.

Newborn babies, for example, should be held forward-facing and close to you and supported entirely by the wrap, sling, or carrier to keep them safe on the go. They may even need to use a newborn insert.

Once your baby can confidently hold their head up, you can consider facing them outwards in either a carrier, wrap, or sling. As they become confident little toddlers, you may want to consider something a little more sturdy, which is where the backpack-style carriers, hip packs, and wide seats can become a useful component of successful outdoor pursuits and trips away from home.

The Safety of Your Baby

Being able to keep your baby safe and calm is usually the most important reason why parents opt to use a carrier. Whether you use a sling, wrap, backpack, or carrier, there are a few basic safety rules that you should know:

• Always keep your wrap, sling, or carrier held tightly against your body.
• Be sure that you always have your baby in view at all times.
• Your baby’s back must be fully supported at all times.
• Your baby’s chin should be kept off of your chest at all times.
• Ensure all harnesses are fully secure before setting off with your baby on you.

Is It Comfortable and Ergonomically Designed?

To ensure the comfort of your baby, the carrier you choose should have a cozy, warm, and breathable cocoon to help regulate the baby’s temperature and keep them comfortable enough to be calm and relaxed throughout the journey.

For younger children, this will mean keeping their backs supported, while older children will benefit from additional features such as sun canopies, hip seats, and even stirrups.

For the wearer, the carrier has to be comfortable for it to be of any use to you. Padded and adjustable straps are a huge bonus, and even if you opt for a simple sling, the material will need to be stretchy enough to wrap your baby up securely.

What Is It Made From, and How Durable Is It?

Most carriers are made from either the kind of tough and durable ripstop nylon that you would expect to find on travel backpacks or soft and stretchy cotton on a traditional-style sling.

How Easy Is It To Clean?

Accidents happen, so having a carrier that you can wipe down or, better still, throw into the laundry, is worth its weight in gold. Look for carriers with detachable bibs for very little babies and those that offer easy to remove covers for bigger babies.

There are thousands of carriers out there for you to choose from. Here are some of the very best for travel.

1. A Big-brand Baby Carrier That Is Hard To Beat

Babybjörn baby carrier original.

This incredibly portable baby carrier is easy to put on and take off by yourself and takes up very little room in your suitcase when not in use. The simple 2-step design allows you to lift your sleeping baby in or out without waking them and makes this an excellent choice for keeping young babies close to you as you travel.

Your little one will be kept safe with the sturdy and adjustable head support, while the back support helps to keep legs and hips held in the most ergonomically sound position. Having your baby kept in an upright position, even when you are sitting down, will keep your baby’s airway free and let you check on them as often as you need to.

Made from breathable and machine-washable cotton material, and offering additional padding for extra comfort and protection, this is a brilliant offering from one of the biggest names in baby carriers.

What We Like

• Made from soft cotton and jersey

What We Don’t Like

• No hip strap for support

2. A Convertible Carrier That Is Suitable From Birth

Infantino flip 4-in-1 convertible carrier.

Suitable for babies weighing between 8 to 32 pounds, this clever little carrier offers 4 ways to carry your baby while you are traveling. You can hold your newborn close to your chest, or turn them around to face outwards when they can hold their own head up. You can also adjust the width for a wider inward-facing position or wear the carrier on your back for older babies and toddlers.

Made from machine-washable material, this carrier also includes a 2-in-1 wonder bib to protect your carrier and clothing while in use, and it is incredibly lightweight to carry around with you when it is not.

The adjustable seat, leg openings, straps, and even the waist belt help you to find the most comfortable position for both you and your baby, meaning you are likely to be able to wear it for longer, wherever you are headed.

Affordable, washable, and with clever little extras you would expect to find on more expensive models, this is a bargain baby carrier that is worth every last cent.

• Has a waist strap for extra support
• Quite a lot of buckles and straps for adjusting

3. A Super Versatile and Ergonomic Carrier

Lí ll é baby the complete all seasons 6-position, 360 ° ergonomic baby and child carrier  .

With a choice of 6 different ways to carry your baby, this is the ultimate ergonomically sound baby carrier for complete 360-degree babywearing. You can choose from the fetal position, facing inwards, facing outwards, on the hip, on your back, and inward-facing for larger toddlers. You can use this carrier with babies that weigh between 7 to 45 pounds, from birth to much bigger!

The easy-to-wear backpack-style carrier is made from washable material and features breathable mesh to keep your baby cool. There is also a removable sleeping hood, an extendable torso section for larger babies, and a large storage pocket for keeping your essentials close by.

The carrier is designed to keep your little one’s legs and hips in a comfortable position while in transit, which is important for promoting proper hip development from the very beginning.

This little beauty is very comfy for moms and dads, too, as the unique lumbar support system relieves lower back pressure and distributes weight evenly. So much versatility in 1 product. Brilliant!

• Can be used to carry in a variety of ways
• Can be quite warm to wear in hot weather

4. Basic Brilliance From Evenflo

Evenflo breathable soft carrier.

Suitable for babies weighing between 7 to 26 pounds, this basic but brilliant baby carrier is great for flying and traveling with your little one.

With just 2 carrying positions to choose from, your baby can face inwards towards you when they are little and then out to face the world as they get bigger. Made from supersoft, breathable material, your baby will sleep soundly in this warm and cozy carrier that even comes with its very own removable bib for extra protection.

When your baby can hold their head up comfortably for long periods, you can have them face out to see the world.

• Great value baby carrier
• The padded headrest can get in the way when facing outwards

5. Thoughtful Design and Comfortable for Parents

Ergobaby carrier, 360 all carry positions baby carrier  .

With an adjustable bucket seat, this travel baby carrier is suitable for little ones from 4 to 36 months old with an infant insert or 12 to 33 pounds without an insert. If you wish to use it for your newborn, you will need to purchase the additional insert separately.

With a wide, wraparound waistband, this carrier helps to provide support for your lower back. The waistband can extend up to 52 inches and the shoulder straps to 48 inches, meaning this carrier can be worn by moms or dads of all shapes and sizes.

When it comes to your precious bundle, soft and breathable material makes for a cozy carry, and the tuck-away hood with a UPF 50+ rating will keep your baby’s little head safe from the wind and sun.

Face your baby in or out, or set them on your hip as they get older, with this great baby carrier.

• Has a hood for sun protection
• Can be difficult to fasten the back clip without assistance

6. A Cute and Comfy Way To Carry Your Little One

Infantino cuddle up ergonomic hoodie baby carrier.

This carrier has been designed to feel exceptionally comfortable for the wearer and offers a safe and comfy ride for your little one. Suitable for babies from 12 to 40 pounds, it even comes complete with a super cute, detachable teddy bear hood to keep your baby’s head warm and protected in transit.

With adjustable shoulder straps and a wide waist belt, this carrier is well-suited for longer journeys and will help to evenly distribute the weight of your baby as you travel. The wide seat offers impressive knee support, and the carrier has a naturally rounded back, making it exceptionally comfortable for your baby, too.

Made from washable material, you can carry your baby facing towards you, facing outwards, or even on your hip.

• It’s machine washable
• Can’t be used facing out

7. Easy To Use Baby Carrier That Is Designed To Last a Lifetime

Boba 4gs classic baby carrier, bear cub.

Designed to last a lifetime, this wrap-style carrier is easy to use and designed to offer optimum ergonomic comfort for your little one.

For the comfort of your baby, the wrap features a deep seat made from comfortable and washable fabrics, and the removable foot straps are there to support the baby’s legs and hips while on the move. Suitable for babies weighing between 7 to 45 pounds, you can have your little one facing inwards or outwards depending on their age and weight.

Another great feature of this wrap carrier is the multiple pockets and even a purse strap holder that secures your bag so it doesn’t slide off your shoulder, keeping it feeling comfy and your baby close by at all times.

If you are looking for a high-quality baby carrier that focuses on ergonomics over and above fancy extras, then the Boba 4Gs could be just right for you.

• Has multiple pockets and a bag strap holder
• The shoulder straps sit quite wide

1. The Original “No-wrap, Wrap” That Is Easy for Everyone To Wear

Baby k’tan original baby wrap carrier, infant and child sling.

This quick and easy wrap will keep newborns and infants close to your heart for easy breastfeeding or everyday wear on the go. Made from 100% GOTS-certified cotton, this is the ultimate “no-wrap, wrap,” which you simply sling over your head like a t-shirt. Suitable for newborn babies, the wrap can also become an upright seated carrier for infants up to 35 pounds.

Easy to wear, the K’tan Baby Wrap Carrier helps with even weight distribution that allows you to hold your baby close to your skin, and the unique double-loop design and one-way stretch will keep your little one securely in place.

As a naturally ergonomic alternative to formal baby carriers, the wrap offers a seated position that is approved as Hip Healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute , while still being able to adapt and adjust positions to suit the age and size of your growing baby.

Washable and effortlessly wearable, this is an impressive wrap with an affordable price tag.

• Available in lots of cute designs
• Non-adjustable, so can’t be swapped between different-sized parents

2. Easy Babywearing and Discreet Breastfeeding With This Strong and Versatile Baby Wrap

Baby wrap carrier all-in-1 stretchy baby wraps – baby carrier.

Stretchy, simple, and super easy to use, this baby wrap will keep your baby close while you travel. Sturdy, strong, and breathable cotton fabric will keep your little one safe and secure while also offering enough support to ensure an easy ride for your own back and shoulders.

Suitable for use from newborn up to 35 pounds, the baby wrap will soothe your baby as they are kept close to your skin, and makes for easy and discreet breastfeeding wherever you may go.

This particular sling has a simple, easy-to-use design that is suitable for new moms and dads, and the washable design is lightweight and easy to carry with you even when not in use.

• Small and lightweight to travel with
• Smaller people can end up with lots of excess wrap

3. A One-size-fits-all Baby Wrap, Made From Soft and Stretchy Material

Boba wrap baby carrier.

As soft and supple as your favorite t-shirt, this baby wrap is made of 95% natural cotton fabric . Designed to stretch and flex, this wrap will keep both you and your baby comfortable as you carry.

Suitable for babies from birth to 35 pounds, this one-size-fits-all wrap is designed to offer a custom fit and has an easy-to-use configuration that will be able to hold your baby as they grow. Washable, breathable, and able to retain its shape, this wrap will cling perfectly to the contours of your body to keep your baby secure and supported, wherever you choose to carry them.

The design of the Boba Wrap offers the perfect ergonomic seat and the correct posture for your little one, while also evenly distributing weight for the comfort of moms and dads on the move.

• Great for all body shapes and sizes
• Can be hot with multiple wrapped layers

4. Swaddle Your Baby Close With This Supersoft Sling

Baby wrap ergo carrier sling.

Made using a superstrong blend of soft terry cotton and stretchable spandex , this wrap allows you to swaddle your baby close to you to help them feel calm and secure, taking away the stress of long-distance travel.

The Cuddblebug Baby Wrap can be used for babies from birth to 35 pounds, and it is easy to wrap and wear for parents on the go. This super soft and convenient wrap also makes for a convenient and discreet nursing cover, allowing you to feed your baby wherever you are.

The breathable construction also helps to regulate your baby’s temperature to keep them comfortable at all times, and when you are not carrying your baby, you can also use it as a postpartum belly belt.

• Easy to use
• Fabric can stretch over time

5. A Sling Designed for Use Both in and Out of the Water

Vlokup baby water ring sling carrier.

Perfect for everyday use, on vacation, or even in the water, this 100% polyester jersey sling baby carrier is a lightweight alternative to heavy carriers and strollers.

Suitable for babies weighing between 8 to 35 pounds, the quick-drying, jersey mesh material is perfect for trips to the beach or the pool  where you want to keep your baby held close to you. The unique aluminum ring design makes it easy for mom and dad to find the right carrying position, and when not in use, this little beauty folds up super small for taking everywhere with you.

A great choice for babies on vacation, parents should be aware that the 100% polyester material does not offer any protection against the harmful rays of the sun, and that even when attached to you, you should still exercise caution when you take your baby into the water.

• Good for use in warm weather
• Needs tightening regularly

1. An Adjustable Backpack Carrier for Those Who Like To Hike

Clevrplus urban explorer hiking baby backpack child carrier.

With a sun hood, a removable wind and rain cover, a changing mat, and a hydration pack, it has everything your baby needs, whatever the weather.

The built-in adjustment system will help both you and your baby to find the most comfortable position, and the metal stand will easily transform your backpack into an upright baby seat on a flat surface . With lots of pockets to choose from and 2 side water bottles, you can keep all the stuff you need at hand on your next urban exploration.

Made from strong and durable, water-resistant fabric, this backpack carrier is perfect for little ones between 9 to 48 months old. The thick, padded shoulder pads and bolsters also make it comfortable to carry.

Offering the perfect blend of form and function, the ClevrPlus Urban Explorer Child backpack carrier has a light aluminum frame that will help keep your little one safe on the hardiest of outdoor adventures, while still being comfortable for mom or dad to wear.

• Has a kickstand to set down as a chair
• Requires 2 people to use

2. Brilliant Backpack Carrier From a Big Name Brand

Osprey poco child carrier backpack.

Offering a fully adjustable back panel and a padded hip belt, your child can be carried comfortably around with you for hours on end. There are also removal stirrups to keep your little one better-supported while on the move. Designed to be just as comfy for mom and dad, too, the aluminum frame is lightweight to carry and the breathable back panel allows plenty of ventilation.

Made from 210D Bluesign Nylon Diamond, this backpack also has plenty of useful spaces for extra storage, including a hydration reservoir sleeve, quick-access hip belt pockets, and a large zippered compartment for all of your other essentials. Suitable for infants who can hold their heads up and weigh between 16 to 48.5 pounds, this is a great backpack carrier for outdoor enthusiasts.

Made by one of the biggest names in outdoor adventures, the Poco by Osprey is a child carrier backpack that is just as brilliant in the city as it is in the countryside and beyond.

• Has a UPF 50+ sunshade
• Can take some time to adjust the fit

3. Get Out Exploring With This Highly Adjustable Backpack-style Carrier

Kelty journey perfectfit signature series child carrier.

With padded shoulder straps, torso adjustment, an integrated 5-point harness, and even stirrups to keep little feet supported in transit, this is a great baby-carrying option for moms and dads who are looking for adventure. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, the Kelty Journey PerfectFit has a cozy “cockpit” that offers a padded seat, making this just as comfortable for your little one to sit in as it is for your to wear.

Made from tough and durable 420D polyester, the padded aluminum roll cage keeps the frame upright and secure , without making it cumbersome to carry. There is also an integrated sunshade to protect your little one from the heat of the sun, and the additional large, zippered backpack pocket means you can carry everything you and your baby need for a day out in the great outdoors.

Suitable for children from 6.6 to 48 pounds, this lightweight but heavy-duty carrier will grow with your baby for many years of adventures.

• Lots of useful pockets
• No water bottle holder

4. A Sturdy Backpack Carrier With a Range of Customizable Options

Deuter kid comfort 1 lightweight framed child carrier for hiking.

Featuring adjustable torso lengths, a spring steel frame, a padded hip belt, a tensioned mesh back, and pivoting hip fins, this is a finely-tuned backpack carrier that can be used to achieve a custom fit for your baby.

The 5-point harness will keep your child secure, and the wide seat with adjustable stirrups makes for a comfy ride. For the convenience of mom and dad, the carrier has a large storage area under the seat , and the VariFit system adjusts to make it quick and easy to swap the pack between parents.

Suitable for babies from 6 to 46 pounds in weight, this is a brilliant choice for families who love to be outdoors.

Designed for regular use by parents who like to enjoy hiking and other outdoor pursuits, the Deuter Kid Comfort range is a lightweight, but incredibly sturdy backpack carrier that will last your child for many years of great adventures.

• 3-point weight distribution
• Could do with some more pockets

5. A Premium Backpack Carrier for Serious Outdoor Enthusiasts

Luvdbaby premium baby backpack carrier for hiking with kids.

With a super-cozy, padded cocoon for your little one and adjustable straps and a load-bearing belt for mom or dad, this backpack is designed with everyone in mind.

Your little one from 15 to 40 pounds can stay well-protected with safety straps, as well as a removable and stowable sun visor to protect against the heat of the sun. There are also multiple pockets that can be used to carry your phone, keys, water bottles , snacks, toys, and even extra layers for your little one, as well as a foldable diaper pad for changes on the go.

Made from waterproof ripstop polyester with a lightweight aluminum kickstand , this backpack carrier is a premium product for serious adventurers.

Designed to offer the optimum ergonomic experience for your baby, this backpack carrier is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Includes a foldable diaper changing pad
• Not the most durable

Baby-wearing is more popular now than it ever has been before. With a generation of new parents turning to safe, secure, and proven ways to transport their babies, simple slings, wraps, and carriers are very much back in fashion.

The benefits of baby-wearing are more obvious than ever when it comes to traveling as a family. Negotiate busy airports with your baby on your chest, or minimize disruption on long-haul flights with a contented baby and more relaxed parents.

Want more information on travel products? Explore our best travel product reviews — all in one place !

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Top 28 Best Travel Diaper Bags for Traveling with Babies + Toddlers in 2024

Sharing is caring!

Planning a trip with babies or toddlers? Choosing the right carry-on bag can make all the difference. Keep scrolling to find out the best travel diaper bags for flying with kids.

This best travel diaper bags post was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

As a mom who has traveled since the beginning, I’ve done tons of research on the best travel diaper bags. Now you can benefit from what I’ve learned!

Traveling with littles in tow is never easy. In fact, sometimes getting out the front door is a feat in itself.

Before you leave, make sure that your diaper bag is packed with all of the necessities that your little love will need. But first, you’ll want just the right diaper bag to hold your gear.

Take a look at my list of the best travel diaper bags that are out there!

What to Look for in the Best Diaper Bag for Travel

Not all of the best diaper bags for travel are equal. It’s important to know what features to look for so you get the best diaper bag to travel with that suits your personal needs.

Here are the top features you need to consider before spending.

Type of Diaper Bag

There are a few different types of diaper bags on the market – shoulder bags, backpack style or multifunctional.

If you have any form of back or shoulder issues or get back pain easily, I’d recommend staying away from the shoulder bag style.

As we all know, diaper bags get super heavy and all that weight unevenly distributed on one side can really cause problems.

We’ve found that, for traveling, backpack diaper bags are the most convenient. They are usually really spacious, and they distribute the weight evenly across your back and shoulders.

Many backpack styles also come with added stroller clips so they can still easily attach to the pram.

If you want to be able to use your diaper bag in a variety of different situations, there are plenty of multifunctional choices nowadays. They easily change from shoulder bag to backpack, usually just be pulling the straps down or out.

Let’s face it, nobody wants to carry around a worn and scruffy looking diaper bag! Choosing something made from a durable material, that can stand up to being hauled around everywhere, is vital!

Don’t forget about the internal material either, it’s important for a diaper bag to have a waterproof inner lining in case of leaks and spillages.

Number of Pockets

As every mom knows, babies and toddlers come with a lot of “stuff”. The best diaper bag for travel is one with plenty of pockets to store all those essential items.

Look for something with insulated pockets, wet pockets, zip pockets, and elasticated pockets so you have something to suit everything.

Best Travel Diaper Backpacks & Bags Reviewed

1. fawn design diaper backpack.

If you are looking for a super trendy diaper bag, the Fawn Design diaper backpack should top your list.

It’s made of premium faux leather, and it looks like a high-end bag that you can use for years and years.

It can be worn different ways so it’s not only one of the best baby travel backpacks but also makes a great shoulder bag. It comes in a lot of cute colors (including pink, grey, and brown).

My friend used this bag at Disneyland and she looked super fashionable and on-trend! Check the latest prices .

2. BabbleRoo Backpack Diaper Bag

We love a backpack diaper bag. Plus, this one by BabbleRoo features a stylish stitch pattern and comes a so many fabulous colors!

I love the different compartments added onto this stylish diaper bag. It’s perfect for staying organized. There’s even the most adorable pacifier holder! Check the latest prices .

3. huhu Everyday Diaper Backpack

Even with diaper bags, sometimes you definitely get what you pay for. The Everyday Diaper Backpack by huhu is worth the heftier price tag!

This bag feels like it was meticulously designed. The clamshell opening for the main compartment is ideal for finding what you need fast.

And as much as you can fit in here, you’ll wonder where it all went! I love how this diaper bag backpack is compact and sleek. Check the latest prices .

4. Soho Designs Tote

If you want the best travel nappy bag but prefer tote-style diaper bags this Soho Designs diaper bag is right up your alley.

This roomy bag has plenty of space for both mama and baby’s items.

And if you happy to stuff if full of baby gear, it comes with additional, matching bags, like an insulated bottle bag, and two accessory holders. Check the latest prices .

5. HaloVa Diaper Bag

The HaloVa backpack style diaper bag is a great choice because it has a wide opening at the top, for easier access in and out of the bag.

6. Kah&Kee Faux-Leather Diaper Bag Backpack

Kah&Kee makes a diaper bag backpack that is perfect for techie parents who bring their laptop/tablet along during their travels.

It has a slim pocket on the back made just for that purpose, while still allowing ample room in the other pockets for all of the baby goods! Check the latest prices .

7. Detachable Stroller Organizer

The TOPDesign Universal Baby Stroller Organizer is wonderful because it has stroller straps that are positioned in just the right place to keep your stroller from tipping over. And this can happen a LOT!

It easily converts to a shoulder bag for a compact way to keep everything baby (and mom!) needs at your fingertips.

This bag features pockets for your phone, cups or bottles, keys, etc. There’s even a detachable clutch. They thought of everything! Check the latest prices .

8. JuJuBe Nature BabeBackpack

JuJuBe is known for having some of the best travel backpacks.

The Nature Babe backpack is certainly not a letdown and comes at a more affordable price!

This backpack has just enough space for the necessities, including a laptop or tablet, and even comes with it’s own removable changing pad. Check the latest prices .

9. Multifunction Waterproof Backpack

When it comes to diaper bags there is no such thing as too many compartments. Afterall, no one wants soiled clothing to be in the same pocket as snacks, teething toys or clean diapers!

Not only does this multifunction waterproof backpack come with numerous pockets, including insulated bottle/snack pockets, it even has stroller straps.

Why lug around a heavy diaper bag on your back, when you can let the stroller easily carry it around for you? Check the latest prices .

10. Landuo Travel Backpack

The Landuo travel backpack is similar to the other wide-opening backpacks. However, it also has a wonderful waterproof pocket on the back, to separate wet clothes and diapers.

I’m really impressed with the organizational pockets and how easy it is to access everything in the bag. Check the latest prices .

11. Jiefeike Backpack

If you are looking for a diaper bag that looks nothing like a diaper bag, the Jiefeike backpack is the one for you!

It has all of the normal storage compartments as your average diaper bag, but the style reminds me more of a regular backpack! Check the latest prices .

12. Kaome Floral Diaper Bag

Bold floral is in right now, so if you are looking for something cute, this Kaome floral diaper bag is it!

It comes with detachable, padded stroller straps, and a matching bottle bag. Check the latest prices .

13. Skip Hop Weekender

Are you traveling with your own luggage, too? If so, you are going to love the luggage strap feature on this Skip Hop Weekender diaper bag!

The strap was specifically designed to allow you to place the weekender on top of your rolling luggage, without having to carry it on your back or shoulders.

Another great feature about this bag is that it comes with two zippered packing cubes, to help keep your items separated inside the bag.

It’s one of my top picks for best diaper bags for long travel! Check the latest prices .

14. Diaper Bag Tote

This gorgeous diaper bag is like a purse and backpack, all in one!

The bag has 14 useful pockets, and even comes with a matching changing pad. Check the latest prices .

15. Lekebaby Tote

If you are tired of constantly dealing with zippers just to get your keys out, you are going to love the magnetic closures on the mommy pocket of the Lekebaby diaper bag tote !

Plus, everything is still easy access and convenient to put away. They have separate pockets for not only diapers, nursing cover, and wipes, but also for your wallet, keys, sunglasses, your phone, etc. Check the latest prices .

16. Omanmoli Vegan Leather Diaper Bag

What a nice sturdy yet sleek look to this Omanmoli Vegan Leather diaper bag !

This is an awesome, inexpensive diaper bag because it’s super easy to wipe down if your child spills (or spews) something on it.

Plus, it’s large enough to carry a breast pump, laptop, or anything else you might need in addition to regular baby travel items. Check the latest prices .

17. Mokaloo Diaper Bag Backpack

This Mokaloo diaper bag backpack is perfect for parents who are always multi-tasking.

And best of all, it has 3 insulated pockets for bottles, baby food, and even snacks for parents!

Though I must admit that the built in USB charging port is a pretty handy feature to have when you are on the go.

If you still aren’t sold yet, consider the fact that this spacious bag is also waterproof on the outside, so it’s going to stay clean, no matter where it goes. Check the latest prices .

18. Travel Booster/Diaper Bag

Wait, what? Travel booster/diaper bag ?

While it sounds too good to be true, it isn’t! As a parent of little ones, you know how gross some of those booster seats and highchairs at restaurants can get.

So that’s why this spectacular diaper bag was created! It has a firm frame, so that when you’re eating out, your kiddo can sit atop the clean diaper bag, and still reach the table!

And as far as storage goes, well, don’t worry! It still has room for multiple compartments to store diapers, wipes, extra clothing, bottles, and any other essentials you may need!

It’s the best diaper bag for travel if you need something versatile. Check the latest prices .

19. Allcamp Multifunction Backpack

Talk about versatility! The Allcamp multifunction backpack is incredibly versatile, in that you can convert the straps into different carrying styles!

Backpack, over-the-shoulder, or messenger style, pick whichever suits your fancy for the day! Check the latest prices .

20. Aerobunny Small Diaper Bag Tote

If you are looking for something a little more simplistic, check out the Aerobunny small diaper bag tote .

It has fewer pockets so you can fit a few larger items in, a little more easily. Check the latest prices .

21. High-Speed Daddy Diaper Backpack

This is totally dad approved! They don’t want frilly and cute. No, they want simple and gets the job done!

The High Speed Daddy diaper backpack is just right for any dad who is out and about with the kiddo(s)! Check the latest prices .

22. ActiveDoodie Dad Diaper Bag

This ActiveDoodie Dad diaper backpack is perfect for all of the daddies who tote around the diaper bag!

It has ample storage and even has multiple insulated pockets to keep both bottles and small snacks nice and cool. Plus, it comes with a flag patch! Check the latest prices .

23. Skip Hop Iconic Duo Weekender

Skip Hop has another amazing diaper bag worth mentioning!

The Iconic Duo Weekender has a padded shoulder strap, to keep your already tired arm from being extra sore. Check the latest prices .

24. 8 in 1 Baby Diaper Bag Backpack with Changing Mat

Yep, you read that correctly! You’ve got to love this 8 in 1 Diaper Backpack with a breathable mesh changing mat for comfort.

This is super awesome for those long layovers where you want your baby to have a clean space to take a nap or play. Plus, it’s helpful for hotel rooms, too. Check the latest prices .

25. Mini Striped Canvas Diaper Bag

There is nothing disappointing about this mini-striped diaper bag ! I think it’s absolutely adorable and comes in a few different colors and designs.

The small size is perfect for traveling, but you’d be surprised how much you can fit in this bag! It even fits a few full-sized baby bottles.

This is one of the prettiest toddler diaper bags out there! Check the latest prices .

26. Sleek Leather Diaper Bag

This classic leather diaper bag by Freshly Picked is another gorgeous, yet simple diaper bag!

The pockets have been kept to a minimum, but there are just enough to keep your bag organized and clean. Plus, you can the same style but with classy Disney designs! Check the latest prices .

27. Humble-Bee Diaper Backpack

Another handy baby travel bag backpack we used is the Humble-Bee Diaper Backpack .

It’s super lightweight and easy to wipe down. This is a great diaper back for hiking or for wearing in hot climates like Hawaii or Florida .

It also folds down really well, so you can stuff it in another bag to use at your destination if you don’t want it as your carry on bag. It’s one of the best travel diaper backpacks.

28. Lassig Green Label Mix n’ Match Diaper Bag

This is my personal favorite travel diaper bag. I loved it so much that I had 2 of them!

The Lassig Green Label Mix ‘n Match diaper bag is made from recycled materials and there really is a pocket for everything.

It’s a beautiful bag that comes in a variety of colors, so these are the perfect diaper bags for boys or girls.

Plus, it’s cute enough that you’ll want to use it long after your kids are out of diapers. And it easily fits a foldable car seat .

It also transitions really well into just a normal travel bag. Check the latest prices .

Best Travel Diaper Bags You’ll Love Wrap Up

And there you have it! Some of the best travel diaper bags on the market! These are perfect for your next family vacation with a baby or toddler!

Next, take a look at my article on what to pack in your travel diaper bag or read about what to pack in your bag for a day at the beach .

2 thoughts on “top 28 best travel diaper bags for traveling with babies + toddlers in 2024”.

I love our Fawns! I have the big size with a clutch I throw into a different bag when I’m not with babies and the mini for times when I just need to throw in a diaper for each of my babes. Great roundup.

Yay! They are so chic and sophisticated, I think!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Best Diaper Bag Backpacks in 2023- The Complete Guide

One of the must-haves when traveling with a baby is a diaper bag backpack. A dilemma that all new mommas face: “which diaper bag backpack is the best for me and my baby?”

I had the same question while dealing with a packing situation. We were preparing for an 18-hour plane journey from Asia to Europe with a 2-month-old Thea. This was the first time I flew with a baby that was mine, and I was the caretaker. The days of a sigh and putting headphones on when somebody’s baby was screaming on an airplane were gone. 

I did not bother about the shades of color or its style. What I needed was the largest backpack diaper bag available. Unfortunately, I failed at breastfeeding, and we were using the formula for my daughter. This also meant that for a trip that long I needed to pack many sterilized baby bottles and containers for the baby formula with measured amounts of the powder.

I did not know which of the backpacks for diaper bags would be the best for us. However, I definitely knew that it had to be the largest with plenty of features that make a diaper bag backpack awesome. 

So, let’s review why you need a backpack for diaper bags and which one is the best for you and your family. 

First, What is the Difference Between a Diaper Bag and a Backpack?

A diaper bag is a bag that is specifically designed to hold diapers, wipes, and hundreds of other baby-related items. They are usually better organized for easier access to the items you need. 

On the other hand, just backpack is a bag with straps that you wear on your back. It can be used for carrying anything from books to laptops. Trust me, they don’t make the best backpacks for diaper bags no matter how spacious or stylish they are.

What to Consider When Buying a Backpack Diaper Bag for Traveling with Kids?

The best backpack diaper bag for traveling with babies should be: lightweight and durable. Ideally have plenty of pockets and compartments with easy access. Think of holding a baby in one arm and reaching out for a wet wipe with your other arm at the same time. Your diaper bag backpack must feel comfortable on your back and have a few extra features like a changing pad or built-in stroller straps.

Many different types of diaper bag backpacks are available for parents to use when traveling. 

To help narrow down what type of bag you should purchase or borrow from a friend, here are some things to consider:

-What do I need? 

-How much does my child need? 

-Where am I going?

-How long will it take me to get there? 

-What kind of diapers do I use?

-Do I need to carry multiple sterilized baby bottles and baby formula, or will I breastfeed?

Why You Should Choose a Lightweight Bag?

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a diaper bag backpack is how much you can carry. If you are just carrying diapers and a few other small items, then a lightweight bag will work for you.

If you have a lot of items that need to be carried with you, then it would be best to choose a larger and more traditional diaper bag backpack.

There are many benefits of using a lightweight diaper bag backpack. They are easier to carry around, they don’t weigh as much as heavier bags, and they can hold your basic necessities for your baby.

Why a Backpack Style is the Best for Travel?

A backpack-style diaper bag is the best for travel because it is hands-free, which means that you can take care of your baby and carry all of your belongings with you. They also have a lot of pockets and compartments to store everything that you need.

It also has a lot of storage space. This means that it will be easier to find everything in the bag. It is also great for families who have more than one child because they need to carry around multiple bags when they travel.

What to Pack in Your Backpack Diaper Bag When You’re Traveling by Airplane?

A travel diaper bag is a necessity for any parent who needs to bring their baby with them on an airplane. What you pack in your diaper bag will depend on the length of the trip, how long it will take to get to your destination, whether you breastfeed or not, and what kind of diapers you use.

A baby packing checklist:

• Diapers : Diapers are a necessary accessory for any parent. The average baby needs to be given a diaper change every two hours. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and have an extra pack of diapers in your bag.
• Wet wipes : You just can never have too many of these!

• Wet Bags : You can never have too many wet bags. They’re great for storing baby clothing soiled by diaper leaks or spit-up, storing pacifiers and baby bottles hygienically, and they come in handy when you’re out and about with your little one. Try using different colors for different purposes. For example, I used green shades for everything clean and sterilized. For everything dirty, I used wet bags with patterns and shades of the color red.  
• Pacifiers : Pacifiers are a must-have for babies so make sure to pack yours hygienically. Pack multiple to be on the safe side. Also, don’t forget to pack extra bottle nipples. I still dread the memory of losing a pacifier at Melbourne airport and spending 8 hours on the plane to Singapore with no pacifier in hand, or mouth for that matter. 
• Changing pad : A changing pad can be an essential part of your diaper bag. The good thing is that many diaper bag backpacks come with changing pads included.
• Extra clothes for baby : It is not uncommon for babies to soil their clothes in a matter of minutes. Having extra clothes with you will prevent unnecessary hassle. 
• Toys Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, train, or boat, there’s bound to be a time when your baby starts to get fussy and needs something to play with. That’s why it’s important to pack some baby travel toys on every trip. You’ll be able to soothe them with an entertaining toy. 

• Hat and the favorite blanket for your baby : It’s not easy to prepare for every type of weather when you’re traveling with your baby. Carrying a hat and blanket will go a long way in providing protection for your bundle of joy.
• Sunscreen : If your baby is six months or older, you should keep sunscreen in your backpack diaper bag to protect your baby from the sun. 
• Baby Ointments : Baby ointments come in a variety of types, from tube-based creams to jarred baby creams. Make sure to take travel-friendly tube-based creams for convenient use on the go. 
• A first-aid kit : I highly recommend carrying a first-aid kit in your diaper bag backpack while traveling. Should something happen, you just take what you need from your large and comfy diaper bag backpack. 
• Food : This depends on whether or not your baby is eating solid foods if you are breastfeeding or preparing baby formula. Either of these ways requires careful planning.
• The first time I flew with my 2 months old daughter, I carried 8 baby bottles . It’s better to pack a bit too much than too little. With possible flight delays and even cancellations, make sure your diaper bag backpack has got you covered.  

• Stuff for you . Don’t worry too much about packing something to keep yourself occupied, you’ve got a baby for that. Since we had a large diaper bag backpack, I used to pack a book or a magazine for myself. Never once was I able to read a single page. 

Best Baby Diaper Bags, Backpacks and Brands in the Market

Now that we covered why you absolutely need a backpack diaper bag, the time has come to choose the best diaper bag backpack for you and your baby. 

Below is a list of some of the best diaper bag backpacks for airplane travel with babies:

• DEBUG Baby Diaper Bag Backpack with Changing Station: 

Why it’s great:

• Large Capacity: This diaper bag backpack has 18 convenient pockets to help you organise your items and make storage easy. There are also several insulated pockets for bottles, a large compartments for laptop and an anti-theft back pocket for the price. With a backpack, you can carry all the essentials that you and your baby need while leaving your hands free to do other tasks or carry your child.
• Special Features: Diaper Bag with Changing Station: With its extendable crib, this diaper bag is designed to offer your child’s comfort and safety on the go. Soft mattress makes baby nap time on the go easy and comfortable. This spacious clean and comfortable area ensures that your baby is unable to roll away while you’re changing their diaper. It is also perfect for makeshift changing stations on the go, as it can be assembled within seconds and removed again just as fast!
• Convenient & Comfortable: A good diaper bag can hold all your baby supplies with ease and will make life a lot easier on you. The shoulder straps on this bag are thick and have back support, so it’s comfortable to carry! And there are grab handles and custom D-rings, so you can attach it to the stroller for easy carrying too!

• Well-made Durable & Easy to Clean: Diaper bags are made from tough Oxford fabric. The zip-opening makes it easy to get at what you need, and the heavy-duty handles give you plenty of space for everything else. Covering your diaper bag with a waterproof coating is important. Without one, spills and stains are harder to clean and could absorb into the material. Your baby and you will love this environmentally friendly, pungent-smell-free and BPA-FREE bag.
• Stylish Unique Design: This diaper bag is the perfect choice for fathers – and mothers. It comes in 3 different colors, so there’s a style that will suit your taste, and it fits all of the things you need to bring with you when you decide to leave the home. 

2. Diaper Bag Backpack, HEATOO Baby Diaper Bag with Changing Station, Portable 3 in 1 Nappy Backpack with Bassinet

• HEATOO All-in-1 2021 Upgraded Travel Diaper Bag: HEATOO travel baby bag now has 2 new features, including an extendable folding crib with a metal top and a changing station to make diaper-changing easier during your travels. HEATOO provides you with a bag that facilitates travelling as well as changing diapers. 
• High Quality Material Protects Your Baby’s Growth: The fabric of HEATOO diaper bag is made of 900D oxford cloth, waterproof material makes this diaper bag a fortress for mom to protect baby’s belongings from the rain.Our HEATOO mummy bag can hold 16L or more, as a professional baby stuff which allows you to carry the necessary supplies for your baby while in travel, and organize your things neatly.
• 18 Multifunction Pockets Facilitate Travel: HEATOO bag features 18 different pockets for storing different items for both the mum and her baby. It’s fashionable, so you’ll look good too!
• Upgraded Tips Eliminates Potential Safety Hazards: When it comes to your newborn, every detail counts. HEATOO ranks customer experience first and that’s what is different about their bassinets – the installation process is fast, simple and stable thanks to the telescopic steel rods instead of plastic tubes. An extra pacifier case is included for when you’re on the go.

3. Dikaslon Diaper Bag Backpack with Portable Changing Pad, Pacifier Case and Stroller Straps

• All-in-One Design: A large diaper bag (size: 16.5″ x 8″ x 12″) with a compartment that include a changing mat and stroller straps, zipper pocket for wipes, 5 pockets for insulated bottles, an outside key loop, and attachment point openings. This pack has plenty of storage options. There are 2 large zones with lots of space and 18 pouches. It’s a cinch to pack, grab, and go.
• Convenient and Handsfree: You’ll really love the extra wide opening on this bag. It allows you to find what you are looking for quickly and it also has dual zippers for even easier closure with just one hand! The anti-theft back pocket is perfect for safely storing your valuables. The built-in stroller straps will help to make your walk around town feel much more comfortable
• Pacifier Case & Portable Changing Pad: The pacifier pod can hold two pacifiers, to keep them readily available and clean. The handy D-shaped ring lets you easily attach pacifiers or anything else like a diaper bag dispenser. It also comes with a travel changing mat with extra pockets. 
• Durability to last: this backpack diaper bag is made from durable, lightweight, and waterproof fabric. It also features an easy-to-clean lining and high-quality zippers that are capable of resisting spilled milk or water. The easy-to-carry strap design and ergonomic back support will take any stress off your back and shoulders when you are carrying it.

4. RUVALINO Diaper Bag Backpack, Multifunction Travel Back Pack

• Backpack diaper bag with changing pad: (dimension: 11.8l x 7.8w x 16.5h inches; Mat Size: 23l x 15w inches). With two large zipper compartments, lockable zipper pockets, and 16 other pockets for storing all of your baby essentials this bag is perfect for moms on the go. Insulated bottle pockets can hold most of wide neck or tall baby bottles, from 5 oz to 11oz.
• Designed for Convenience -This diaper backpack’s extra wide opening allows you to find that one thing in a hurry and it has dual zippers in case you can’t use both hands. The handle is easy to grab and there is thick padding on the shoulder straps. It also has an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable for carrying.
• Convertible and so Versatile – This diaper bag can be worn on the front, back, or clipped to the stroller. You can use this bag for just about anything: traveling, shopping, and so much more. Moreover, its practical and unisex design make this diaper bag backpack perfect for travelling. 
• Durable that’ll last for years – This diaper backpack is made of lightweight, strong and waterproof fabric. Non-fraying stitching, and strong zippers. 

5. Parker Baby Diaper Backpack – Large Diaper Bag with Insulated Pockets, Stroller Straps and Changing Pad

• Over ten pockets, including insulated baby bottle holders: The interior of this diaper bag has a padded pocket for your laptop and mesh pockets for organization. You’ll always have a convenient place to put your baby bottles or food, and you’ll never misplace your keys, wallet or diapers.
• Stroller straps and oversized changing pad included: Don’t pay extra for essential diaper bag accessories. Incorporating strong stroller straps and a wipe-clean waterproof changing pad is what makes this diaper backpack something you’ll look for when you’re out on the go.
• Designed in the USA: This fashionable diaper bag backpack is stylish AND practical. It includes all the functionality you need in a diaper backpack while maintaining a chic look. This baby bag is made from high quality materials; canvas and vegan leather are on the outside, while polyester provides protection inside.
• Large capacity with organization features: The Parker Baby Co diaper bag is the ideal storage solution for all of those baby basics and more. It features a large space to carry diapers, clothes, toys and other essentials for your little one.

If you found this article useful, please consider inviting me for a coffee!  You can do that here ! Thank you so much!

Now that you’ve chosen the best diaper bag backpack for airplane travel, check out the best luggage for kids

SHOP ALL BACKPACK DIAPER BAGS ON AMAZON HERE

Read more on raising little travellers:.

7 Tips to Survive a Long Haul flight alone with a toddler

Photo credit: personal and Unsplash.com

Disclaimer: Raising Little Travellers participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. These affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission on qualifying purchases you may make without any extra cost to you. Thank you so much!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post Comment

Recent posts

Family Wanderlust: A Single Mom and Son Discover the Magic of South America

23 Best Travel Movies That Will inspire your next adventure

Exciting Life as an Expat Family in Bangkok, Thailand

Family on the Road: Taking the World by van!

Best Toddler Travel Beds for Stress-Free Vacations in 2023

Expat in Uganda: one family, an exciting story

The Best Kids Luggage for Airplane Travel in 2023

Ultimate Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine for Kids

How to survive long haul flights alone with toddlers

Self-Care for Moms: A How-to Guide to Restore Your Sanity

Vaiva and Thea

In this blog I write about great places to go to with kids as well as give advice on travelling with young children.

Join us on this journey!

You cannot copy content of this page

• Skip to main content
• Skip to main navigation
• Skip to search

Advertisement

Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.

Best baby carrier backpacks for hiking, travel and everyday use in 2024

We've put the UK’s top baby carrier backpacks to the test to highlight the safest, comfiest and most supportive backpack carriers for hikes, walks or hands-free travel with your baby or toddler in tow. Here are the best baby carrier backpacks to buy right now, as tested and reviewed by parents.

By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Aug 13, 2024

Baby carrier backpacks, also known as child carrier backpacks or framed carriers, are designed for transporting babies and toddlers aged six months or older. Unlike regular baby carriers or slings, child backpack carriers usually have an aluminium frame and extra hip support for the wearer. They're great when your child gets too heavy for a baby carrier or sling and for scenarios where a lightweight buggy could be restrictive - think hikes and family adventure holidays .

When sat in a baby backpack carrier, children are raised slightly higher than in a baby carrier. They're seated in a 'cockpit' area and have a great vantage point for peering out over your shoulders. Originally designed for hiking, walking trails and exploring the great outdoors, these nifty backpacks are handy when exploring urban areas too, especially when travelling abroad.

How we tested the best baby carrier backpacks

To bring you our definitive list of the best baby carrier backpacks to buy this year, we tapped into the tried and tested experiences of Mumsnet users, analysing their feedback on the carriers they’ve used with their children and would recommend to other parents. With around 8 million parents visiting our forums every month, we are consistently able to source the most honest and up-to-date reviews.

We then extended our research, consulting retailer bestseller lists as well as trusted review publications, such as Which?, for the latest lab test results to ensure our Mumsnetters’ views were consistent with wider customer experiences and expert opinion. Where possible, we also enlisted a team of parent testers to really put the baby carrier backpacks through their paces.

If you want to add a pram to the mix, we've got handy guides to the best pushchairs , the best lightweight strollers , the best travel systems and the best double buggies . If you're travelling by car, it's well worth checking out our recommendations on the best baby car seats , the best toddler car seats and the best child booster seats to buy. And we've got you covered on two wheels too thanks to our guides to the best child bike seats and best bike trailers .

Best baby carrier backpacks at a glance

Best overall baby carrier backpack: Phil & Teds Parade | Buy now

Best budget baby carrier backpack: LittleLife Ranger S2 | Buy now

Best lightweight baby carrier backpack: LittleLife Cross Country S4 | Buy now

Best premium baby carrier backpack: Osprey Poco Plus | Buy now

Best baby carrier backpack for toddlers: Deuter Kid Comfort Pro | Buy now  

Best baby carrier backpack for travel: Osprey Poco LT | Buy now

Best washable baby carrier backpack: Thule Sapling Carrier Backpack | Buy now 

Most versatile baby carrier backpack: Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh | Buy now

Best ventilated baby carrier backpack: Deuter Kid Comfort Active | Buy now  

Best baby carrier backpack for storage: LittleLife Voyager S5 | Buy now

Phil & Teds Parade

Super compact and folds down flat – can be taken on the plane as hand luggage

Easy to assemble

Excellent storage

Great value for money

Two-year guarantee

Not as much head support as in other backpacks

No sunshade or rain-proof hood

RRP: £99 | Age: 6 months to 3 years | Weight: 2kg | Maximum load: Up to 18kg | Storage capacity : 12.5L | Sunshade: No

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Phil & Teds Parade review

After weeks of walking across both town and country, our parent tester, Toby, gave this baby carrier backpack the highest score out of all the products he tested, rating it particularly well for day-to-day use and value for money. As such, we think the Phil & Teds Parade is the best baby carrier backpack to buy right now.

With an innovative, compact design, the Phil & Teds Parade is a robust and comfortable baby carrier backpack that folds flat enough to be used as an aircraft carry-on, making it an ideal choice for travel. It’s a neat, classic-looking model that is as well suited to urban environments as it is to off-road, countryside jaunts.

Suitable from six months up to 18kg, the Phil & Teds Parade has a sturdy internal aluminium frame which is lined with washable, waterproof fabrics. The harness can be adjusted to suit parents of all heights and, with padded shoulder and hipbelts and a ventilated mesh back panel, it's even comfortable for longer walks and hikes.

Thanks to the handy anchor stand, it's simple to secure your child into the cockpit by placing the backpack carrier on the floor before lifting them up onto your back. The seat is comfortably padded and adjustable to adapt to your child as they grow and, with a five-point safety harness, you can be confident they’re secure at all times.

We love the detachable backpack for kids and the handy storage pockets to house your water bottles and keys. It’s worth noting, however, that there’s no rain or sun hood included with this model. If you are after a baby carrier for longer treks come rain or shine, the Osprey Poco Plus (see below) would make a good alternative, offering all the extras that you might need for your journey.

Read next: The best baby carriers and wraps, as tested by parents

LittleLife Ranger S2

The lightest British Standard Approved backpack carrier

Newly-designed, removable, washable face pad

Adjustable back system

Two hip pockets

Pivoting hip belt for added comfort

Sun and rain cover cost extra

Six-litre storage pouch not included

Price: RRP £105 | Age: 6 months to 3 years | Weight: 1.7kg | Maximum load: 20kg | Storage capacity: 6L - LittleLife Ranger accessory pouch sold separately | Sunshade: Yes (sold separately)

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full LittleLife Ranger S2 review

Weighing in at just 1.7kg, the LittleLife Ranger S2 with a tubular aluminum frame is the lightest British Standard Approved back carrier on the market.

Despite the feather-light design, it's surprisingly sturdy, with chest and waist straps that ensure it feels perfectly secure for both parent and child. The ideal progression from a front carrier, the Ranger is a great alternative for short to mid-length journeys if you want to leave your pushchair at home.

The LittleLife Ranger S2 is a steal for what is a no-frills but functional piece of kit and our parent tester, Laura, gave it a nine out of 10 for value for money. Whilst you won’t find an included sun canopy, kickstand or the storage boasted by the more expensive LittleLife Adventurer S2 (see below), it does have a fully adjustable back system which can adapt to the user (ideal for swapping between parents). There’s also a comfortable face pad to support your child if they nod off during your adventures.

If you’re heading out on a longer day out, the lack of storage in the Ranger may be an issue. We recommend purchasing a sun canopy as well as the six-litre accessory pouch which can hook onto the base of the carrier and provide plenty of extra space to stash your drinks, snacks and baby-changing essentials .

Read next: The best 360 spin car seats, according to parents

LittleLife Cross Country S4

Lightweight

No assembly required

Generous amount of storage

Suitable for short and tall parents

Top grab handles

Pivoting hip belt for extra comfort

Less comfortable for longer walks than the more robust Osprey carriers

Extra cost for rain cover

Doesn’t fold down for transportation

Price: RRP £200 | Age: 6 months to 3 years | Weight: 2.5kg | Maximum load: 20kg |   Storage capacity: 20L | Sunshade: Yes

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full LittleLife Cross Country S4 review

If you’re looking for a baby carrier backpack with lots of storage at a very reasonable price, the LittleLife Cross Country S4 fits the bill. An update on the Cross Country S3, this latest version features foot stirrups for extra comfort as well as updated fabrics with mesh on the back panel and straps for optimal airflow. Just like the LittleLife Ranger S2, it's very lightweight (at 2.5kg), and is suitable from six months up to three years (or 20kg).

With a fully adjustable back system ranging from XS to XL to suit wearers of different heights (up to 6'4"), the LittleLife Cross Country S4 has a padded hipbelt and chest strap that spreads the weight equally across your shoulders, making it comfortable to carry, even with an older child. Due to the lightweight frame, however, it may be less comfortable during longer hikes than the more robust Osprey models (see below).

We love the generous 20kg of storage with pockets at the base, sides and hipbelt to ensure you have everything you need close to hand while out and about, as well as the soft face pad for nap time should your child nod off during your walk. You unfortunately can't fully collapse the Cross Country S4 down for easy storage and it doesn't have an integrated kickstand, but it does come with an anchor point at the base for extra stability when placing your child inside.

Unlike the cheaper LittleLife Ranger S2, this backpack carrier comes with a sunshade, toy loops and rear view mirror for keeping an eye on your tot while on the move. We wish there was a rain cover included in the price though, but this can be bought as an optional extra .

Read next: The best bike trailers for kids

Osprey Poco Plus

Airflow mesh system

In-built sunshade with SPF 50 rating

Substantial storage capacity

Adjustable hip and torso length

Heavier design weighing 3.6kg

Price: RRP £329 | Age: 6 months to 4 years | Weight: 3.6kg | Maximum load: 22kg |  Storage capacity : 26L | Sunshade: Yes - integrated sunshade and rain cover

A hit with Mumsnetters and parents the world over, Osprey has designed some of the best baby carrier backpacks around. Updated in 2020 to increase the hip belt padding as well as the cockpit harness that now buckles behind your child’s shoulders, the Osprey Poco Plus has all the features needed for longer treks and offers the smoothest of rides on all terrain.

Similar to the Osprey Poco in terms of cockpit and back panel, the Poco Plus wins in a few areas. It holds 26 litres of storage (versus the Poco’s 20 litres) and features zipped hipbelt pockets (versus the Poco’s mesh ones). While the price tag is a bit steeper than other popular baby carrier backpacks, like the affordable Phil & Teds Parade, you certainly get what you pay for with the Poco Plus.

The Osprey Poco Plus carrier comes with an SPF 50 sun shade, an integrated and removable rain cover, a mirror, day pack and removable washable drool pad. There’s plenty of storage for your essentials too, including stretchy mesh side pockets, the aforementioned zipped hipbelt pockets and a large zipped storage compartment under the seat.

The Osprey Poco Plus provides a very high level of comfort for both you and your child, with a mesh back system ventilation and a Fit-on-the-Fly adjustable hipbelt to create a custom fit for different hip sizes and torso lengths. The safety harness, seat and foot stirrups are fully adjustable too, adapting to fit your child comfortably as they grow. The main thing that lets it down is its weight, at almost double the LittleLife Ranger S2 and LittleLife Adventurer S2.

Read next: Can you take a pram on a plane?

Deuter Kid Comfort Pro

Integrated mirror check on your child

Easy to put sunhood up and down as required

Good back ventilation

Removable day pack with a generous storage capacity

No zip on the bottom compartment - feels less secure than the Osprey Poco Plus

Price: RRP £274 | Age:  6 months to 4 years | Weight : 3.68kg | Maximum load: 24 kg |  Storage capacity: 18L | Sunshade: Yes

Carrying older babies and toddlers can be challenging, but thanks to its robust aluminium frame and moveable VariFlex ECL hip fins, the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro offers excellent weight distribution that can help to prevent aches across your shoulders and back. Despite its compact design, the comfortable mesh back panel provides excellent ventilation and airflow on warmer days.

Whilst it doesn’t have quite as much storage as the Osprey Poco Plus, the Kid Comfort Pro doesn’t disappoint, including two elasticated side pockets and a large stretchy front pouch. It also comes with a generously sized 18-litre day backpack, which can be hooked to the chest strap for convenient front access to your drinks and sun lotion.

We love the mirror for peeking at your little passenger as well as the soft head cushion that supports your child if they fall asleep. The height-adjustable foot loops also ensure maximum comfort for your toddler as they grow.

Unlike some of the cheaper LittleLife carriers and the original Deuter Kid Comfort , which our parent tester also rated highly, the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro comes with a permanently installed, easy-to-raise sunhood, protecting your child from the sun as you travel. If you are travelling more locally and are less concerned about a day pack and integrated sunshade, the slightly cheaper Deuter Kid Comfort makes a great alternative.

Read next: The best travel cots for home and away

Osprey Poco LT

Compact and lightweight design that folds down for travel

Built-in SPF 50 sunshade

Fully adjustable for comfort and balance

Rain cover sold separately

Price: RRP £224 | Age: 6 months to 3 years | Weight: 2.3kg | Maximum load: 22kg |  Storage capacity: 21L | Sunshade : Yes

With many of the quality and comfort benefits you’d expect from the Osprey brand but in a more compact design, the Osprey Poco LT measures significantly smaller than the original Poco at 37 x 34 x 61cm and is over a kilogram lighter too, making it a lightweight option for everyday urban environments as well as rural walks and treks in the countryside.

Whilst the rain cover is sold separately, it comes with a generously sized sunshade, ensuring your child has a high level of sun protection without reducing their visibility, although you’ll find a larger sunshade on the Osprey Poco Plus.

Fully adjustable for comfort and balance, the Poco LT has a surprising amount of storage. The internal key clip ensures your valuables stay safe, whilst the large lower zipped compartment and hipbelt pockets ensure easy access to everything from loose change and sunscreen to nappies and baby wipes .

Built with travel and convenience in mind, the harness and hipbelts can be stashed away in the main pack of the carrier when not in use, taking up less space in the boot of your car and small enough to take as a carry on when travelling abroad. The integrated kickstand is also really helpful, allowing you to pop your child down for a snack or to admire the view without any risk of toppling.

Read next: Best toddler reins to keep your little ones close

Thule Sapling Carrier Backpack

Machine-washable child seat

Modern design

Generous storage

Ventilated back panel

Velcro back adjustment feels less sturdy than on other carrier backpacks

Price: RRP £380 | Age: 6 months to 3 years | Weight: 3.2kg | Maximum load: 22kg | Storage capacity: 22L | Sunshade: Yes

Whilst it doesn’t come cheap, the Thule Sapling Carrier Backpack has one huge benefit that sets it apart from its competitors. Unlike many of the framed back carriers which are spot clean/hand wash only, the Thule has a mesh seat that is fully removable and can be popped in the washing machine. The drool pad is removable too, so even if you’re transporting a dribbly teether, you can have it clean and fresh in no time and ready for your next family outing.

The modern design of the Thule is well suited to an urban environment and, for convenience, your child can be loaded from the top or side depending on your preference. Whilst the use of Velcro to adjust the torso settings on the back panel doesn't feel as robust as the Fit-on-the-Fly system on Osprey carriers, it can easily be tailored to multiple parents and has an SPF sun hood to protect your child from the midday sun.

While the Thule has one of the most generous storage compartments we’ve seen, the substantial 22-litre capacity can also be supplemented with a sling pack and rain cover (each sold separately).

Read next: The best running buggies, as tested by parents

Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh

Lightweight frameless design

Four carrying options including front and back

Excellent ventilation

Removable belt pouch

Features UPF 50+ sun hood

Less suited to more off-road hiking or long durations

Price: RRP £165 | Age: Newborn to 4 years | Weight: 1.31kg | Max load: 20.4kg | Storage capacity: Belt pouch only | Sunshade: No

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Ergobaby All Position 360 review (previous model)

If you’re looking for a baby carrier backpack without the bulk and rigidity of an aluminium frame, the Ergobaby Omni 360 is a versatile choice. Adjustable to carry babies from newborn to toddlerhood, it offers a variety of carrying options to help you leave the pushchair at home and keep both hands free during days out.

From birth, babies will love the comfort and security of being inward-facing against your chest. As they grow, you can shift the Ergobaby to be outward-facing as well as use it as a hip carrier or back carrier from the age of six months.

While less suited to long hikes and off-road experiences than other baby carrier backpacks on this list due to the frameless, less supportive design, this ergonomic carrier is nevertheless praised by Mumsnet users for its breathable and lightweight mesh fabrics, comfortable lumbar support and flexibility - a great all-rounder for more everyday use.

Read next: The best car sunshades for babies

Deuter Kid Comfort Active

Ventilated seating area

Height-adjustable child seat

Comfortable cockpit fabrics

Folds for travel

No sunshade included

Price: RRP £220 | Age: 6 months to 3 years | Weight: 2.68 kg | Maximum load: 21kg | Storage capacity: 14L | Sunshade: Yes (sold separately)

With a minimalist and lightweight design, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active is well suited to parents with a smaller frame or those who may struggle with the weight and bulk of a larger carrier.

With a real focus on comfort, the Comfort Active not only has an effective ventilated back system for parents but includes mesh inserts within the child’s seat too, helping to prevent your child from sweating or overheating on warmer days. The seat height and footrest height are fully adjustable, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic seating position at all times.

With many of the innovative features you’d expect from the Deuter brand, the Comfort Active can be folded down flat for travel and includes the safety kickstand and chin pad seen on the Kid Comfort Pro . Unlike the Pro, this model doesn’t have a sunroof or detachable day pack, so offers slightly less capacity in terms of storage. The storage compartments on the Active also don’t have zips, so you may want to keep your valuables closer to hand.

LittleLife Voyager S5

Includes zip-off day sack

Fully adjustable mesh back system

Freestanding anchor point

May feel too large for smaller frames/petite parents

Price: RRP £250 | Age: 6 months to 3 years | Weight: 2.9kg | Maximum load: 20kg |  Storage capacity: 28L | Sunshade : Yes

The largest and heaviest of the LittleLife baby carrier backpacks, the Voyager S5 is still an excellent choice for families who want to spend significant time in the great outdoors. With a fully adjustable mesh back system and pivoting hipbelt, it’s also ideal for taller users as it can be adjusted for parents up to 6 foot 4 inches in height.

Suitable from six months to around three years of age, this long-lasting baby carrier offers an ergonomic-shaped seating area including a mouldable neck support and soft face pad - ideal for longer journeys where your child may want to nap on the go.

It doesn’t come cheap, but unlike some of the more affodable LittleLife models, including the LittleLife Ranger S2 and Adventurer S2, the Voyager includes a rearview mirror, sun shade and foot stirrups - additions that we feel are worth the extra should you be using it regularly. It also offers significant storage (more than any other baby carrier backpack on our list, in fact), with a capacity of up to 28 litres including a zip-off day sack for nappy change supplies or snacks and an insulating pocket for reusable water bottles .

Why do I need a baby carrier backpack?

A baby carrier backpack is a handy progression from a traditional baby carrier, providing freedom for parents to travel hands-free with an older baby or toddler without requiring a pushchair , lightweight buggy or umbrella stroller .

Unlike front-facing baby carriers, baby carrier backpacks include an aluminium frame and tend to be more robust, spreading the weight of your child across your shoulders and back. They can also be adjusted to the user, allowing each parent to tailor the carrier to their size and height.

What should I consider when buying a baby carrier backpack?

A baby carrier backpack can be quite an investment, so it’s important to make the right choice for you and your family. Here are some things to consider when making your choice

Weight limits/age recommendations: Most baby carrier backpacks can be used from around six months of age, but the maximum load weight varies. The majority of baby carriers have a maximum child weight of around 22kg, but others specify a maximum overall load, including any items you carry in storage on your travels.

Weight of the carrier: How much does the carrier weigh when empty? Considering the weight of the carrier itself, along with the weight of your child, is important, particularly if you are petite or small-framed. Lightweight designs are often more comfortable to carry, however they don’t tend to be as feature-rich as the heavier, more robust designs.

Comfort/padding : How comfortable is the carrier for both parent and child? For the parent, you should consider things such as padded shoulder, chest and hip straps, as well as a well-ventilated back to ensure good airflow on hot days. For your child, you should consider the padding and ventilation in the cockpit seat, as well as additions such as pillows and dribble pads, which can be useful if your child is prone to falling asleep on the move.

Safety features: Does the baby carrier backpack offer a robust and secure harness and can this be adjusted to your child easily as they grow? Other safety features to look out for include a foot anchor or kick-out leg that will support the weight of the carrier when placed on the ground. This reduces the risk of toppling when placing your child inside and allows you to stop safely for a break without removing your child.

Sun and rain protection: Not all baby carrier backpacks include weather protection, with many sun hoods and rain covers sold as an optional extra. If you’re likely to be hiking, walking or travelling in all seasons, a carrier with an integrated sun hood may be worth the additional expense. An effective SPF 50 sun hood will ensure your child stays protected from the sun’s rays without blocking the view from their higher vantage point.

Adjustability: How easy is the baby carrier backpack to adjust? Can it be tailored to you by adjusting the size of the straps? Can the seat itself be altered as your baby grows? From the length of the harness to the placement of the footrests, the more adjustable the carrier, the greater longevity it provides.

Storage capacity: Storage capacity varies quite considerably between brands. If you’re looking for a carrier for long days out hiking or exploring rural settings, opt for a carrier backpack with a larger capacity as it will provide plenty of space for nappies, a change of clothes, sunscreen, food and drink.

What age can a child go into a baby carrier backpack?

To safely sit in a baby carrier backpack, your baby should be able to sit confidently without assistance and support the weight of their own head and neck. In most cases, this is from around six months of age.

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations from real mumsnet users.

First, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, seeking their feedback on the baby carrier backpacks they have tried and tested with their children, whether that was hiking, walking or simply navigating a city. Some of these baby carrier backpacks were then put through their paces by parent testers, who used the carriers with their children over the course of a number of months.

We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted baby carriers that they felt were poor quality, uncomfortable to carry or offered low value for money.

Expert opinions

Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are safe, comfortable and practical for outdoor adventures, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well-regarded in the marketplace, including those recommended by travel experts or consumer champions such as Which?.

Authentic consumer reviews

Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best baby carrier backpacks on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon and John Lewis to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.

Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard.

When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.

• Family & Kids →

10 Best Baby Carrier Backpacks: Reviewed & Compared By Parents

Great carrier for dads.

This Osprey carrier has anti gravity suspension which helps to safely distribute weight of your child.

Great Carrier For Moms

The Deuter carrier is extremely adjustable, making it the perfect solution for carrying children of all shapes and sizes.

Best Lightweight Carrier

The Lillebaby carrier is a versatile choice for parents who like to carry their child infront and behind them.

Bringing a new baby into the family comes with a lot of lifestyle sacrifices, but hiking doesn’t need to be one of them. Before you put your hiking boots away in a closet, consider purchasing a baby backpack carrier.

A baby backpack carrier can make hiking a breeze. The baby will enjoy itself as it gets to sit close to you and you get to continue your favorite hobby. We’ve compiled the best baby backpack reviews for you to make your purchase easier.

Baby Carrier Backpacks Compared

Why Do You Need a Baby Backpack Carrier?

While I may have focused on hikers up above, really anyone could benefit from the use of a baby backpack carrier. They’re much easier to carry around than a stroller and they free up your hands.

You could take a baby backpack carrier to the store, an amusement park, traveling, and more. In fact, you could even use one for your neighborhood walks. There are just so many different scenarios where using a baby backpack carrier would be the best option.

Using a baby backpack carrier is good for you, as it makes life easier, but did you know it’s also good for your baby ? This is especially true for infants, as a study published by the Pediatrics Journal stated that babywearing for three hours a day reduced crying by forty-three percent overall. Plus, it always them to stay close to you and view the world from your perspective.

What to Look For in a Baby Backpack Carrier

Comfort for you & your child.

One of the most important aspects of a good baby backpack carrier is comfort. There are certain features that make a huge difference in terms of comfort, for both you and your child.

You want good ventilation, first and foremost. Stirrups are also great in terms of adding comfort for the child. Padded straps and hip belts also help make a baby backpack carrier much more comfortable.

Softshell vs Hardshell

Softshell baby backpack carriers are often more lightweight. These carriers are usually best suited for babies under twelve months old.

Hardshell baby backpack carriers are heavier, but they offer more support and comfort. Kids up to four years old could sit in a hardshell baby backpack carrier.

Freestanding

Many of the baby backpack carriers we reviewed are able to stand up on their own. They come with a collapsible stand. This doesn’t really make a difference in terms of comfort or quality, but it does help make storage easier.

Collapsible

Again, a baby backpack carrier being collapsible doesn’t really make a difference in terms of quality or comfort, but it’s still a big deal. When baby backpack carriers aren’t collapsible, storage becomes very difficult.

It can also be hard, if not impossible, to fit an uncollapsed baby backpack carrier in your trunk, making it hard to travel with one.

Sunshade (SPF) & Rain Protection

This one is a huge deal in terms of safety for your child. Rain protection is important because of course, you don’t want your child getting soaked. However, a good, protective sunshade is an absolute must.

UV rays can be harmful to anyone but especially a child. If the baby backpack carrier you choose doesn’t have a good sunshade, please be sure to use a hat and lots of sunscreen.

Pack Weight With Child & Without

A lot of people think, “Why would I care how much the backpack weighs without my child in?”. You should care, especially if you have an older child.

If your kid is already thirty-five pounds, do you really want to add a ten-pound baby backpack carrier onto that weight? It’s a good idea to aim for a baby backpack carrier that doesn’t weigh too much without your child.

Extra Features

You don’t need extra features, but they sure can be useful! Extra storage, comfort options, and other fun things? Yes, please!

Some backpack carriers even include a safety mirror to check on your child, and some of the really fancy ones come with a diaper changing pad! Hypothetically, you could bring all this stuff separately, but why go through the hassle?

10 Best Baby Carriers Reviewed

1. deuter kid comfort 1 child carrier for hiking, perfect for hiking moms & dads.

• Weight (lbs) = 5-6
• Weight Capacity = 48.5 Pounds
• Sunshade = No
• Price Point = $$$$
• Warranty = No

Seasoned hikers are always going to want the best baby backpack carrier, and the Deuter Kid Comfort 1 just might be the one for you. This backpack carrier can hold nearly fifty pounds, which is impressive considering most backpack carriers max out at forty pounds. It’s easy for kids to get in and out of this one, thanks to the step-in side access. This is a framed baby backpack carrier, so you can be positive it offers good support. The biggest drawback to this carrier is its lack of storage, this probably isn’t for you if you’re just hiking with yourself and the kid. If you have someone else with you who can carry things, then the Deuter Kid Comfort 1 is a great deal. On the bright side, carrying the kid might be exhausting enough for your back, so maybe it is good that you have an excuse not to carry additional items. It’s our #1 choice because it offers style, comfort, and quality all at a fantastic price.

• Great price
• Comfortable
• High weight capacity
• Not enough storage

2. Osprey Packs Poco AG Plus Child Carrier

Perfect for hiking dads.

• Weight (lbs) = 7-8
• Weight Capacity = 40 Pounds
• Sunshade = Yes
• Price Point = $$$$$

This Osprey Poco AG Plus Child Carrier is one for the dads. Women, of course, could use this baby carrier backpack too, but the design makes us think this is the perfect men’s baby carrier backpacks. Mom, dad or whoever else will find that this backpack carrier is absolutely awesome for hiking and other outdoor activities . The baby will love it too since it includes a bug out curtain that will protect the little ones from bugs and dust - and if you don't want to use it, you don't have to. It can hold up to 26 liters of storage, which is pretty impressive. Additional features such as a safety mirror and sunshade also help this baby backpack carrier standout from the crowd. The biggest area this model falls short in is comfort. Unfortunately, the Osprey isn’t as comfortable for both the baby and wearer. The hip area is especially troublesome, that’s where most of the weight will fall. If comfort isn’t a huge issue for you, you’ll be satisfied with this baby backpack carrier.

• Sunshade included
• Safety mirror included
• Impressive storage
• Not very comfortable

3. LILLEbaby SIX-Position 360° Ergonomic Baby & Child Carrier

Perfect for short walks & hikes.

• Price Point = $$
• Warranty = Yes, 3 Years

The LILLEbaby Six-Position 360° Ergonomic Baby & Child Carrier is an incredibly versatile baby carrier. It can be used from the newborn stage to about four years. This baby carrier is very customizable and can be worn six different ways. The straps are adjustable to fit any needs. For the parents, it’s a pretty comfortable backpack carrier. However, there are inward pockets that may be uncomfortable for the baby. Also, the straps are pretty bulky which may be annoying. This carrier isn’t a backpack like any of the other models mentioned on this list, so it doesn’t have as many cool features, such as storage options. If you’re looking for a lightweight baby carrier and don’t need a lot to come with it, the LILLIEbaby will be perfect for you. It works great for short hikes, and also for other fun and exhausting activities (especially for the little ones) such as visiting Disneyland !

• Lightweight
• Six different positions
• Well-priced
• Uncomfortable for baby

4. Thule Sapling Child Carrier

Perfect For Travel

• Weight Capacity = 48 Pounds

If the most important feature for you when looking for a baby carrier is safety, then you will want to check this one out. While the Thule Sapling Child Carrier could be used for many different purposes, I personally believe it’s the best baby backpack carrier for travel as it comes with a lot of cool, unique features. It does come with a sunshade, but it also includes a safety mirror, two zippered belt pockets, large zippered compartments, and a water reservoir. There’s also side access, so it’s easy for older kids within the weight limits to get in and out. Babies can use this too, as long as they’re able to sit up by themselves. The biggest complaint with this particular model is its comfort. It’s padded, but the padding can feel a bit stiff. It won’t ruin your day but some other models do beat this one in terms of comfort.

• Unique features
• Side access
• Not as comfortable as other models

5. Clevr Cross Country Baby Backpack Hiking Carrier

Perfect For Cross-Country/Trails

• Weight (lbs) = 5
• Weight Capacity = 33 Pounds

The Clevr Cross Country Baby Backpack Hiking Carrier is, as you can imagine by reading the name, another great baby backpack cross-country carrier. This baby back carrier is great for parents on a budget. For this price range, you get a pretty impressive number of extra features, including a sunshade, rain protection, a kickstand, and a bunch of pockets. The only thing you probably won’t like about this child backpack carrier is its quality of materials. The padded hip belt and shoulder straps aren’t as great as some of our other featured models. It’s also not too comfortable on long hikes and it doesn’t adjust well for shorter adults, but it is still a great choice for those trips to the amusement park or the zoo. If your family is just going on a short hike, these downsides shouldn’t matter too much either, and you’ll enjoy the Clevr Baby Backpack Carrier.

• Budget-priced
• Extra features
• Good for short hikes
• Cheap materials
• Uncomfortable, especially on shorter adults

6. Phil&Ted’s Escape Baby Backpack Carrier

• Weight (lbs) = 6-7
• Price Point = $$$
• Warranty = Yes

The Phil&Ted Company makes an excellent lightweight baby backpack carrier. This baby backpack carrier is absolutely focused on keeping both the child and the adult happy. It comes with a variety of attractive features, such as a sunshade, foot stirrups, and even a diaper changing pad! It really is a helpful and convenient choice. What really makes the Escape unique is the small backpack it comes with. The smaller backpack can be worn with the carrier or it can be zipped off to make the overall weight lighter. It also compresses quite small, making it easy to travel with. The only feature I would say the Escape needs to improve on is its comfort. The child sits pretty far from your back which could be a strain on longer hikes. It isn’t very adjustable either. If the Phil&Ted company were able to fix those few issues, this would be the perfect baby backpack carrier.

• Impressive features
• Removable, smaller backpack included
• Compresses small
• Uncomfortable
• Unadjustable

7. Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier

Perfect For Casual Use

The Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier is an awesome ergonomic baby backpack carrier, and it just so happens to be priced quite fairly. It comes with a range of unique features, including a sunshade, aluminum kickstand, and hip belt pockets. They all come in very handy to help you organize all the smaller items that you bring with you. It even has an insulated pocket for food! Like the model above, it also comes with a removable smaller backpack for storage. A diaper changing pad is also included for those outdoors emergencies. One of the best things about the Luvdbaby is while it may be cheap, it doesn’t look like it at all. Still, there are a few notable drawbacks. The shoulders and hip belt aren’t padded very well, so they can become uncomfortable on long hikes and with larger children. If you can deal with this, the Luvdbaby is excellent for its price.

• Huge amount of extra features
• Good material
• Reasonably priced
• Uncomfortable padding

8. Ergobaby 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier

Perfect For Everyday Use

• Weight (lbs) = 1-2

The Ergobaby is different from every other baby carrier on this list. It’s front-facing and includes no storage. However, we still included it because other models on this list can’t be used until the baby is able to sit up on its own.

The Ergobaby can be used for newborns, with the newborn insert. Once the baby hits eleven pounds and outgrows the insert, it can be used until the baby is forty pounds. When comparing baby carrier vs. backpack, you want to keep in mind that soft baby carriers such as the Ergobaby are much lighter than baby carrier backpacks.

Many of the other models we’ve mentioned are only practical for hiking or traveling, but this can be used every day. Baby carriers make grocery shopping, neighborhood walks, household work, and more so simple! Baby gets to be held and mom (or dad) gets to have use of both their hands.

• Can be used for very small babies
• Versatile uses
• Lightweight and ergonomic
• Baby being so close can make longer hikes difficult

9. Infantino Carry On Carrier

Perfect For Hiking

• Price Point = $

The Infantino Carry On Carrier is a very interesting baby backpack carrier. It can be used until the child is forty pounds but it’s also suitable for infants as small as eight pounds. Unlike other similar carriers on this list, it still offers storage. So no, it doesn’t have as much storage as some other baby backpack carriers on this list, but it does have a small little backpack. The advantage of it being a smaller choice is that it makes a perfect carrier for your airport and city-tourist adventures with your baby since you don't have to worry about it being too bulky to carry around. There’s a fold-in seat offering optimum support. As your child gets older, you can expand the seat out. This baby backpack carrier does have an issue with comfort, unfortunately. The straps can really become a nuisance. If that doesn’t bother you too much, the Infantino works great for hiking.

• 4 different ways to use it

10. TeckCool Store Baby Backpack Carrier

• Weight Capacity = 50 Pounds

Finally, we have the TeckCool Store Baby Backpack Carrier - a great model to finish our list. This baby backpack carrier is excellent for hiking . It’s built to last and it’s comfortable for both you and the baby. You can trust that your baby is secure, thanks to the padded cocoon with double protection safety jacket, safety straps, and stirrups. There’s also a metal stand to hold the backpack carrier upright when it’s not in use, and it folds small. This backpack carrier also offers an additional small, removable backpack, which is great to bring all the essentials with you.

The biggest complaint we have with this baby backpack carrier is the sunshade isn’t as protective as the other models, so you may want to keep that in mind. You might find that your baby still needs to wear a hat for protection. All in all, this is a pretty good baby backpack carrier.

• Great material
• Useful additional features
• Sunshade isn’t very protective

What is a Baby Backpack Carrier?

A baby backpack carrier is a backpack designed to hold your baby as well as your things. There are many different models of baby backpack carriers, and each one is unique.

Even so, most of them have similarities. Most baby backpack carriers feature a seat in the back, that’s where the baby goes. They have padding for both you and the baby’s comfort. You won’t feel weighed down when you have one with a good, ergonomic design.

Hiking/Comfort

Baby backpack carriers have many uses, but a lot of people use them for hiking. If you’re planning on going hiking, you want a baby backpack carrier with your (and baby’s) comfort in mind.

A good baby backpack carrier will have an ergonomic design, good weight distribution, and padded shoulder pads. The best baby backpack carriers even feature a hip belt.

Lightweight/Minimalist

Baby backpack carriers are usually more comfortable when they weigh less. Some baby backpack carriers weigh as little as three pounds.

However, it’s important to realize that lighter baby backpack carriers may not have as many bells and whistles. You shouldn’t expect as many storage options on the models that are really light.

Top Toddler Backpack Carriers by Age Group

People also ask (faqs), what’s the difference between a baby backpack carrier and sling.

Baby backpack carriers are quite different from baby slings. Baby backpack carriers work better for older kids , whereas baby slings can only be used until the baby is a few months old. Also, baby backpack carriers are better for hiking as many offer storage and comfort items that a baby sling doesn’t.

What age is too young/old for a kid carrier backpack?

Excluding the Ergobaby 360, all the backpacks we’ve reviewed require the baby be able to sit up on its own, which usually happens at around six months old. Your child is too old for a kid carrier backpack when they hit the weight limit, which is usually around 40 pounds.

Will I hurt my child if I use a child carrier backpack?

No! Child carrier backpacks are designed to be safe for your child to sit in.

How can a backpack carrier change your life?

A lot of people wrongfully believe that they have to give up activities, such as hiking, when they bring a new baby into the family. That’s not the case. A backpack carrier can allow you to continue activities such as hiking. They could also be used for everyday things such as grocery shopping.

Are kid carriers suitable for men and women?

Absolutely! Men's baby carrier backpacks aren’t really a thing, all of them are unisex.

Will you need to buy any extra equipment to use with your backpack carrier?

That depends, if you buy a baby backpack carrier with extra storage options, a sunshade, and a safety mirror you’ll have everything you need. If you buy one without all the bells and whistles, you’ll most likely need to get some extra equipment.

Where is a good place to buy a child backpack carrier?

Amazon is the best place to buy a child backpack carrier. They offer the best prices and selection.

Hikers with children will love child backpack carriers. They make it easy to take your little one hiking. There are so many different kinds available that they’re suitable for newborns, four-year-olds, and everyone in between. Some have frames, some are soft, and some even allow your child to stand.

Fancier baby backpack carriers even come with additional features such as a removable storage backpack. We hope our baby backpack carrier reviews help you find the perfect backpack carrier for your needs.

• Baby and Toddler Travel Tips
• Diaper Bags and Suitcases
• Best Travel Strollers and Tips
• Packing Lists + Hacks
• Baby travel must haves
• Babywearing
• Destinations

• Trip Planning

The Best Travel Diaper Bags: Our 20 Favorite Picks

When it comes to traveling with little ones, a diaper bag is more than just a place to stash diapers and wipes. It’s the one bag that holds all the essentials and keeps them close at hand for that crucial moment when you need to find a clean pacifier during takeoff and can’t waste a minute digging through baby’s things to find it.

To help you find the right tote or backpack for your next family trip, we’ve rounded up the market’s 20 best diaper bags for travel.

The Winning Lineup: Our 20 Favorite Travel Diaper Bags

A good travel diaper bag needs to be roomy enough to store clothing, toys, snacks, bottles, and wipes, as well as diapers. and organized enough that everything has its own designated spot.

Along with their approximate costs, here’s our list of the 20 winners in a wide range of prices:

High-end stunners: Diaper bags over $100

• Dagne Dover Wade Large Diaper Tote ($215)
• Dagne Dover Indi Large Diaper Backpack ($215)
• Seoul Max Elvie Diaper Bag Backpack ($199)
• Lululemon New Parent Backpack ($198)
• No Reception Club Getaway Bag ($230)
• Milk x Whiskey Adventure Bag ($349)
• Sarah Wells Lizzy Pump Bag ($109)

Mid-priced gems: Diaper bags between $50 and $100

• Kibou Vegan Leather Fanny Pack Diaper Bag ($98)
• Skip Hop Forma Backpack Diaper Bag ($79)
• Skip Hop Large Capacity Mainframe Wide Open Backpack Diaper Bag ($79)
• Hershel Supply Co Strand Duffel Diaper Bag ($70)
• Eddie Bauer Alpine Convertible Diaper Bag Backpack ($60)
• Dagne Dover Joey Changing Kit ($60)
• Eddie Bauer Traverse Backpack Diaper Bag ($55)
• Go by Goldbug Wide Frame Diaper Bag Backpack ($50)

Budget-friendly steals: Diaper bags under $50

• Fisher-Price River Backpack Diaper Bag ($40)
• Trend Lab Diaper Bag ($40)
• Fisher-Price Fastfinder Diaper Backpack ($40)
• HaloVa Waterproof Travel Diaper Backpack ($36)
• Mokaloo Diaper Bag Backpack ($29)
• Bananafish Midi Backpack ($25)

Detailed Buying Guide

No matter your budget, we’ve broken down all the details you need to know before choosing the right travel diaper bag for your family:

High-end stunners: The best travel diaper bags over $100

Dagne dover wade large diaper tote  .

• Approximate cost: $215
• Dimensions: 16.25” by 6” by 12”
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Material: Neoprene and mesh
• Color choices: Black, heather gray, moss green, mauve, and camel
• Care instructions: Hand-wash and lay flat to dry 
• Included changing mat?: Yes

The 19-liter-capacity Wade Large Diaper Tote has a laptop sleeve, a washable zipper bag, and a zip-top pouch included with purchase. Its tote style creates easy access to its many pockets, as well as its wipeable mesh changing mat, insulated neoprene bottle sleeve, and two detachable key leashes. With two stroller clips and a roller-luggage sleeve, the Wade is partially made from recycled plastic bottles and is 100% vegan.

Dagne Dover Indi Large Diaper Backpack

• Dimensions: 12.25” by 7” by 13.75”
• Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Material: Neoprene and mesh 
• Neoprene: Black, heather gray, moss green, mauve, navy blue, and camel
• Air mesh: Black, moss green, and pink
• Care instructions: Hand-wash and lay flat to dry

The 100% vegan, 17-liter Indi Large Diaper Backpack has interior and exterior slip and zipper pockets, in addition to detachable clip leashes that are perfect for keys or pacifiers. Its attached luggage sleeve makes it a great option for air travel. Parents receive a washable zipper bag, a zip-top pouch, a wipeable changing mat, and a removable, insulated neoprene water bottle holder with purchase.

Seoul Max Pump Bag

• Approximate cost: $199
• Dimensions: 13″ by 7″ by 15″
• Weight: less than one pound
• Material: Neoprene
• Color choices: Navy blue
• Care instructions: Wipe clean or machine wash

The Seoul Max Elvie backpack has a convenient pouch for wearable wireless pumps like the Elvie or Willow (or Willow GO ), a pocket for cooling breast milk on the go, with perfectly shaped containers, a technology pocket for a 13” iPad or laptop, and a luxurious neoprene construction.

It’s super lightweight and has a removable changing mat, plenty of space and inner pockets, metal feet so that the fabric isn’t touching the ground, and a classy look.

No Reception Club Getaway Bag

• Approximate cost: $275
• Dimensions: 19.7” Height x 10.2” Width x 6.5” Depth
• Weight: 3.7 lbs
• Material: Recycled polyester and nylon
• Color choices: olive green and black
• Care instructions: Spot clean

The No Reception Club’s Getaway Bag is the ultimate travel diaper bag, designed with the seasoned globetrotter turned parent in mind. One standout feature is the two customizable shelves, offering flexible storage solutions so that everything from diapers to toys has a designated spot.

It also includes two detachable stroller clips, making it easy to attach the bag to your travel stroller for quick access. The cold storage bag, which can be removed or kept inside, is perfect for keeping milk or snacks chilled during your journey.

I’ve been on the hunt for an organized backpack to use as a carry-on, and this one tops my list.

Milk x Whiskey Adventure Bag

The only other diaper bag I’d recommend for extensive travel is the Milk x Whiskey Diaper Bag Backpack . It’s incredibly sturdy and packed with features we never knew we needed, like a lightweight, water-resistant picnic blanket, detachable odor and diaper storage pouches, and remarkable durability.

This diaper bag can easily accommodate gear for two kids and is built to last. We prioritize products that can endure the rigors of parenthood, either for use with multiple children or for resale on the secondhand market , and this bag fits the bill perfectly. While it’s on the pricier side, investing in quality means spending less in the long run. Check out my full Milk x Whiskey review.

Sarah Wells Lizzy Pump Bag

• Approximate cost: $109
• Dimensions: 16″ by 7″ by 17″
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Material: Nylon
• Color choices: Solid black and several colorful patterns, including gray geometric, blue deco, multicolor groovy, blue floral, turquoise mosaic, and green garden
• Included changing mat?: No

The Lizzy tote is our pick for the best pump bag, with seven total pockets, a 25-pound capacity, and snap-down sides for a customizable volume. It even has designated pouches for baby photos and insulated pockets to keep expressed milk cold with ice packs.

Mid-priced gems: The best travel diaper bags between $50 and $100

Kibou vegan leather fanny pack diaper bag.

• Approximate cost: $98
• Dimensions: 11″ by 4″ by 6″
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Material: Vegan leather and nylon
• Color choices: Blush pink, black, brown, charcoal gray, olive green, smoky indigo, jade, and midnight blue

If you want to make sure you’re never without diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes on travel day, grab the Kibou Fanny Pack Diaper Bag , which is made from recycled textiles. It has an envelope-style, waterproof pocket, slots for credit cards, a pacifier hook, a roll-out changing mat, and a wipeable exterior.

Skip Hop Forma Backpack Diaper Bag

• Approximate cost: $79
• Dimensions: 16” by 8” by 14”
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Material: Polyester
• Color choices: Black, gray, navy blue, mauve, and sage green

The quilted, water-resistant Forma Backpack from Skip Hop comes with two packing cubes, built-in stroller straps, a cushioned changing pad, and multiple slip and zippered pockets throughout its 15.5-liter capacity.

Skip Hop Large-Capacity Mainframe Wide-Open Backpack Diaper Bag

• Dimensions: 14.25” by 6.25” by 14.75”
• Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Color choices: Black, charcoal, and mauve

The Skip Hop Mainframe opens wide and stays wide open to give clear visibility of what’s inside. It has built-in stroller straps, a cushioned changing mat, multiple exterior zip pockets, and a laptop sleeve.

Herschel Supply Co. Strand Duffel Diaper Bag

• Approximate cost: $70 (depends on color)
• Dimensions: 17″ by 5.5″ by 12″
• Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Material: Canvas
• Color choices: Burgundy, gray, mauve, dark green, black, patterned black, and floral print
• Care instructions: Hand wash

Made with recycled materials, beautiful colors, and Herschel’s signature striped interior, the Strand Duffel Diaper Bag includes stroller clips and a wipeable changing mat with its own mesh storage pockets. Snap-down extensions on either side let parents expand the bag to use its full, roomy capacity.

Eddie Bauer Alpine Convertible Diaper Bag Backpack

• Approximate cost: $60
• Dimensions: 13″ by 6.5″ by 16″
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Color choices: Gray

The large-capacity Eddie Bauer Alpine has 10 pockets total, with stroller loops, a waterproof changing pad, and wide, padded backpack straps. Its neutral gray color is perfect for moms, dads, and grandparents.

Dagne Dover Joey Changing Kit

• Dimensions: 11.8″ by 2″ by 8.3″
• Material: Neoprene and air mesh
• Care instructions: Hand wash and lay flat to dry

Our favorite travel changing kit is Dagne Dover’s Joey , with an extra-large, zip-off changing mat, interior zippered pockets, and two slip pockets that easily hold four diapers each.

Eddie Bauer Traverse Backpack Diaper Bag

• Approximate cost: $55
• Dimensions: 13″ by 5.5″ by 17.5″

Loaded with exterior zippered pockets, the Traverse is an ideal travel diaper bag for parents who want a designated spot for everything. A pop-open, removable wipes case comes with purchase.

Go by Goldbug Wide Frame Diaper Bag Backpack

• Approximate cost: $50
• Dimensions: 14” by 8” by 15”
• Color choices: Black

The 17.9-liter Wide Frame Backpack from women-owned brand Go by Goldbug has 13 total pockets, including a wet-dry pocket, multiple exterior zip pockets, and an extra-large insulated side bottle pocket.

Budget-friendly steals: The best travel diaper bags under $50

Fisher-price river backpack diaper bag.

• Approximate cost: $40
• Dimensions: 12” by 8” by 17”
• Weight: 1.75 pounds
• Color choices: Dark blue

The Fisher-Price River is a classic backpack with an included wipes container and an impressive 20-liter capacity. It boasts an insulated exterior bottle pocket, stroller straps, a padded electronics compartment, and a cushioned back.

Trend Lab Diaper Bag

• Dimensions: 14″ by 5″ by 16″
• Weight: 1 pound

The Trend Lab Diaper Bag has three front exterior zip pockets with slots for bottles and utensils, as well as a large front compartment that fully unzips and folds down for visibility. It sports adjustable, padded backpack straps, large top carry handles, and a roomy main compartment.

Fisher-Price Fastfinder Diaper Backpack

• Dimensions: 12″ by 8″ by 17″
• Color choices: Black, blue, and gray with aqua

The Fastfinder has an impressive 16 pockets total, including designated spots for a phone, pacifier, diapers, and wipes. It features a wipeable changing pad, three insulated bottle pockets, stroller straps, and plastic feet to keep it steady when placed on the ground.

HaloVa Waterproof Travel Diaper Backpack

• Approximate cost: $36
• Dimensions: 10” by 7.4” by 16”
• Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Color choices: Gray and brown
• Care instructions: Hand-wash

HaloVa’s 24-liter Travel Diaper Backpack has a chic look with durable, waterproof oxford fabric and a whopping 40-pound load capacity. Parents appreciate its ample exterior front-zip pocket, wide shoulder straps, top carry handles, and designated compartments for items like tissues, valuables, and damp clothing.

Mokaloo Diaper Bag Backpack

• Approximate cost: $29
• Dimensions: 11.8″ by 7.8″ by 16.5″
• Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Material: Polyester and oxford fabric
• Color choices: Black, blue, gray, dark gray, leopard, and pink

We love the waterproof Mokaloo Backpack ‘s built-in USB charging port and power cable for travel day. This bag’s 25-liter capacity includes two waterproof compartments for wet clothes or diapers, insulated bottle compartments, stroller clips, and 13 pockets altogether.

Bananafish Midi Backpack

• Approximate cost: $25
• Dimensions: 10″ by 6″ by 14″
• Weight: 2 pounds

With a padded changing mat, a zippered back panel for parent essentials, two interior insulated bottle pouches, and 10 pockets in total, families can’t beat the excellent value of the budget-friendly Bananafish Backpack .

The Final Verdict: Choosing the Best Diaper Bag for Travel

When it comes to finding the best diaper bag for travel, the details matter. The ideal bag style, cost, number of pockets, and overall size will vary for each family, but we think you can’t go wrong with any of the 20 favorites on our list. We especially love the Dagne Dover Wade Diaper Tote, the Sarah Wells Lizzy Pump Bag, the Herschel Strand Duffel, and the Mokaloo Diaper Backpack.

For more travel gear recommendations, check out our post on the Best Diaper Bags for Two Kids , or read our guides on the Best Baby Travel Toys , Best Portable High Chairs , or Best Baby Travel Beds .

With a background in medicine as a licensed physician assistant, Christy is a freelance writer and mom of two young kids. As someone who loves to ski, run, and hike, she most cherishes introducing her son and daughter to the beautiful outdoors and spending time with her precious family.

Similar Posts

The Best Baby Hiking Backpack Carriers (We Tested Them All!)

The Veer Cruiser XL Wagon: Full Review from a Mom of Two

15 BEST Mom and Son Matching Outfits – I Tried Them All!

Cruise with Your Baby – A Mom’s Ultimate Guide

The Perfect Itinerary for Japan with Little Kids

The Power of Bilingual Parenting: 25 Facts You Need to Know

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags
• Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags

The 13 Best Kids Backpacks for Travel, Tested and Reviewed

We tested backpacks with kids aged 3 to 18 years old and picked the best bags for upcoming trips.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Tested

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure

A backpack designed for kids is the best way to store any and all carry-on essentials in one easy-to-access place. From packing snacks to technology, a kids travel backpack can be a game-changer on your next family vacation, ensuring they have what they need on long journeys.

Our expert product-testing parents and their children tried 38 kids backpacks from brands like Nike, Lululemon, Jansport, and more to find the best of the best for durability, comfort, design, and capacity. After carefully reviewing each backpack, we're recommending the most durable, comfortable, and functional bags for all ages ranging from preschoolers to seniors in high school.

Best Overall, Younger Kids

Wildkin jurassic dinosaurs backpack.

The backpack has comfy padded straps and a material that spot cleans easily.

There aren’t many pockets.

The Wildkin Pack-it-all Backpack is both kid- and parent-approved after impressing us in the durability and comfort testing categories. While the dinosaur print pattern was a big factor in design ratings, the lightweight material and padded straps also won us over. The adjustable straps were easy to tighten and the backpack remained securely fastened, especially for active kiddos. No worries if the backpack gets dirty, as all you have to do is grab a washcloth and the bag can be spot-cleaned in minutes to look good as new.

In addition, we love that the capacity is big enough to fit a laptop, folders, a lunchbox, and a water bottle without feeling bulky or cumbersome to carry. The smooth zippers open up to reveal a spacious main compartment, but we wish there were a few more pockets besides the front slip pocket and side water bottle holder. With no major drawbacks during testing, we think this Wildkin backpack is plenty versatile for your little one to travel from the classroom to the airport in comfort and style.

The Details: 1.25 pounds | 15 x 11 x 4.7 inches | Ages 3 to 10 | Polyester

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure

Best Overall, Older Kids

The north face vault backpack.

The 27-liter capacity is perfect for storing everyday school supplies without feeling too bulky. 

There could be one more zippered pocket for extra organization. 

Middle and high schoolers alike will appreciate the sleek and straightforward design of The North Face Vault Backpack. The 27-liter capacity is just the right size for loading up the bag with necessities for school, including a lunchbox, water bottle, binders, and a laptop or tablet, and would offer great space for plane trips, too. 

There are two separate compartments for dividing contents with a 15-inch laptop sleeve in the back section and several slip and zippered pockets in the front compartment. One more zippered pocket on the inside of either compartment would have been helpful for extra organization but the backpack still offers a solid amount of storage. When it comes to comfort, the back panel has two strips of thick foam padding in addition to the plush padded shoulder straps that are also adjustable. The bag is the perfect size for swinging it on and off the shoulders and the zippered pockets are easy to access with one hand to conveniently grab a snack or water bottle. 

The Details: 27 liters | 1.11 pounds | 18 x 11 x 8.5 inches | 15-inch laptop sleeve | Polyester

Best Budget

Abshoo classical travel backpack.

The generous capacity is perfect for packing everything from clothes to snacks.

It feels a bit bulky to wear.

This cost-effective travel backpack wowed us with an impressive capacity for packing kids' essentials. With two large zippered compartments, the bag can stash a lunch box, water bottle, folders, gloves, and a football for school days — all in just one section — so we're certain in-flight essentials will easily fit, too. Although the backpack feels a bit bulky due to its large capacity, the adjustable and padded straps certainly help with customizing the fit of the backpack for extra comfort. After using the backpack in various weather conditions like rain and snow (and the occasional water bottle leak), it looks good as new without any signs of wear.

The Details: 16.5 x 12.2 x 5.3 inches | Ages 3 and up | Polyester

Best for Air Travel

State bags kane kids backpack.

The dual compartments make it easy to separate and organize items while flying.

It’s best suited for older kids.

When it comes to traveling by airplane, the State Bags Kane Kids Double Pocket Backpack is the best option for kids. The two spacious compartments make it easy to efficiently pack a carry-on backpack with your child since there are designated spots for air travel essentials plus a luggage sleeve on the reverse. The back compartment has a padded laptop or tablet sleeve, so you’ll know exactly where to grab electronics when you pass through TSA security checkpoints. Since both the back and front sections are similar sizes, there’s plenty of space for a blanket, headphones, snacks, and a change of clothes.

After testing the backpack on sunny and rainy days, we were thrilled that the polyester canvas material holds up perfectly against the elements without any color fading or staining. For long travel days, we’re confident this backpack will provide plenty of comfort, as we found the padded and adjustable straps to be snug and secure without feeling constrictive or rough. One thing to note is that the bag is on the bulkier side so it could be too large for smaller kids.

The Details: 16 liters | 14.95 x 11.22 x 7.5 inches | Ages 7 and up | Polyester

Nike Elemental Kids Backpack

The design is simple and ideal for versatility.

The capacity is on the smaller side.

The no-frills design of the Nike Elemental Backpack makes it a versatile backpack for a range of activities. Our middle-school-aged tester used the backpack for trips to school, but they noted after the initial tests that they are looking forward to using it for upcoming hikes , as its lightweight feel is perfect for treks. While the polyester material is noticeably lightweight, the backpack doesn’t feel flimsy or any less supportive. In fact, the padded back panel and straps were a hit with our tester for comfort and stability while running or walking. There aren’t any interior pockets, but we were still able to fit books and a jacket, though the capacity could be a bit bigger if the backpack is being used for school. One of the best parts of the bag is that it’s exceptionally easy to clean with a paper towel to wipe away stains from daily wear and tear.

The Details: 20 liters | 18 x 12 x 5 inches | Polyester

Best Pattern

Lands end kids classmate small backpack.

The fabric design is colorful and sparkly without getting glitter everywhere.

The straps are slightly difficult to adjust.

Lands’ End is known for boasting unique patterns on clothing and accessories, and the Kids ClassMate Small Backpack is no exception. The sparkly green, purple, and blue paint stripe pattern was an instant eye-catcher and there are plenty more unique colors and patterns to choose from. Besides the colorful design, we love the lightweight polyester material of the backpack and our tester was able to wear it without feeling any discomfort. Parents will appreciate the lighter weight of the backpack since they carry the bag half of the time, too. The only issue you may run into is with adjusting the backpack straps, as it might be slightly difficult for little ones. One of the bag's best features is that the material dries very quickly if it gets wet or caught in the rain, so we think this backpack not only looks stylish, but it’s versatile and functional for traveling year-round.

The Details: 16 x 11.5 x 6 inches | Polyester

Travel + Leisure

Best Customizable

Light + nine kids starter backpack.

The exterior polyester has little holes in it for charms and pins.

The holes in the material could make it difficult to clean.

This customizable backpack makes getting ready for school or traveling a little more fun with the option to buy Light + Nine’s Nimix decor sets for adding removable patches like rainbows, animals, and astronauts. The backpack is designed for adding decorations without damaging the exterior fabric thanks to the small silicone holes surrounding the bag. In addition to the customizable features, we appreciate that the lining is easy to wipe down for cleaning, and the backpack can be unzipped to lay flat to clean and dry easier. The backpack and straps feel a little stiff, but the materials loosen up over time so we don't think that's a deal-breaker by any means.

The Details: 1 pound | 11.5 x 14.5 x 4 inches | Ages 3 to 6 | Polyester, EVA, and silicone

Best Wheeled

J world new york sunrise rolling backpack.

It’s easy for small children to wear the backpack or wheel it when it’s packed full.

We wish there were a few more pockets for organization.

Sometimes a backpack can be a little too heavy for a little one, so we’re big fans of the JWorld Sunrise Rolling Backpack. From wheeling the bag to preschool to packing it with snacks and clothes for trips, it's super easy and intuitive to load up and use the bag. The main compartment is simple to unzip with two hands so you can pack it with clothes, a water bottle, a tablet, books, and snacks. While we love the spacious main compartment, we wish there were a few more interior pockets for storing smaller items. While it's important to not back a bag too full for small kids, the option to roll the backpack if it felt too heavy is helpful for days when the bag is on the heavier side. Whether the backpack was wheeled or carried, it proved to be plenty comfortable while on the go and easy to maneuver, which is perfect for a busy airport .

The Details: 4.5 pounds | 34.50 liters | 18 x 13 x 9 inches | Ages 8 and up | Polyester and rubber

Best for Toddlers

Skip hop spark style backpack rocket.

The generous capacity is ideal for travel necessities for little ones like an extra change of clothes.

The straps are lightly padded and a bit stiff at first.

The rocket ship design of the Skip Hop Spark Style Big Kid Backpack offers a creative backpack that toddlers will surely love. Thanks to the wide opening into the main compartment, it was a breeze to pack toddler travel essentials like a change of clothes, snacks, and a water bottle. The durability of the backpack material made it a winner since all it needs is a quick spot clean to get any dirt or other stains out quickly. While this wasn’t the most comfortable backpack we tested due to the stiff straps and less padding, there wasn’t any noticeable discomfort or pain after wearing the backpack over time.

The Details: 10.5 x 5 x 14 inches | Ages 3 and up | Polyester

Best for Middle Schoolers

High sierra loop backpack.

There are lots of pockets and compartments for organizing school supplies.

The capacity could be a bit bigger.

The High Sierra Loop Daypack Backpack offers an impressive amount of comfort and generous capacity for storing school supplies. The three different-sized compartments make it easy to pack items like folders, binders, lunch boxes, headphones, pencil cases, and water bottles with ease. There is an interior media pocket that is ideal for easy access to headphones or a tablet while traveling. We wish the middle compartment was a little bit bigger for a lunch box, as it was a squeeze to get it in with everything else, but the capacity works well for travel and school necessities. The straps are fully padded and, although there isn’t a chest strap, the weight feels evenly distributed when our tester wore the backpack for long periods of time. After wearing the backpack in the rain , we’re happy to report that it kept all of the contents dry, and with lots of use to and from school, it’s still in excellent condition with minimal stains.

The Details: 2.05 pounds | 33 liters | 19 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches | Duralite rip-stop

Best Organization

L.l. bean deluxe book pack.

There are plenty of pockets and the capacity is large enough to fit a jacket, books, snacks, and a water bottle.

The chest strap doesn’t get tight enough to fit snugly across the chest. 

The L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack will keep the contents of the backpack neatly organized thanks to the variety of pockets and pouches for a variety of items. We were able to fit a jacket, a water bottle, a folder, a binder, and several library books between the two main compartments. For smaller items like little toys or cash, we loved the interior zipper and mesh pockets, as well as the small front pocket for easy access to the packed items. In terms of comfort, the plush padded straps were a hit with our tester and although the chest strap was a little big, the backpack stayed in place while running to catch the bus.

The Details: 1.5 pounds | 32 liters | Ages 10 and up | Nylon

JanSport Main Campus

The bag lives up the reliable backpack brand’s promise of durability and functionality for all ages.

Some of the pockets and compartments felt excessive. 

One of the most recognizable bag brands out there, you simply can’t go wrong with a durable and affordable JanSport backpack. Come rain or shine, the recycled 600-denier polyester protects the contents packed in the bag thanks to the double-layered and water-resistant fabric. There are two main compartments for packing a sweatshirt, binders, books, notebooks, or a lunchbox, and there are pockets upon pockets for organizing smaller school or travel supplies, too. For peace of mind, the laptop sleeve is fully padded to protect your expensive technology while out and about. 

Some of the pockets seem unnecessary but for those who like to be extra organized, this backpack is your best bet. The fabric does attract some dirt and dust when it’s on the floor but as soon as you shake off the bag, it looks good as new. Plus, there are 25 colors and patterns to choose from to please any age range. 

The Details: 32 liters | 1.55 pounds | 17 x 12.5 x 7 inches | 15-inch laptop sleeve | Polyester

Best Capacity

Columbia zigzag 30l backpack.

The minimalist design and larger 30-liter capacity makes it easy to pack the bag with a variety of items. 

There could be more pockets for smaller items. 

For packing sweatshirts, lunchboxes, and any smaller supplies in between, the Columbia Zigzag backpack has an impressive 30-liter capacity. The backpack has two main compartments that are super spacious and help separate bigger items to stay naturally organized when traveling or heading to school. There aren’t many interior pockets but the front of the bag has one medium-size zippered pocket and a water bottle holder on the side for some extra storage. For school-aged kids using laptops or tablets, there is a padded laptop sleeve that can fit a device up to 15 inches long. Both the back panel and shoulder straps have generous padding which helps with comfort but it isn’t the most breathable on warmer days which is something to consider for hot or humid climates. The shoulder straps are very easy to adjust to get the best fit and the water-repellent PU-coated polyester fabric is long-lasting so the backpack can easily be reused year after year. 

The Details: 30 liters | 1.3 pounds | 18.1 x 11.8 x 10.6 inches | 15-inch laptop sleeve | Polyester and PU

Other Kids Backpacks We Tested

There were several backpacks we tested and liked, but didn’t quite make our final list due to a few downsides like slight discomfort, thin materials, and a lack of pockets for organization.

Pottery Barn Kids Glow-in-the-Dark Backpacks : We love the bright patterns and ability to customize the backpack with a monogram, but the fabric feels a little flimsy and less durable than other backpacks we tried.

Simple Modern Disney Kids Backpack : This backpack is comfortable to wear, comes in tons of designs and colors, and spot cleans easily, but we felt that there were other backpacks with more standout features for traveling.

Adidas Prime Backpack : This sporty backpack is made with a durable recycled polyester material that can be spot-cleaned to get rid of dirt or grass marks easily. The capacity is impressive but excessive and there was almost too much room left over, even after the bag was packed with school supplies and sports gear.

Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack : The no-frills backpack has an intuitive design for packing up all of your essentials in an organized manner thanks to the variety of helpful pockets. The backpack is a little large and bulky so it might be too big for smaller kids.

When it comes to testing travel products for kids, we turn to our expert product-testing parents and their children to help us find the best picks on the market for upcoming trips. For this test, the parents provided us with detailed observations and insights about each backpack after their children (ages 3 to 18 years old) used the bags for school, travel, and extracurricular activities.

Paying close attention to capacity, design, durability, and comfort, we packed 38 backpacks full of everyday essentials like snacks, extra clothing, water bottles, and books, and then the kids used the bag for school or other activities. In the end, the best backpacks we tried had plenty of room without feeling bulky, plus padding and adjustable straps for comfort. We loved the backpacks with a variety of pockets for staying organized while traveling and found the most durable backpacks were easy to spot clean after getting dirty and looked good as new even with prolonged use.

Tips for Buying a Kids Backpack

Look at backpack size and weight.

When it comes to purchasing a comfortable backpack for your youngster, it's helpful to look at the capacity, weight, and materials of the bag to get a better idea of the size. Usually, there will be product specifications that also list the intended age range for the backpack, so you can factor in the most important features of the backpack to select the best one for your child.

Consider wheels versus straps

Traveling with a backpack with just shoulder straps is the most common route to go, but backpacks with wheels can be ideal when the bag gets too heavy to be carried comfortably. However, it can be slightly difficult to maneuver a rolled backpack so you may want to look for a wheeled backpack that also has straps for extra versatility.

Factor in the intended use

Whether you’re looking for a backpack for school, travel, or both, you’ll want to consider the main use of the backpack to choose the best one for your child. For example, a larger backpack might be better for school, because it can accommodate a tablet and a lunch box, for example, but it could be cumbersome to carry around for long trips. Opting for a lightweight backpack with less space or pockets might be better for a little one carrying a bag through an airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

In general, anyone with a ticket for a flight will be able to have a personal item like a small backpack. Packing travel necessities in your child’s backpack is a great way to utilize the amount of bags you’re allowed to bring onto the plane. However, you’ll want to double-check any airline restrictions if you’ve booked a fare with no allotted carry-on bags .

We always recommend looking at the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing a backpack, but if directions are unavailable, you should be able to spot clean the fabric with soapy water and a towel.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best kids backpacks for travel based on a series of tests completed by parents and their children (ages 3 to 18) in a real-world setting.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

Your cart is empty

Have an account?

Log in to check out faster.

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $150

THE BÉIS APP IS HERE DOWNLOAD

Best Sellers

Accessories

All Luggage

Luggage Sets

SHOP BY COLOR

#E8DACA | Beige

#000000 | Black

#313655 | Blue

#E0C0B8 | Pink

#DDDAE7 | Purple

#A06856 | Brown

#CCC6C6 | Grey

#696C56 | Green

#B31C38 | Red

#F1D976 | Yellow

SHOP BY MATERIAL

Crossbodies

#F2EFED | White

SHOP BY SIZE

Personal Item

All New Arrivals

The Commuter Collection

The Utility Collection

The Kids Collection

Glossy Atlas Pink

Luggage Covers

All Accessories

Makeup & Toiletry Bags

Small Bags & Crossbodies

Travel Accessories

Packing Cubes

Office & Work Accessories

Béis Baby - Travel Bags & Accessories

The ultimate diaper backpack in black, the backpack diaper bag in black, the backpack diaper bag in grey, the diaper pack in black, the diaper bag in black, the backpack diaper bag in navy, the diaper bag in grey, the diaper bag in beige, the diaper bag in navy, baby travel bags, we think you're in, update your location.

Continue shopping our full catalog. Duties apply.

Shop BÉIS CA for lower shipping costs.

Shop BÉIS UK for lower shipping costs.

Shop BÉIS EU for lower shipping costs.

• Product Reviews
• Baby & Toddler Care Product Reviews

5 Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking and Exploring

When you’re a parent of a little one, everyday outings can feel pretty challenging—there are diapers, snacks and extra clothes to pack, bags to carry and a kiddo to hold or chase after. It’s no wonder, then, that adventuring in the great outdoors with baby in tow can feel downright daunting. How are you going to carry your little one and all your stuff and still cover the terrain you’ve set out to explore? That’s where a baby backpack carrier can come in handy.

When you’re looking to hit the trails, a baby hiking backpack can make you and baby infinitely more comfortable. Sure, in theory you could put your little one in a baby wrap or structured carrier and keep your hands free—but as anyone who has ever carried a baby or toddler for extended distances, it’s a tiring task. Add in rugged terrain, winding paths and steep climbs and descents to the mix, and the exhaustion can escalate quickly. Not only will a baby hiking backpack allow you to carry baby and stow all your things, but the specialized pack frame will also help alleviate the weight of your heavy load and make sure baby is hitching a snug and satisfying ride on the back of an equally happy hauler. That frame essentially acts as an exoskeleton to absorb the weight of your child and your kit while taking pressure off your back and shoulders. And with less strain on your body, you can last much longer toting your tot around, whether you’re out exploring the wilderness or sightseeing in a new city. Before shopping for the best baby backpack to suit your needs, keep reading to find out when you can use one with baby and what to look for.

When Can Baby Go in a Backpack Carrier?

Unlike soft, structured carriers or wraps that you can often use in the newborn period and onward, backpack carriers should be postponed until baby is at least 6 months old , when they can sit upright with solid head and neck control. If baby hasn’t reached that all-important milestone yet, a front-facing soft carrier is advisable for hiking, so you can see their face and they can see all the beautiful sights you’re taking in too.

What to Look for in a Baby Backpack

As baby grows, carrying them for as little as half an hour can start to wreak havoc on your back and hips; this is when you’ll want to have a more structured baby backpack carrier to relieve some of the weight. The specific features you’ll want in a baby backpack will vary depending on the type of trip you’re planning (a day of hiking versus a weekend camping or an extended backpacking expedition), so weigh the following points of comparison before making your decision. The best baby backpack will be:

Capable of being passed between caregivers. Whether you’re tired and need to trade off with your partner, or your opinionated toddler suddenly decides they want their other parent to carry them, you’ll want to find a baby backpack that can easily go between caregivers. Adjustability is everything, so look for packs with top-notch, variable suspension. Sizing up the back panel to match each of your torso lengths lets you transfer the weight to your hips, instead of literally shouldering your heavy load.

Comfortable for the caregiver. Especially if you plan on covering long distances, a baby backpack with strong suspension is key. A sturdy frame construction can accommodate more weight and disperse it (to the hips) for greater comfort and walkability. A padded hip belt and adjustable chest clips can also make a world of difference. To avoid getting overly sticky or sweaty during your hike, opt for a pack with a breathable design with a mesh back panel that allows for ventilation.

Comfortable for your child. Nothing cuts a hike short like an uncomfortable and therefore cranky kiddo. To make sure your little one is happily and safely situated, look for a baby backpack with a comfortable and adjustable harness system; non-irritating, breathable fabrics and a soft spot in front for their head to land on if (and when) baby falls asleep while on the go. Some baby hiking backpacks offer protection from the elements, such as rain covers, which come in handy when you’re caught in an unexpected shower, and sun shades, which we’ve found to be critical in shielding sensitive baby eyes and skin from the sun’s powerful rays.

Equipped with storage for all your stuff. Most baby backpack carriers will come equipped with removable daypacks, lower storage pockets (for clothing layers, snacks, diapering essentials, etc.) and compartments to stash small items like your phone, keys and money. Storage capacity is given via liter measurements. If you’re having trouble visualizing how much stuff you can really carry, look at the pack’s total carrying capacity number, and subtract your child’s weight. What’s leftover is the weight maximum for all your gear. Just remember that larger packs translate to a heavier load for you to lug around. Take special note of packs sporting space for a hydration reservoir. Having a water source—whether it’s with a hydration pack or a more basic water bottle—within arm’s reach is really non-negotiable when you’re on the move with your mini.

Best Baby Backpacks to Buy

If you’re a family that likes to take trips that involve hiking, camping, sightseeing and the like, you’ll need baby gear that can go the extra mile (or two… or 10!). To help narrow your search, we’ve asked The Bump community—real parents, just like you—to tell us about their favorite baby backpack carriers. Check out their thoughts below, alongside our picks for the best baby backpacks.

Overall best baby backpack carrier

• Removable daypack allows for quick diaper changes or potty breaks
• Pack folds up, with two grab handles at the top for easy transport
• Pull-forward hip fins, a padded hip belt, load adjustment straps and an adjustable sternum belt work together to significantly lighten the load
• Heavy option, some parents say

Deuter is a go-to brand among avid hikers, and its popular Kid Comfort baby backpack series earns thousands of 5-star reviews from happy-camper customers. We’re not surprised: This hiking baby carrier has everything you need for a variety of outdoor trips. At 8 pounds, 5 ounces, the pack certainly isn’t the lightest on the market, but it allows you to shoulder a lot, with its 14 liter gear capacity and 48 pound weight maximum. The back length adjusts to easily toggle between wearers, and its Aircomfort mesh back system helps put an end to your heavy, sweaty days on the trail. A durable, arched aluminum frame designed from flexible and tear-proof spring steel makes for balanced weight distribution while also creating a ventilation space between the wearer and pack. As for your second in command, they’re also well taken care of: A height-and-width adjustable seat and safety harness system with color-coordinated buckles help secure your kiddo with ease, while the fully integrated sunroof, pillow and side cushions support a smooth, relaxing hike for the rider.

Dimensions: 16.9" (L) x 13.4" (W) x 31.5" (H) | Weight: 8.3 lbs. | Weight capacity: 48 lbs.

“It’s very practical, and my kid loves it.” – Demerchant, mother of a 6-year-old

Best high-volume baby backpack carrier

• Includes a built-in, waterproof wet/dry compartment to keep your little’s “dirties” somewhere safe until you get home
• Features nine pockets for extra storage
• Wide kickstand lets you set baby down safely
• Built with an internal hydration sleeve, but you’ll need to purchase a compatible hydration reservoir to fit
• Rain cover not included

Kelty got it right with its Journey PerfectFIT Elite edition. Though the frame is on the heavy end at 7 pounds, 4 ounces, you’re able to carry up to 50 pounds (including a 40-pound weight limit for your child) and the total gear capacity is 26 liters—the largest volume on our list. The magic behind this workhorse comes from the stabilizing load lifters that bring the pack closer to your body, and a suspension system that can be tailored to any wearer. As for your kiddo? They won’t mind being plopped in the carrier, courtesy of a flexible 5-point safety harness, a wide seat base and adjustable foot stirrups that support their legs and prevent circulation deprivation. Add to that an integrated sunshade and hip belt pockets to make their snacks more easily accessible, and you’ve got a pack that any baby or toddler will contentedly snuggle into.

Dimensions: 22" x 15.5" x 28" | Weight: 7.3 lbs. | Weight capacity: 50 lbs.

Best lightweight baby backpack carrier

• Lightweight stainless steel frame folds smaller than other standard child carriers, making it a cinch to travel with and store
• Internal pockets can accommodate luggage trackers
• Deluxe child cockpit boasts a nap-ready drool pad
• Sunshade is fixed too low, some parents say, so any time you look up, you might hit your head
• Stirrups aren’t included

Osprey is an American brand renowned for its outdoor pack portfolio, and its Poco LT model is a fantastic option if you’re on the hunt for something super light (at just over 5 pounds) that can also hold a ton (21 liters, to be exact). The high-quality AirScape suspension system is what really sets this carrier apart, transferring all of the weight from the harness to your hip belt in a very scaled-down, maneuverable carrier size. Moreover, the continuous panel of lightweight framesheet (which helps with the weight distribution) with its mesh-covered foam provides a great fit, with maximum ventilation and flexibility for whoever’s wearing the pack. (It can be either of you, thanks to 6 inches of torso adjustment.) The built-in UPF 50 sunshade will protect baby’s skin and help “turn down the lights” when they’re ready to nap.

Dimensions: 15" x 13" x 24" | Weight: 5.1 lbs. | Weight capacity: 48 lbs.

“My Osprey has worked great—it’s comfortable for my husband to hike with, and feels safe for child and parent.” – Charlotte, mother of a 2-year-old

Best budget-friendly baby backpack carrier

• Dual sunshade and clear rain cover provide protection while still letting baby explore
• Easily folds flat and can be loaded into a small storage bag that fits most airlines’ carry-on compartment
• Ventilation isn’t a top priority, as parents say that their littles get sweaty quickly
• The oversized compartment at the bottom doesn’t provide enough storage for multi-day hikes

Baby hiking backpacks aren’t cheap, but you can find models that don’t break the bank and still offer excellent benefits for you and boo! This lightweight baby carrier backpack from Besrey (5 pounds, 8 ounces in total carry with a 44-pound weight limit) features an easily adjustable torso, hip belt and sternum straps to fit a number of different adult silhouettes and provide unrestricted movement. Meanwhile, a well-designed, super comfy seat with adjustable height and a 5-point harness ensures your tiny rider’s comfort while they’re in tow, while foot stirrups help match their natural resting posture. But the best part, by far? Just how affordable this well-rounded baby backpack is.

Dimensions: 12.2" (L) x 27.6" (W) x 35" (H) | Weight: 5.5 lbs. | Weight capacity: 44 lbs.

Best baby backpack carrier for casual use

• Comfort features for you and baby
• Extra details like an insulated bottle pocket and changing pad
• Well-equipped backpack for under $200
• Kickstand can be hard to close on your own, some parents say
• Adjustable back height may still be too long for shorter parents

If you’re a casual hiker or shopping for a one-off trip and don’t want to splurge on something that’ll get occasional use, the Luvdbaby hiking backpack is a great choice. You’ll appreciate the height-adjustable back with mesh fabric, padded straps and load-bearing belt, as well as the kickstand—key for getting your little one in and out easily. Your kiddo will love the adjustable foot stirrups, removable sun canopy and rain cover. And there’s plenty of space for all your stuff, from zippered compartments to mesh side pockets and handy hip pockets. There’s even an insulated zipper pocket for baby’s bottle and an included changing pad for middle-of-the-trail changes. This baby backpack offers a max carry weight of 40 pounds.

Dimensions: N/A | Weight: 6.4 lbs. | Weight capacity: 40 lbs.

How We Chose the Best Baby Backpack Carriers

We get it—parenting requires a lot of gear, and it can be hard to find the best fit for your family. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers.

To decide which products are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading baby brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews and surveyed our readers to get the low-down on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here .

Plus, more from The Bump:

What to Know When Hiking With Toddlers

31 Awesome Outdoor Toys for Toddlers

17 Best Diaper Backpacks That’ll Fit All Your Baby Essentials

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Next on Your Reading List

The Best Baby Carriers for Hiking in 2024

Having a kid should not get in the way of your ability to enjoy the great outdoors, but the type of pack you use to carry your little one can make or break your experience. We’ve been hard at work over the last 5 years, testing the limits on some of the most popular backpacks and carriers, taking our tots across snow, high desert, and steep talus in the Sierra Nevada of California.

We’ve also boarded airplanes and trekked across sandy beaches of the Pacific and seashell-littered coasts of the Atlantic. We’ve carried newborns to 3-year-olds, and our testers range from 5’1″ to 6’2″ tall. 

We have asked a lot from these carriers, and our kids. 

A comfortable, capable carrier allows you to fulfill your outdoor objectives or realize your traveling dreams, all while making memories of a lifetime with your own little adventurer. The options on our list range from simple fabric carriers to full-frame backpacks.

While there isn’t a single best baby carrier for hiking to suit every hiking family, we are confident you’ll find the right fit for you here. We’ve listed a wide variety of options and organized the best baby hiking backpacks into practical categories to help you choose.

For more information on baby carriers for hiking, check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ , and have a look at our comparison chart to steer your decision-making.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on April 8, 2024, adding the awesome Thule Sapling to our lineup. While pricey, the Sapling has great adjustability, 22 L of storage capacity, and can carry kids up to 40 pounds.

The Best Baby Carriers of 2024

• Best Overall Baby Carrier for Hiking: Osprey Poco Plus
• Best Budget Baby Carrier: Kelty Journey PerfectFIT
• Best Baby Carrier for Overnights: Thule Sapling
• Best Frameless Baby Carrier: Ergobaby 360 Cool Air

Osprey Poco Plus

• Pack weight 7 lbs., 14.4 oz.
• Max weight 48 lbs.
• Adjustable torso length Yes

• Comfortable suspension system
• Integrated sunshade
• Lots of storage
• Includes mirror to easily see baby
• A bit big for shorter day hikes
• If using bottom storage, kickstand has to stay engaged

Osprey knows packs, and our love for the Poco Plus ($395) is almost unrivaled. More than one of our testers purchased this pack after experiencing the versatility and comfort this carrier offers.

The many adjustment points allow for a perfect fit and can easily be customized for a variety of users. Fit-on-the-fly technology in the hip belts and adjustable torso features offers extra support to a wide range of bodies to ensure a snug, comfortable fit, even when carrying the maximum weight. Most parents found this pack extremely comfortable, although some noticed the frame making slight contact with their bottom. Not enough to kill the fun, but just enough to be a nuisance. If you have a big strong bum, consider this possibility. The entire frame feels bulletproof and brings the weight of a child and gear gently onto the hips making hiking easier, and keeping our kids safe and upright when taking the pack off and putting it on. Other packs tend to wobble during a transfer and are often top-heavy — not this one.

Kids love this pack too. We chauffeured tots as young as 6 months and as old as 3 years around in this pack, many of them utilizing the cushioned drool pad for naps while others stayed awake, proudly getting their own toys or snacks stored on toy loops and in mesh pockets by their arms. One of our favorite features is the backpack-style harness system in the cockpit. Gone are the days of having to pull something over the kiddo’s head or dig around searching for straps. Simply slide their arms in and clip behind the shoulders.

The large sunshade protects baby from UV rays coming from the top and sides and easily stows in a zippered compartment that doesn’t take storage away from other must-haves like diaper kits, extra clothes, water filter, and maps. A rain cover is not included, but the sun shade offers protection from light rain and mist. The lower storage compartment is unbeatable. Large enough to fit most of the food you need for an overnight, or other gear items like a sleeping bag or tent. Unlike many of its competitors, this storage compartment has a solid base structure that keeps items from moving around.

Hydration sleeves make keeping up on your water intake a breeze and the zippered hip belt pockets help keep snacks and a phone handy while you hike. Storage in this pack was thoughtfully and thoroughly designed.

With a 48.5-pound capacity and several stash pockets, you can rest assured knowing you’ll have everything you need for a day, or several, on the trail. If it’s only day hiking that you’re after and Osprey is your brand, check out the Poco LT for a little less storage but all the same stellar features of safety and comfort.

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT

• Pack weight 6 lbs., 6 oz.
• Max weight 50 lbs.

• Dual grab handles assist in putting on and taking off
• Limited storage
• Sunshade not included
• No hydration bottle storage

There’s a lot to like about the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT ($270), the price being one. This pack has pared-down features, especially compared to some of its competitors, but is still made with a high-quality aluminum frame and durable straps and fabrics which will allow you countless day adventures over many years and maybe even multiple kids. 

This pack was one of the most comfortable among all testers, especially those needing a little extra support for their hip bones. Beefy hip belts hold weight well without putting uneven pressure or rubbing anywhere and the suspension system makes carrying heavy loads up to 50 pounds comfortable. Torso and hip adjustment systems allow the pack to fit a variety of people, even on the fly, making it easier to switch carriers midway up a trail.

While the pack holds weight comfortably, it seems to carry the weight a little higher than other packs, which made us feel a bit wobbly and top-heavy when traveling over uneven terrain. We like that the kickstand can be deployed or tucked away while wearing the pack, and the multiple grab handles make it easier to get the pack on and off without upsetting your passenger.

Our tiny testers also found this pack comfortable, though the five-point harness system is more complicated than others on the market. It includes shoulder straps and a waist belt, all clipping on the front. This harness provides even support for the child and allows the shoulders more mobility without a chance of escape.

It took a few attempts to get some kicking legs in the right places on the harness and to adjust when changing between kids of different sizes, especially since it does not unclip anywhere, but we eventually figured out good systems for loading and unloading without fuss.

The drool pad provides a comfortable place for baby to rest their face and can be removed for cleaning. Stirrups keep hips in a supported position and prevent legs from falling asleep. The sunshade, sold separately, can help keep kiddos cool and protected.

Storage on the PerfectFIT will support half or full-day hikes, but not a lot more. With one zippered storage compartment on the back and one elastic mesh pocket on the hip belt, you’ll need to be intentional with your packing. We like these simple features, especially for short walks to the swimming hole or a couple of miles out to a granite dome for a picnic.

This pack is built for regular day hikes and can take you out on moderate adventures, only when supported by hiking partners helping to carry gear.

Thule Sapling

• Pack weight 7 lbs.
• Max weight 48.5 lbs.

• Ample padding
• Dual zippered openings on vestibule
• Removable and washable child seat and drool pad
• Hydration pack compatible
• Side panel buckles for easy loading and unloading
• Even weight distribution
• Hard to access vestibule zippers when wearing the pack
• No water bottle pocket
• Sunshade does not have an integrated pocket
• Vestibule not quite big enough to support an overnight trip

While Thule is known for its dependable roof boxes and other vehicular accessories, the Sapling ($380) kid carrier lives up to Thule’s rigorous standards, keeping our kiddos secure on the trail.

This carrier is designed for maximum comfort for parents and kids. It’s decked out with thick padding on the back and hips, with shoulder straps made of breathable mesh. The torso length and hip belt padding can be easily adjusted allowing for seamless hand-offs between parents. Though well padded, the waist belt is so wide that some testers had issues with it digging into their rib cages on longer hikes (more than 6 miles). 

Thule’s unique Ergoride system provides leg support, keeping babies and tots happy on longer hikes. The Sapling grows with you and your little one, with an easy-to-adjust child seat that works for a wide range of baby sizes (up to 40 pounds). When fitted correctly for both parent and kiddo, we found that we could get the child’s center of balance closer to the front of the carrier, which proved to be less top-heavy and wobbly than other carriers. 

This carrier is both rugged and light, weighing only 7 pounds, and has an overall weight capacity of 48.5 pounds. Its 22L vestibule is easy to access with two zippers, one on either side. We found that this dual zipper design allows easy access to snacks, toys, and diaper kits without having to pull everything out. 

Thule seems to know what parents want. The drool pad and child seat are easy to remove and washable. Small pockets on the waist belt allow for easy access to phones, sunscreen, and chapstick. A UPF 50 sun shade is easy to remove and stow away. The pack is compatible with hydration bladders but lacks a water bottle holder.

We all know how hard it is to get those kicking feet in the right holes on standard kid carriers. The Thule Sapling makes life smoother with a side panel that buckles open and closed making it much easier to load up your tot.

The Thule Sapling is the first choice of at least one of our testers because of the attention to detail and comfortable fit. This carrier is ideal for day-long adventures or supported overnight trips with your little one.

Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh

• Pack weight 1 lb., 8.6 oz.
• Max weight 45 lbs.
• Adjustable torso length N/A

• Mesh is breathable and durable
• Cool and quick-drying
• Packable sunshade fabric
• Grows with baby
• Front and back wearing compatibility
• No storage for small items like keys, phone and snack
• Less support for carrying larger toddlers during extended hikes

Ergobaby knows how to build a carrier. From infant and beyond, this carrier is versatile, packable, and perfect for short walks and any type of city travel. We’ve taken this carrier on planes to Europe and on full-day hikes with our tiny babies and bigger tots. We’ve nursed, napped, and braved sleepless nights snuggling our littles in this carrier and recommend it to every parent out there.

Anyone who runs hot or hikes in warm weather will appreciate the Ergobaby 360 Cool Mesh Air ($140), especially if your babe is a contact napper. The soft mesh construction is extra breathable and cool for both you and your baby. And it dries extremely quickly. If your infant spits up all the time like some of ours, toss it in the washing machine or spray and wipe it down and it will dry in the sun within 20 minutes.

This carrier is built to last several babies while providing comfort and support for the carrier. The shoulder straps and waist belt are soft and airy, providing stability and comfort for a child as heavy as 45 pounds. The thick waist belt provides lumbar support to keep you from getting achy after hours of carrying a little one.

If you have the option to ask someone else to carry your child, all straps and the waist belt can be adjusted to fit a wide range of bodies. Many testers even found this carrier was easily adjusted to support nursing while on the move.

Adjustments are easy to make for your kiddo as they grow from newborn (with infant insert sold separately) to 3 years old. If you have a baby who insists on facing out, you can set them up to do so once they can fully support their own head. Baby can ride in the front or on your back in complete comfort.

The button-adjustable seat also grows with your baby, allowing the hips and legs to be in a safe and healthy position whether you have an infant or toddler in tow. The extendable back panel folds over to provide extra support for a young baby and can be unbuttoned to a taller position to support the back of a toddler.

This carrier is acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as being a hip-healthy product because it is designed to keep babies and young kids in an ergonomic position with knees at or just above the hips in an “M” position.

We also love that it comes with an integrated sunshade that packs into a small zippered compartment. Your tiny one can have a shaded snooze, while you wander through the woods or up to the base of your favorite waterfall. While we love everything about this carrier, we did wish it came with a small storage pocket. If you are looking for a carrier with a small pocket for keys, a snack, and your phone, check out the other 360 carriers that have a detachable pouch.

Take the Ergobaby 360 Cool Mesh Air on a hike or international flight. Use when your little one is having a tough day and just needs to be snuggled while you cook dinner. This carrier won’t support your backpacking objectives but it will serve almost every other purpose out there.

Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier

• Pack weight 5 lbs., 13 oz.

• Great storage for day hikes
• Lightweight
• Difficult to access hydration pocket while on the move
• Sunshade does not extend to the sides

The Deuter Kid Comfort ($320) highlights the simple yet mindful design behind many Deuter products and is a top choice for long day hikes and partner-supported backpacking trips.

The back suspension system keeps the weight closer to the body for more stability and comfort, yet the mesh back panel provides the ventilation needed for any slog in the mid-summer heat. Kids get hot too, but your little one will stay cooler thanks to the meshing on the side of the cockpit and stashable sunshade. Speaking of stashable, this pack folds flat which makes it easy to pack in a car or store in a garage until your next outing.

Weighing in at 7 pounds, 2 ounces, this pack is light while still supporting the same maximum weight as many of its rivals — close to 48 pounds. Adjustable hips and torso allow this pack to fit folks of all heights and sizes. From our 5’1’’ to our 6’’4 testers, all found this pack to be comfortable on their body.

Hipbelt pockets and one large storage compartment allow for easy snacking and the ability to store a substantial lunch and diaper change kit, but not much else. We love the ability to collapse the kickstand, even with full storage compartments. The only thing we don’t love is the difficulty in reaching the hydration pocket while wearing the pack.

Our passengers were pleased with this pack, especially the ultrasoft washable drool pad. We did notice that the stirrups were not able to extend long enough for taller kids but with intentional adjustments to both the cockpit seat and stirrups, it comfortably supported most average size toddlers.

The five-point harness system is as quick and easy to clip in and adjust as the Poco Plus, although it clips in the front instead of the back. This system has kept our squirmers secure and contained during all our outdoor pursuits.

The sunshade lacks material on the sides which does let some sun sneak through but it still protects kids from the sunniest times of day, and a light drizzle, especially if there’s no wind. The sunshade itself is easy to take on and off and fits securely in the front elastic pocket when not in use.

We love this pack for its simple design, lightweight materials, and built-in comfort features. Specifically made for day hiking, the Kid Comfort from Deuter can get you and your little one out on the trail in safety and style.

Osprey Poco LT

• Pack weight 5 lbs., 1 oz.

• Multiple storage options
• Well made design and storage compartments
• Very stiff until broken in
• Drool pad is not removable

The Osprey Poco LT ($300) shares nearly all the same features as its Plus counterpart, except made mini. More than 2 pounds lighter at 5 pounds and only four storage compartments instead of 11, the LT is a well-made and great go-to pack for regular day hikes of any length.

With a strong aluminum frame and durable fabric, buckles, and straps, this is a great day hiking pack. Three storage pockets and one large compartment will help you carry items for yourself and your kiddo, but won’t allow you the storage you might need for an overnight trek. Although several of our testers did use this on an overnight and simply asked their hiking partners to carry more gear.

Hipbelt pockets can store a phone, chapstick, keys, and a small snack so you can eat on the go. Hydration pockets are easy to reach with the pack on so you don’t have to stop every time you need a sip of water. The integrated sunshade brings protection from the sun and light moisture to the top and sides of the baby. A drool pad provides a soft landing zone for a snooze and can be spot-cleaned if needed.

This pack takes comfort to the next level. Well-padded shoulder straps and hip belts bring softness and ease to an otherwise challenging endeavor of carrying a squirming kiddo on steep or uneven terrain. It feels very secure, just like its Poco Plus counterpart, especially during creek crossings over logs and rocks.

Navigating narrow trails with poison oak on each side was surprisingly easy as the weight in this pack is carried so low that our balance is never compromised. Adjustable torso and hip belts allow people of many sizes and heights the joy of experiencing a trail or wild space with a little one on their back.

The five-point harness system safely secures the child with two buckles behind the shoulders into a padded and comfortable cockpit that can also be adjusted based on the size and height of the kiddo. Adjustable stirrups keep the legs in an ergonomic position and help prevent them from falling asleep or getting uncomfortable. The strong frame and kickstand make putting baby in and taking baby out a breeze.

The pack secures flat for storage but the stiff buckles are challenging to clip together when setting it up for a hike until the pack is well broken in. Consider enlisting help from a friend to squeeze the pack together while you clip the buckles before putting your kiddo inside.

If you are looking to take regular day hikes and want the luxury of a light pack with plentiful storage and well-made features, the Osprey Poco LT might be just what you’ve been looking for.

Read our full review of the Osprey Poco LT .

ClevrPlus Cross Country

• Pack weight 5 lbs., 6.4 oz.
• Max weight 33 lbs.
• Adjustable torso length No

• Very budget friendly
• Enough storage to pack items needed for the day
• Sunshade included
• Cheaply made and not durable for regular use
• Not comfortable for long days on the trail

Clocking in at just over $100 and only weighing 5.5 pounds, the ClevrPlus Cross Country ($109) is a good option if you are after short and infrequent hikes. Maybe you’re a relative of a tiny person who is visiting from afar or you just don’t get outside of your city much to justify investing in a more expensive or complex pack. If so, the lack of durability and quality in this pack should not matter too much and you may still be able to enjoy the occasional hike, without breaking the bank.

The materials on this pack are not as durable and padding systems do not come close to the other packs we tested. Zippers and strap buckles are fragile and Velcro doesn’t stay in place. But for a couple of hours on a wide and easy trail, this pack can be a great option for your budget.

This pack does not offer as wide a range of torso and hip adjustments compared to Osprey, Deuter, and Kelty, so if you plan to share this pack with other adults, check that its sizing adjustments work for everyone before purchasing.

While lacking in some features, it still provides a solid base with its locking aluminum kickstand and offers a surprising number of storage pockets, including mesh sleeves, a large zippered compartment at the bottom of the pack, and a mesh pocket for a water bottle. This hydration pocket sits a little high and makes reaching it while wearing the pack difficult, but if you have a buddy along, you can ask them to help you.

It also includes a sun shade with plastic wind flaps on the side which we found helpful most recently on the windy and wet Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park. We did notice however, that the Velcro isn’t very strong and our kiddos made detaching the sides of the sunshade from the frame a game that only ended when we secured the plastic flaps away from their eager little hands.

This pack boasts lumbar support but we found that its ability to stay comfortable, especially with a child 25 pounds and above, quickly decreases. You should also note that the weight limit for this pack is 33 pounds. Consider how much your child currently weighs and which growth curve they are following if you want to maximize use.

The ClevrPlus Cross Country baby backpack falls short in comfortably supporting heavier loads and longer treks, but if you only need a pack for the occasional short and easy day hike and are looking for something that won’t hit your wallet too hard, consider this one.

Baby Bjorn Air One

• Pack weight 2 lbs., 3.3 oz.

• Lightweight, packable
• Breathable and cool
• Supports infant through toddlerhood
• Steep learning curve to learn how to use and adjust
• No storage for small items like keys, phone and spare diaper
• No sun shade cloth

Come for the packability, stay for the breathability. The Baby Bjorn Air One ($217) carrier is light and breathable yet well padded for comfort in shoulder straps and waist belt. Nearly the entire body of the carrier is made from lightweight 3D mesh material which came in handy for some of our foothill dwellers with babies born in the summer. This material helped keep air moving to our babies and toddlers, preventing our littlest ones — and our testers — from getting too hot.

Many of us parent testers had to consult the manual a few times before putting our newborns and toddlers in this carrier because the straps and zippered adjustments took some practice to figure out. Once we knew where every strap belonged, which seat adjustment zipper to employ, and how to secure everything once again, we found it to be another great hands-free way to bond with our baby while still exploring our backyard crags, swimming holes, and local mountains.

It quickly became clear that the strap system is actually quite easy to use independently since you can put the top section right over your head instead of reaching behind the upper part of your back hoping to grab both straps to clip before the baby gets fussy. No hyper-shoulder mobility needed! It also has a wide range of size adjustment capabilities so multiple people can wear it. The straps tighten and loosen so softly, which wasn’t a feature we cared about until we experienced it with this carrier.

Babies and toddlers were cozy in this carrier too, once we figured out where their arms were supposed to go. The mesh material is breathable yet durable and every inch of it is incredibly soft to the touch. It is packable for transporting and easy to clean either by tossing in a washing machine or spot cleaning.

The Baby Bjorn Air One is compatible with carrying newborns at least 7 pounds to toddlers up to 33 pounds. The carrier is designed to support a baby in an upright position, safely protecting the airway, hips, and legs. If you have both an infant and a toddler who will be using this, the adjustments on the seat may take a while to figure out and change. If you want a fast and easy way to toggle between different-sized kids, you may want to consider the ErgoBaby 360.

Aside from the slightly steeper learning, we enjoy this carrier for its strength, breathability, and incredible comfort. Great for carrying your infant on a hike or bringing it as a backup in case your toddler gets tired of hiking, the Baby Bjorn Air One is a versatile way to enjoy the outdoors or take on a road trip or international destination.

Baby Carrier Comparison Chart

How We Tested Baby Carriers

For over 5 years, we have been testing wraps, soft carriers, and backpacks, in search of the best ways to explore the outdoors with the kids in our lives. From 2018 to 2023, we used these packs on hikes in the Pacific Northwest and through many of the mountains in Georgia and Southern Colorado. After a winter of record snowpack in the Sierra Nevada of California, we knew we needed to get more miles on our old faithful and test out some new contenders in the baby-carrying arena.

We hauled our kids over snow fields and across creeks out of Mammoth, Calif., through flooded trails and boulder fields, dodging thick poison oak in Yosemite Valley, and up to dreamy alpine meadows out of the 20 Lakes Basin in the Inyo National Forest.

We traveled through busy cities and airports and put miles on our cars to get to outdoor meccas as close as Lake Tahoe and as far as Flagstaff, Ariz. We’ve gone up to 13,000 feet on Mt. Dana, and all the way down to sea level, testing a total of 15 carriers.

Primary testers in our most recent round of testing are PJ Solomon and Cameron King, who are Wilderness and Climbing Rangers for the National Park Service respectively. These two have decades-long experience carrying heavy loads out to remote destinations, often deep in the backcountry of the southwest, the Sierra Nevada, as well as the mountains in Colombia, crags in Italy, Spain, and Greece, and cities throughout the U.S. 

They have made it their priority to continue to enjoy the outdoors with their daughter since day one, first using fabric wraps and soft carriers and eventually graduating to a backpack when their child could sit up independently.

But don’t just take their word for it. For this recent several-month-long test, they enlisted their neighbors and friends from the foothills of Yosemite National Park. Parents of children ranging from 3 months old to 3 years old. Most of these other parent testers work in Yosemite National Park as guides, educators, and rangers.

We also enlisted mother and climbing guide, Miranda Oakley. Miranda and her one-year-old daughter frequent the boulders and crags surrounding Bishop, Calif., and Miranda is very dialed into the extended packing list required for recreating outdoors with a toddler. Miranda and her partner have been on several successful climbing road trips since becoming parents, and consider a solid child carrier an essential piece of kit to keep everyone happy at the cliff.

We wanted non-parent testers to try out these packs as well, so we asked a few neighbors who had young nieces and nephews to give the carriers a whirl. It is important to be able to see these packs through the eyes of someone who has never carried a kid in a carrier or pack before to shine light on our biases and give us real perspective into the usability and ease of learning these sometimes complex harness systems. 

Each pack was tested by at least two separate families and was given a minimum of 5 miles with each test. We evaluated products based on their construction quality, ease of use, comfort for both caregiver and kid, and most importantly, safety.

We consulted our local pediatricians in Mariposa and Fresno and checked in with the International Hip Dysplasia Institute to ensure these carriers could be adjusted to optimize the hip and leg health of our kids. We took time to carefully pick apart each product to ensure we could share accurately, how they each work so you can make the best decision for your little, or big, family.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Baby Carrier for Hiking

Choosing the best carrier depends on a variety of factors and is as personal as each hiking family is unique. This is one of those instances when trying on a few can really help shape your decision.

If you have friends with their own carriers, ask to test it out or head over to your local REI or secondhand gear shop to try on a few before buying.

Types of Child Carriers

These are basically long pieces of fabric. Many first-time parents are intimidated by having to tie the wrap on, but it becomes a simple process with practice. Wraps can be worn on hikes but tend to need to be tightened if worn for many hours or during semi-strenuous exercise.

They also don’t allow for much breathability for carrier and infant and are usually best utilized during walks around the neighborhood or while traveling, but a wrap isn’t the best choice for older children or longer hikes.

Also called ring slings, these carriers comprise a long piece of fabric with two rings at one end. It’s worn across the body and is suitable for infants and older children alike.

These are great for traveling and running errands, as you can quickly move the baby in and out. But it’s not the best choice for hiking. The entire weight is on one shoulder, and there’s no way to carry any extra gear.

Frameless, Soft-Structured Carriers

These are very common and include the BabyBjörn and Ergobaby carriers. They have padded straps and easily adjust similarly to a backpack. Depending on the particular carrier, Baby can be worn on the front facing in or out and on the back facing in.

These carriers are also a great option for older toddlers who want to walk much of the hike but may need to be carried at some point. They can easily ride on the back, and the carrier is light enough to take along just in case.

While these types of carriers are more structured and sturdy than a simple fabric wrap, they are still versatile and packable. These types of carriers can be a necessary item for hiking, airplane travel, and backpacking trips, especially if you or your little one prefers a contact nap.

Backpack Child Carriers

Backpack carriers have many of the same design features as backpacking packs. They’re built for long days outside and make hauling more weight and gear possible.

With an adjustable torso length, padded waist belt, and plenty of storage, these are your best option for hiking and backpacking with most kids.

Comfort for Long Distance vs. Lightweight Packs

It’s important to consider the comfort of the adult doing the carrying and the kiddo riding along, especially for longer day hikes and multiday trips. Packs designed for long-distance comfort will usually include a steel frame and lots of pockets for storage. There are also more features in these packs, allowing for wider adjustment ranges on the torso and hip to accommodate heavier loads on various body sizes.

The cockpit for the child will also be designed with longer sitting times in mind, and comfortability for afternoon naps. Comfort is key in these designs, so you will see thicker padding in shoulder straps and hip belts. Because of these extra features and more durable materials used, packs designed for long-distance hiking will be heavier, even without a kid or gear inside. 

Lightweight packs are built for packability and low-mileage travel. These packs will not offer feature-rich designs and often have less padding in shoulders and hip belts. But, what they lack in bells and whistles, they deliver in ease of use and versatility.

The Ergobaby 360 and other soft carriers can be stuffed in a carry-on and allow you to strap in children from infancy through toddlerhood. Framed lightweight packs can offer enough storage and comfort to carry your child for a few hours on the trail and pack well in your car for a road trip through your favorite outdoor destinations.

Adjustability and Ease of Use

Do you want a pack that just fits you or one that can switch between parents, grandparents, and hiking friends? If you and your partner want to use the pack interchangeably, it’s worth it for each of you to try on a few before committing. If multiple people will be on carrying duty, look for a pack that offers adjustability in the torso length and hip belt to fit everyone.

Most packs also offer a wide range of size adjustability for the cockpit or seat for the child. Read the manual and make initial adjustments to the pack before putting your kiddo inside.

We’ve had great success with the Osprey Poco Plus and Deuter Kid Comfort fitting parents, grandparents, and friends interchangeably.

If you plan to do most trips solo, make sure you are getting a carrier or pack that is easy to use and adjust on your own. We like the stability and low center of gravity of the Osprey for framed packs and the clipless strap systems of the frameless BabyBjorn. 

Suspension, Padding, and Breathability

Carrying a 40-pound pack is no joke — especially when that weight comes in the form of a wiggling, giggling (or screaming) toddler. A well-fitting pack is what you need to find first, then look to other comfort or convenience features before you buy. Anytime you are shopping for a pack, look to the hip belt first.

The padding on the hip belt should feel good on your hips and should not rub or put pressure in any one place. The torso and shoulder straps should adjust enough to bring weight ranging from 10 pounds to 40 pounds comfortably on your hips and the pack panel should rest lightly across the length of your back.

If you live in a warm climate or plan to use your carrier or pack during the summer months, consider the breathability of the fabric. Look for mesh and/or suspended panels or packs made from lightweight, breathable materials to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort for both you and your passenger. If breathability is high on your list, something like the Ergobaby 360 Cool Air or the Deuter Kid Comfort would be a good choice. 

Child Comfort, Stirrups, and Safety

Babies and toddlers will let you know when they are not comfortable. If possible, try on a few packs with your little one so you can gauge how their bodies feel about the harness, seat, and drool pads.

Find a harness that clips comfortably and doesn’t rub or pinch. The Poco LT has easy-to-use harness systems that get kids locked in quickly and without fuss. The Kelty Journey has a more complex harness but is still incredibly supportive and structured. 

The cockpit, the space surrounding where the child sits, should have high walls and a well-cushioned pad in the front, allowing them to be secure in their seat, and have a soft landing for their heads if they fall asleep. A low-sitting, cushioned seat will keep your kiddo comfortable while keeping a low center of gravity, helping you stay steady when taking off and putting on your loaded pack.

Safety should be your top priority when baby wearing and carrying. Buckles should lock securely and stitching should be durable. Straps should be adjustable for both your comfort and for the comfort and safety of your child. In framed packs, stirrups are employed to help bigger babies and tots adjust themselves to stay comfortable. They also help keep hips in a stable and healthy position and they help keep the legs from falling asleep or getting uncomfortable.

Children under the age of 1 should sit with legs in the “M” position, with knees slightly higher than hip level, to help prevent hip dysplasia. Take a picture or bring in your carrier to your next pediatrician visit to ensure you are carrying your infant in a hip-healthy way. 

Size and Storage

If you plan to take half-day hikes or neighborhood jaunts, then something lightweight and on the lower end of the price and feature spectrum could serve you well, like the Clevr Plus . But if you plan to regularly hit the trail on long day hikes or multiday backpacking trips, you’ll need a pack with extra accessories like a sunshade, rain cover, and extra pockets.

Also, look for large storage compartments at the bottom of the pack to allow you to carry heavy gear while still keeping your center of gravity low.

The other useful features to consider include a hydration system, easy-to-access water bottle holders, toy clips, and toddler-accessible snack pockets. For these extra features, we love the Osprey Poco Plus

Sunshade and Rain Covers

Keeping our tots protected from the sun is paramount on the trail. You can forgo a sunshade and instead rely on a hat and sunscreen. But after years of being in the mountains with our kids, we thoroughly recommend a sun cover.

Not only will it protect your child’s skin from sunburns, but it will also keep the temperature much lower in the cockpit on hot days. Shade flaps on the side are especially helpful when kids decide to take a snooze mid-trail.

Premium packs like the Osprey Poco Plus include an integrated sunshade with side protection. It packs into the carrier easily, so you never have to worry about forgetting it. Deuter Kid Comfort also comes with a detachable and stashable sun shade.

We’ve also found the sunshade is useful for protecting against light rain. But you’ll need a true rain cover to stay dry in heavy or sustained rainfall. Rain covers are sold separately for Osprey and Deuter but can come in handy if you hike in areas where afternoon storms and precipitation are common. Keep in mind that rain protection of any kind is not well ventilated so may not be helpful in hot and humid climates.

Tips for Hiking With Babies & Kids

Safety first.

For young babies, remember they need to have full head control before it’s safe to ride in a backpack carrier. If they can’t yet sit up, consider using a soft carrier with head and neck support like the Tula or Ergobaby. Work with your pediatrician to prevent hip dysplasia and ensure you are carrying your under-1-year-old in the proper position to support their hip development and leg comfort.

Don’t Give Up

What kids complain or cry about one day could be their favorite thing next week. If you are a parent or caregiver, you know nothing is linear. The first time one of our testers placed her daughter in a backpack carrier, she shrieked unhappily. But she was completely content the following week. By 8 months old, she gets excited any time she sees it and will joyfully spend hours outdoors.

Some of our 2-year-old testers were begging to go hiking when they saw new packs they could ride. Hang in there, and if it’s important to you, keep trying.

Remember the Main Objective

Don’t forget: The entire point is to enjoy being outside together. Set aside the need to make it to the top and enjoy whatever comes of the day.

Maybe you end up sitting under a tree for a nap, maybe you dangle a few toys on the pack for entertainment, or maybe you take it a bit slower. And, most importantly, always pack extra snacks.

At the end of the day, the main goal is to foster a love of the outdoors in our kids. Make these outings fun from the get-go and you’ll soon have a pint-size trail buddy. So grab your friends, buckle the baby into the pack, and get outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best child carrier backpack depends on a few things. You’ll need to answer a few questions:

First, how far are you hiking and how often? If you’re going longer distances or plan to regularly use your baby carrier, it’s worth investing more in a higher-quality pack. Second, what’s your size, and how big is your kiddo?

We found the Kelty Journey PerfectFit, Deuter Kid Comfort, and Osprey Poco LT, and Poco Plus fit a wide range of parents and delivered excellent comfort for kids. These packs also had high-functioning storage systems that can support carrying a child and some camping gear.

The big thing to look for is full head control. Babies weighing in at 16-plus pounds (about 6 months old) who can sit independently are good candidates. Keeping knees slightly higher than hips in an “M” position, especially before the age of 1 is also important according to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. We recommend consulting your pediatrician to find out what is best for your baby.

And if you want to hit the trail earlier, consider a soft carrier like the Ergobaby 360 with infant insert or BabyBjörn .

You don’t need any piece of gear to enjoy being outdoors. But having the right gear can make it a better experience.

If you plan to only occasionally hit the trail with your kid, then a dedicated hiking backpack may not be necessary. In that case, a versatile soft pack like the Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh with the infant insert can easily transition from newborn to toddler. It can be worn front or back and is great for travel, too.

But if you want to hike (or even backpack) with your baby, a hiking baby carrier is recommended. It offers superior support for heavy loads and has adequate gear storage for a day on the trail

It’s all about layers. For cool mornings, we like starting with a lightweight wool top and then layering a fleece on top. And of course, you don’t want to forget a hat (or two). For more help, check out some of our favorite kids’ clothes . From sunhats to jackets, you’ll find everything you need to get outside.

The Best Hiking Shoes of 2024

We tested and ranked the best hiking shoes for men and women for 2024, including top picks from Salomon, Merrell, SCARPA, and more.

The Best Camping Tents of 2024

Make the most of your home away from home by choosing the best camping tent for your adventure. We found the top car camping and family camping tents for every budget and use.

PJ Solomon is a writer and reviewer for GearJunkie, eager to help parents share their love for the outdoors with their kids by finding the right gear.  For her day job, she serves as a Wilderness Ranger for the National Park Service. Based in California, PJ is an avid backpacker, hiker, trail runner, camper, climber, mountain biker, skier, and full-time mom.

Miranda is a core climber who spent over a decade living out of her van chasing good weather and world-class climbing. She’s an accomplished first ascensionist, leaving her mark at climbing destinations from Yosemite to Patagonia. She lives in Bishop California where she works as a climbing guide and a teacher. Motherhood is her most recent adventure, and she enjoys watching her daughter grow and experience the natural wonder and beauty of the High Sierra and the Owens Valley.

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Gear Top Stories Deals

• Baby Products
• Travel Gear
• Carriers & Accessories
• Hiking Backpacks

Add to your order

• No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
• Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Drops, spills and cracked screens due to normal use covered for portable products and power surges covered from day one. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty.
• Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
• Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
• Buy a lot of stuff on Amazon? Tons of items eligible for coverage, from the latest tech like Laptops, Game Consoles, TVs, Phones, and Cameras to major appliances, sporting goods, tools, toys, personal care, furniture, and more.
• Accidents Happen. That’s why for your portable products we cover accidental damage from handling such as drops, spills and cracked screens. We also cover electrical and mechanical malfunctions, power surges, and wear and tear.
• Past and Future Purchases covered. 30 days after you are enrolled, all eligible past purchases (up to 1 year prior to enrollment) and future eligible purchases made on Amazon will be covered by your plan as long as you are enrolled.
• Fast, easy claims. Frustration-Free claims, with most filed in minutes. We will fix it, replace it, or reimburse you with an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your product (excluding tax). File at Asurion.com/amazon.
• No Hidden Fees. For just $16.99 a month + tax you’re covered for up to $5,000 in claims per 12-month period. *THIS PROGRAM IS MONTH-TO-MONTH AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL CANCELED* Coverage for all products ends 30 days after the plan is canceled. Cancel any time.

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Return this item for free

We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select your preferred free shipping option
• Drop off and leave!

2 Year Baby Protection Plan

3 year baby protection plan, asurion complete protect: one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases on amazon.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Child Carrier Backpack for Travel & Hiking with Toddlers - Midnight

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Made in the USA or Imported
• KID COMFORT PRO: Bring your most precious cargo along for all your outdoor adventures with the Kid Comfort Pro. Perfectly engineered to fit the needs of both children and parents.
• MAX VENTILATION, MAX ENDURANCE: The Aircomfort mesh back system provides maximum ventilation. A durable frame construction designed from flexible and break-proof spring steel provides provides even distribution of load and creates a ventilation space between wearer and pack.
• ADJUSTABLE: The Vari Slide back length adjustment system allows for personalized comfort and the best fit.
• INCLUDES: Permanently integrated sun roof, mirror for view of child on the back in hip pocket, integrated/separate daypack in bottom compartment, pull-forward hip fins, padded hip belt, load adjustment straps, and adjustable sternum belt ensure that the load is distributed evenly and the backpack stays secure. Does not include chin pad.
• FEATURES: The Kid Comfort Pro has a large, soft pillow that allows for naps anywhere outdoors. Also comes with a removable daypack for quick missions to the changing room, and an integrated sun roof (simply unzip and unfold!), as well as a mirror for a rear-view of the rider.

Frequently bought together

Top rated similar items

PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)

Bluesign products are responsibly manufactured by using safer chemicals and fewer resources, including less energy, in production.

Product Description

Backpack Comparison

Product information

Warranty & support, compare with similar items, videos for this product.

Click to play video

key things to know about the deuter pro comfort carrier

all day i eat like a shark

HONEST REVIEW Of deuter Kid Comfort Pro Child Carrier

Ally Kinnaman

Take baby on all your adventures!

Haley Langley

Obsessed!! See the best features!!

Mom and Dad Reviews

Is this pack worth the investment? My thoughts!

Katie Parkins

REVIEW from a mom who hikes by herself with 4 young kids!

Team Hollingshead

HONEST review of Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Child Carrier

Key Details to know about the Deuter kid carrier backpack

Blair Davis

Worth The Investment? My Thoughts In Depth!

My thoughts on the Deuter baby carrier!

✅ Ashley Jordan Macneir

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 84% 7% 3% 3% 3% 84%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 84% 7% 3% 3% 3% 7%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 84% 7% 3% 3% 3% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 84% 7% 3% 3% 3% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 84% 7% 3% 3% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the comfort, value, and fit of the backpack. They mention it's very comfortable, adjustable for both women and men, and worth the price. Some appreciate the sturdiness and storage capacity. However, some customers have mixed opinions on the bag size.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the backpack comfortable. They mention it has a soft pillow for the child's head, a locking kickstand, and is a perfect product.

"...The first 10 miles were very comfortable. So comfortable for the kids they can’t even stay awake in it so appreciate the drool pad...." Read more

"... Super comfy for our daughter and just as comfortable on our backs as the osprey ever was...." Read more

"...The materials inside are extra comfy and soft. The entire backpack is high quality...." Read more

"18 mo old seems very comfortable so far" Read more

Customers appreciate the value for money of the backpack. They mention it's a great purchase and worthy investment. Some say it's the ultimate backpack for the most precious cargo.

" Great purchase and worthy investment. The first 10 miles were very comfortable...." Read more

"...For the price this backpack is a great value , but we had issues ordering through Amazon as every listing for it falsely advertised that it came..." Read more

"...stirrups, grab handle, adjustment straps that are placed nicely and work great , the mesh back system (keeps my back from overheating), a soft pillow..." Read more

" Soooooo worth the price !! My son is so comfy and the little foot stirrups?!? Just so cute!" Read more

Customers like the fit of the backpack. They mention it's adjustable for both women and men, has nice padding, and is easy to adjust. Some say their children fit comfortably inside and sometimes take naps in it. It fits a 2 gallon camelback water reservoir nicely.

"...1-2 minute exchange we do after breaks. Adjusts sooooo easy . Breathable, storage, tough, versatile. Absolutely love it." Read more

"...This Deuter bag easily can fit up to a 50 pound child and has lots of straps to adjust the fit...." Read more

"...the integrated sunroof, child stirrups, grab handle, adjustment straps that are placed nicely and work great, the mesh back system..." Read more

"...It fit my 3L bladder fine , although the child is sort of straddling the bladder so not sure how that would play out with a bigger kid...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the sturdiness of the backpack. They mention it's well-constructed, stands very sturdily when loading and unloading their kids, and has ample room. Customers also appreciate the quality and fast delivery.

"...Adjusts sooooo easy. Breathable, storage, tough , versatile. Absolutely love it." Read more

"...Also she feels super secure even without being strapped in and feet being out of stirrups...." Read more

"...The materials inside are extra comfy and soft. The entire backpack is high quality ...." Read more

"...It is excellent quality and the design is comfortable for me and my child...." Read more

Customers like the storage capacity of the backpack. They mention it has a great amount of storage in the back and the extra bag is a great addition to store all their items. Customers also appreciate the hip pockets, saying they're large enough to fit a cell phone.

"...Adjusts sooooo easy. Breathable, storage , tough, versatile. Absolutely love it." Read more

"...we can think of is lack of zipper storage There are two large sinch style pockets but we'd definitely prefer a more secure weatherproof..." Read more

"...3. HIP POCKETS!!The hip pockets are large enough to fit a cell phone! And there's 2 of them...." Read more

"... Great amount of storage in the back and the extra bagpack is a great addition to store all baby knick knacks...." Read more

Customers appreciate the sun protection of the backpack. They mention it has a built-in sun shield that also acts as an umbrella when it rains. Some say the canopy is really helpful and allows their daughter to nap comfortably.

"...Some of my favorite features are the integrated sunroof , child stirrups, grab handle, adjustment straps that are placed nicely and work great, the..." Read more

"... Sunshade is a great perk and allows our daughter to nap comfortably...." Read more

"...It has a sun visor . It does not come with the waterproof cover, but there isn’t much to cover once the sun visor is up...." Read more

"...She fell asleep leaning her head on the side. The sun canopy is really helpful and one of the reasons we purchased...." Read more

Customers like the stirrups in the backpack. They mention they're a great idea for super cold weather, and the seat with the foot stirrups makes the child cozy.

"...Some of my favorite features are the integrated sunroof, child stirrups , grab handle, adjustment straps that are placed nicely and work great, the..." Read more

"... There's stirrups , which are a great idea for super cold weather..." Read more

"...The seat with the foot stirrups makes it so the child is cozy. My son LOVES it...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the bag size. Some mention it has loads of extras and is comfortable for parent and child, while others say it doesn't come with an extra bag as pictured.

"...Great amount of storage in the back and the extra bagpack is a great addition to store all baby knick knacks...." Read more

"...However the 2nd one arrived without the little backpack . I’ve read that this has happened a few times with customers...." Read more

" loads of extras , comfortable and the toddler is well encased - very expensive but in this case you get what you pay for. makes hiking trips fun" Read more

"Love the carrier itself, but very disappointed that the daypack was not included as advertised .Attempted to contact seller with no result. :..." Read more

Reviews with images

So many bells and whistles...It takes a Pro to figure out!

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Registry & Gift List
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Best Baby Carriers for Hiking of 2024

To keep you and your child happy on the trail, these carrier packs excel in comfort, safety, and build quality.

Switchback Travel

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

For hitting the trail with a little one in tow, it’s hard to beat a baby carrier pack. Their supportive designs allow for a comfortable and safe ride, and we’ve spent countless hours hiking with both a happy child and adult. Because of their feature-rich builds, including quality harnesses, padding, and suspension systems, these backpacks can be pricey, but there are deals to be had. Below we break down the top child carrier packs of 2024, which range from substantial backpacks that are strong enough for hauling a growing toddler to lightweight, frameless models for short trips. For more background information on baby carriers, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

Editor’s note: We updated our baby carriers round-up on May 7, 2024, to add information about our testing practices . We also swept the guide to ensure all write-ups, prices, and colorways are current at the time of publishing.  

Our Team's Baby Carrier Picks

• Best Overall Baby Carrier: Deuter Kid Comfort
• A Close Second (With More Storage): Osprey Poco Plus
• Best Budget Baby Carrier: LuvdBaby Premium Baby Backpack
• Best Compact Carrier for Short Hikes and Travel: Osprey Poco LT
• Best Frameless Baby Carrier: Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh

Best Overall Baby Carrier

1. deuter kid comfort ($320).

From day hiking to backpacking, Osprey makes some of our favorite packs. Their popular Poco line has been a mainstay in this article for years, and they gave it a significant revamp last year. Most importantly, they addressed our primary complaint with the old model by increasing the padding on the hipbelt (the mesh-heavy design had a tendency to dig into our hips when fully loaded down, but no more). In addition, Osprey reworked the harness—it now buckles conveniently behind your child’s shoulders—and incorporated a bluesign-approved nylon on the pack body. There are three Pocos to choose from, but we prefer the top-end Plus for its more adjustable hipbelt and increased storage. At 26 liters, the Plus is a standout in the market and well equipped for everything from long day hikes to overnight treks with the family (if you can divvy up gear).

What keeps the Osprey from taking our top spot? In testing the pack, we’ve found it can’t match the Deuter in all-around comfort. In particular, there’s a large and stiff grab handle that occasionally pushes against the back of your neck when you look up the trail (it’s mostly an issue on inclines). Further, you need to leave the kickstand extended to utilize the bottom storage compartment, which makes the pack a bit large and unwieldy when loaded down. In the end, unless you need the added storage capacity, we think the Deuter is the superior design, but the Poco Plus is no slouch and boasts Osprey's typical high-end build quality. Of note: Osprey will be updating their Poco collection soon—including the Plus here and standard and LT models below—so keep an eye out for retooled designs and fresh colorways in the coming months... Read in-depth review See the Osprey Poco Plus

Best Budget Baby Carrier

3. luvdbaby premium baby backpack ($170).

Osprey and Deuter go head-to-head in the child carrier market, and Osprey released an answer to the Kid Comfort Active below with their Poco LT. As the name indicates, this is the lightest-weight model in the Poco family, and it’s been built with packability and simplicity in mind. The thin frame and smaller profile allow it to fold nearly flat—a big plus for travel and around-town adventuring—and at just over 5 pounds, it’s among the lightest designs on the market (undercutting the Kid Comfort Active by around 13 oz.). We’re also happy to see that Osprey didn’t trim away key features like generous storage (21 liters total), hydration reservoir compatibility, and a deployable sunshade.

One sacrifice Osprey did make in simplifying the Poco pack is in carrying comfort for extended stretches on the trail. The LT’s AirScape backpanel, thin padding, and minimalist stainless-steel frame can’t match the rigidity and support of the standard Poco models (or the aforementioned Deuter Kid Comfort Active), especially when hauling a full load. You also miss out on extras like stirrups—a handy feature for older kids and longer hikes—and the exterior pocket layout is fairly basic. In the end, the Poco LT is less of an all-rounder than our top picks above, but it's a practical solution for everyday and travel uses. See the Osprey Poco LT

Best Frameless Baby Carrier

5. ergobaby 360 cool air mesh ($149).

In the past, Kelty has fallen short at the deluxe end of the kid carrier market, but they’re aiming to change that with the latest Journey series. Available in base, mid-range Signature, and high-end Elite options, the focus is on comfort for both adult and baby. The “PerfectFit” in the name is for the torso adjustment system, which allows you to quickly dial in the fit by pulling on two straps at the backpanel (the torso size range is pretty wide at 15.5 to 21 in.). And the interior has been upgraded from prior versions of the pack, with a wide child seat and nice touches like a removable drool pad and stirrups.

What differentiates the three Journey PerfectFit kid carriers? The $270 base model below is pretty barebones, omitting a sunshade and organizational features like hipbelt pockets and a lower zippered compartment. Stepping up to the $320 Signature and $350 Elite gets you a build that stacks up well with the Osprey and Deuter packs above. Both Kelty carriers have large 26-liter capacities and lots of storage, and the Elite’s extras—including a hydration reservoir sleeve, mesh side pockets, and an easier-to-clean lining inside the lower compartment—are worth it for families that get out a lot. In the end, the Kelty still can’t match the premium cushioning and hauling comfort that you get with the top-rated Deuter, but its larger capacity (the Deuter is only 14L) is useful for full days on the trail. See the Kelty Journey PerfectFit Elite

8. Thule Sapling Child Carrier ($380)

Thule is best known for their car rack systems, but they’ve made inroads in the pack market over the past few years. The Sapling is their second effort at a child carrier, and the latest version targets top-of-the-line options from Deuter, Osprey, and Kelty. Highlights of the thoroughly reworked Sapling include a hanging mesh child seat that’s washable (an uncommon feature in this space), simplified construction that keeps weight in check, and urban styling that sets it apart from the more hiking-focused competition. In use, the Sapling has proven to be user-friendly, with lots of fit adjustments for both baby and adult, and its organization is among the best on the market with 22 liters of total space.

What’s keeping the Sapling from earning one of our top picks? For one, it's one of the priciest on the market at a steep $380. Additionally, we have some concerns about longevity. In particular, it strikes us that Thule is relying a bit too much on velcro in the design: The backpanel has long strips of the material for adjusting the torso height, and it’s the same story for securing the drool pad along the sides. For those spending time on dusty and dirty trails, you can expect grime to work its way into those spaces and the velcro to lose its stickiness over time (notably, Osprey, Kelty, and Deuter all utilize more reliable strap systems on the backpanels). That said, if you don’t plan to take your child carrier too far into the backcountry and instead prioritize storage, washability, and versatility—a Sapling Sling Pack ($50) is offered, which boosts capacity by 10L—Thule’s Sapling is well worth a look. See the Thule Sapling Child Carrier

9. Osprey Poco Carrier ($290)

Osprey’s Poco sits below the Poco Plus in their kid carrier lineup, but it’s arguably the better value for the feature set. The pack has the same excellent kid seat design and mesh backpanel that ventilates well and is easy to adjust. And unlike the $20-cheaper Deuter Kid Comfort Active above, the $290 Osprey retains a built-in sunshade. It’s not our favorite design—the sunshade can get stuck inside the storage space and, when deployed, sits so high overhead that it doesn’t block low sunlight—but it’s still a nice inclusion for the price.

What do you sacrifice with the base Poco pack? First, you get a simplified hipbelt design that trades zippered pockets for much less practical mesh, and you aren’t able to adjust the padded portion of the hipbelt like you can with the Poco Plus. This trimmed-down model also has less overall storage, although its 20-liter volume stacks up well with most packs on the market. As long as the diminished fit customization and features aren’t deal breakers, Osprey’s Poco is a really nice hiking option. But for $30 more, we still think our top-rated Deuter is the better all-around buy. See the Osprey Poco Carrier

10. Kelty Journey PerfectFit ($270)

The third variation of Deuter’s Kid Comfort to make our list is their top-of-the-line Pro model. Coming in at $370, you get the same high-quality carry system and padding as the standard Kid Comfort above along with upgrades like an integrated sunshade and removable daypack. We like the sunshade in particular, which is built into the back of the child seat (the standard Kid Comfort’s shade has to be removed and stored), so it deploys much faster and provides more coverage along the sides. For mid-summer hikes or when the sun is low, we’ve found the added protection to be extremely valuable.

What pushes the Pro down in our rankings—and below the other Kid Comfort options—are a few questionable design choices. For starters, we don’t like that the bottom storage compartment doesn’t include a zipper. The open-top design is far less secure for storing valuables and its plastic clip can be finicky to use. In addition, the removable daypack is quite simple and doesn’t carry a load very well, and unlike the Thule above, it can’t be attached to the pack. Instead, it’s designed to be worn separately, stored in the open-top compartment (which takes up valuable space), or secured at the front (which is awkward while hiking). It’s true that the Pro’s sunshade is more user-friendly and it’s hard to knock the quality and comfort, but we think you’re better off saving with the mid-range $320 model. See the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro

12. Lillebaby Complete All Seasons ($120)

Like the Ergobaby 360 above, Lillebaby’s Complete All Seasons carrier is a lightweight, frameless pack intended for short family adventures. The versatile design includes a small pocket and a zippered panel that allows you to adjust ventilation depending on the conditions—on warm days or if you and the baby are starting to overheat, you can unzip the solid fabric along the front to expose the mesh lining underneath. While it’s still not as cool as the Ergobaby, and we wouldn’t recommend it for strenuous summer hikes, the All Seasons excels in mild climates and when snowshoeing in winter.

How does the Lillebaby Complete compare with Ergobaby’s popular 360 Cool Air Mesh? Both include a sun cover and offer a variety of carrying positions (front, side, and back), but the Lillebaby has a wider size and weight range. Out of the box, the All Seasons is set up to accommodate newborns down to 7 pounds, while the 360 Cool Air requires a separate infant insert for babies younger than approximately four months. That said, as we touched on above, the Ergobaby has the clear edge in ventilation for summertime hiking, which is arguably its most important function. If you’ll be spending a lot of time in hot weather and like the Lillebaby Complete design, check out their all-mesh Airflow model. See the Lillebaby Complete All Seasons

13. Deuter Kid Comfort Venture ($240)

Deuter’s Kid Comfort Venture is the latest addition and most affordable option in their popular baby carrier line. Priced at $240, it undercuts our top-rated Kid Comfort above by a substantial $80 while retaining many of its best traits. Specifically, the Venture distributes weight effectively with a well-built aluminum frame, offers easy adjustability to dial-in the fit for both child and adult, and has sufficient padding on the shoulder straps and hipbelt for multi-hour adventures. You miss out on some of the premium touches of the standard Kid Comfort, including the ventilated backpanel, soft-touch drool pad, and sunshade, but the Venture is plenty functional for low-key days out.

How does the Deuter compare to Kelty's Journey PerfectFit above? Despite a $30 increase in price, the Kelty gets the edge as the better-equipped option. For storage, the Kelty has 3 additional liters, and its large zippered compartment at the top is much more useful and secure than the Deuter’s open cargo space. In addition, the Kelty features a removable and washable drool pad (you have to purchase one separately with the Deuter), and you get a mesh hipbelt pocket (the Deuter doesn’t have any hipbelt storage). In truth, neither the Deuter nor the Kelty is ideal for extended stretches on the trail—and they can't match the LuvdBaby above in terms of price and features—but between these established brands, we think the Kelty is the slightly better buy. See the Deuter Kid Comfort Venture

14. ClevrPlus Cross Country Child Carrier ($105)

Baby Carrier Buying Advice

Baby/child carrier pack categories, carrying comfort and padding, harness and cockpit comfort for the child, sun and rain protection, pack weight, adjustability, pockets and storage capacity, ventilation, child age and weight recommendations, pack safety: jpma certification.

• Sustainability  

Comfort Packs Packs that fall into our “comfort” category are just that: comfortable and feature-rich designs. Most follow a basic formula that resembles a backpacking pack with an open cockpit for a child to sit. Their strong metal frames provide excellent support for hauling a toddler (many are rated for up to 50 lb. total) and include a number of pockets for carrying multiple hours worth of essentials. These are heavy items, and even with their folding kickstands take up a noticeable portion of a trunk or closet. But for those who plan to get out hiking a lot with their little ones, a comfort pack like our top-rated Deuter Kid Comfort is what we recommend.  

Lightweight Packs Lightweight packs trim bulk and features from comfort-oriented designs and are a great option for short trips and use around town. The biggest upside is their significantly smaller size and lighter weight that’s easier to carry, store, and transport in a car. Lightweight pack options range from the Phil & Teds Parade , which resembles a shrunken down version of a comfort pack, to the frameless and minimalist Ergobaby. What you give up with a lightweight pack is storage and often carrying comfort. They’re great for quick jaunts, but for longer day hikes, we find it well worth the upgrade to a comfort pack.  

Comfort is a big factor in how often you get out on the trail, so we’ve put a high value on it in our rankings. The packs that excel in this category have strong suspensions to handle anything from a 16-pound baby up to a 40-pound toddler. The hipbelt plays an important role in this, and we look for padding that molds to your hips and provides enough firm support (overly soft cushioning typically isn’t as comfortable over the long haul). You can certainly skimp on carrying comfort if you stick to short hikes, and in those cases, any of the packs that made our list will do the trick. But we like the flexibility to spend more than a couple hours on the trail, which is why we put Deuter’s very comfortable Kid Comfort at the top of our list.  

A secure child harness and seat is a prerequisite to making our list, and all of the major players provide plenty of support, adjustability, and comfort around the arms, shoulders, and legs. More expensive baby carrier models make greater use of soft touch fabrics, but even long stretches of hiking with a budget-friendly pack like the Kelty Journey PerfectFit hasn’t led to any complaints. In terms of ease of use, we’ve found that the high placement of Osprey’s harness is a standout, but we consider harness design to be a strong suit for all products featured above.  

In the product descriptions above, we make a number of references to the child’s cockpit area. While it’s a bit of a funny term, this refers to the space surrounding the baby while they’re seated in the pack. A well-designed cockpit like Deuter’s Kid Comfort has a tall back and sides and a large, cushioned pad in the front, which makes it a comfortable place for children if they fall asleep. This is one area where lightweight packs make some sacrifices, as children typically sit very high in the seat and end up in funny, contorted positions if they drift off for a nap.  

Hiking and even walking around town can lead to a lot of sun exposure for a baby, so all major carriers either include or offer a sunshade with their packs. We find them to be absolutely mandatory for protecting that sensitive baby skin. The built-in designs are typically stored right behind the cockpit area and can be quickly deployed. And the accessory sunshades are just about as easy to connect and use (and some have dedicated storage pockets, like Deuter's Kid Comfort).

None of the packs listed above come with a dedicated rain cover—although all of the sunshades will provide a degree of protection against rain—but Osprey, Thule, and Deuter do offer separate covers for purchase. Rain covers are differentiated from sunshades by their water-resistant coatings and greater side, back, and front protection. They do not ventilate very well, so they’re not as helpful in hot climates, but rain covers are nice backups to have in case of a surprise storm. Expect to pay $25 to $35 for a manufacturer-specific design.  

The empty weight of a pack may not be the first thing you check on when researching baby carrier packs—it certainly wasn’t for us—but there are significant differences to be aware of. Packs in our lightweight category are usually around 4 to 5 pounds, while comfort-oriented models can reach 8 pounds and more. Tack on the child in the pack and anything else you’re carrying, and your total weight is equivalent to or even more than a loaded backpacking pack . Unfortunately, this is mostly unavoidable as the most comfortable packs are by far and away the heaviest (Deuter’s 5-lb.-14.6-oz. Kid Comfort Active is one exception, but it’s low on features). Consider it a nice way to get or stay in shape.  

If multiple adults will wear the baby carrier, a highly adjustable fit system can be an important feature. In particular, your pack will need a wide enough torso range to be comfortable for all users. Premium, comfort packs like the top models from Deuter, Thule, Osprey, and Kelty are standouts in this respect, giving close fits for most people. Taking it a step further, Osprey’s Poco Plus also allows you to shorten or lengthen the padded portion of the hipbelt, which guarantees the cushioned areas are supporting you correctly. On the other end of the spectrum, budget-oriented packs don’t offer as high of levels of customization. This is one notable downside of the ClevrPlus Cross Country pack, for example, which doesn't allow for precise adjustments and is less comfortable as a result.  

Outside of minimalist designs like the Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh or Lillebaby Complete All Seasons , baby carrier packs include an array of pockets for organization and storage. The primary storage in most packs is at the front with one or two pockets along the top and a larger, zippered pocket at the bottom. We appreciate a range of pocket sizes to make it easy to distribute items we want close at hand, and large hipbelt pockets are great for storing snacks to keep your little one happy. As with most features, organization improves as price goes up, but most packs on our list have a functional pocket design.  

In addition to the number and placement of pockets, overall capacity can be an important storage consideration. From our list above, packs that come with pockets range from 12 liters to 26 liters in volume. There are a number of factors that will decide your ideal capacity—including how long you’ll be out, time of year and weather, and if you’ll be sharing hauling duties—but we’ve found that 15 liters is often plenty for most hiking trips. For those that need to carry a lot of extras, Osprey’s Poco Plus and Kelty's Journey PerfectFit Signature and Elite are class leaders with 26 liters of storage capacity.  

A baby carrier pack’s ventilation is a two-part assessment: the ventilation along the backpanel for the adult and around the child’s seat. Ventilation for the baby usually is pretty good: The openings at the top and sides do a good job moving air, and there’s enough space that they don’t get too much of your body heat. But there are more substantial differences in backpanel design. The best back breathers are packs with a full mesh panel, including the Osprey Poco. Deuter’s Kid Comfort Active takes it a step further and uses mesh all around the child’s harness and cockpit. While these models offer impressive ventilation, unless you’re really particular about a sweaty back or live in a hot climate, we’ve found most packs are acceptable in almost all conditions.  

Water Storage As with any pack used for hiking, water storage is an important consideration for a baby carrier. Due to the space taken up by the child seat, you won’t find an array of mesh side pockets that will fit something as large as a Nalgene bottle. We often have to fit ours inside the pack, which can be a pain because you’ll need to either ask for help or completely remove the pack to access the water. Thankfully, many child carriers over $250 include a hydration sleeve, so you can slide in a water reservoir and drink tube for water on the go. For longer day hikes, this is our preferred hydration option. Removable Daypacks At the upper echelon of the market are baby carrier packs that include zip-off daypacks. Thule and Deuter have this design feature on their top-tier models that cost $350 or more (note: Thule's Sapling Sling Pack is sold separately). The main benefits of a removable pack are a larger carrying capacity as well as the option to split up the hauling duties with another person (additionally, you can attach the daypack that comes with Deuter's Kid Comfort Pro to the shoulder straps for easy access). In some cases, we appreciate the all-in-one design, but many hikers will be just fine saving a few dollars and using one of their own daypacks instead. The zip in and out feature is nice, but the simplistic packs usually aren't anything special. Stirrups (Foot Rests) Another notable feature is stirrups on either side of the child seat. These are intended for toddlers or older babies to get them in a proper sitting position or take some of the pressure off resting in the child’s seat for hours at a time. While it’s certainly not an essential item, and we’ve found the foot rests can be hit or miss depending on the child, it’s a nice thing to have if you’ll be out on longer trips. And in most cases, the stirrups are removable, so you can store them away until your child is old enough or interested in using them.  

If you’re like a lot of outdoors-minded parents, you’re pretty excited about getting your baby out on a hike. You can certainly get started at a young age with an option like the Ergobaby 360 or a similar product that provides sufficient neck and head support, but there are some specific recommendations for using a dedicated child carrier pack. Because children develop at different rates, most manufacturers stick to recommending a minimum weight of 16 pounds and that the child can support their head for extended stretches while in the pack. This will vary slightly, so be sure to check the specific instructions on your pack and ensure the harness can cinch down small enough to safely hold your child. The maximum weight capacity also will vary depending on the design, but typically is around 30 to 50 pounds. And be sure to note the maximum weight factors in the pack itself as well as any gear stored inside.  

All child carriers sold in the United States have to adhere to the Frame Child Carrier Standard from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which prohibits hazards like sharp edges, exposed springs, and unintentional folding. Taking it a step further, you’ll see some packs reference a JPMA safety certification, which means they have gone through a separate testing process through an independent 3 rd party. These tests ensure the packs follow ASTM, state, and federal restrictions (for more information, see JPMA’s website ). While getting a JPMA certification does not mean that a certain pack is safer than other packs on the market—and there are other global testing standards like TÜV for Deuter in Germany—it is nice to see that some are taking this voluntary step.  

Sustainability

Our impact on the environment has never been of greater concern, and it’s nice to see gear companies step it up with more sustainable practices. The use of recycled fabrics has grown substantially in the past few years, although child carrier packs have lagged behind the backpacking and hiking daypack markets in this respect (likely due to the slower turnover in designs). Thule is a current leader here with recycled nylon featured on their Sapling Child Carrier .  

Additionally, we're seeing a lot more PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) finishes on products recently released or updated, which eliminate the use of some—or at times, all—per- or polyfluorinated chemicals (these “forever chemicals” have been linked to a range of environmental and health issues). And finally, Osprey and Thule have bluesign-approved materials on some of their packs, which is a supply chain certification that indicates the products are safe for workers, consumers, and the environment. Back to Our Top Baby Carrier Picks   Back to Our Baby Carrier Comparison Table

Learn More About Outdoor Gear

Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier Review

Best Daypacks for Hiking of 2024

Hiking Gear Reviews

Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

Best Hiking Shoes of 2024

Do You Need Waterproof Hiking Shoes?

Best Camping Tents of 2024

Osprey Talon 22 Daypack Review

Best Hiking Boots of 2024

Mobile Menu

Megamenu - desktop hamburger menu.

• Hiking Gear
• Backpacking Gear
• Biking Gear
• Camping Gear
• Footwear Reviews
• Climbing Gear
• Skiing Gear
• Winter Gear Reviews
• In-Depth Gear Reviews
• Hiking Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Trail Running Shoes
• Mountain Bike Shoes
• Approach Shoes
• Climbing Shoes
• Beginner Climbing Shoes
• Mountaineering Boots
• Winter Boots
• Rain Jackets
• Down Jackets
• Synthetic Jackets
• Fleece Jackets
• Hardshell Jackets
• Softshell Jackets
• Windbreaker Jackets
• Ski Jackets
• Winter Jackets
• Hiking Pants
• Hiking Socks
• Trekking Poles
• Baby Carriers
• Running Vests
• Backpacking Tents
• Backpacking Packs
• Backpacking Sleeping Bags
• Backpacking Sleeping Pads
• Backpacking Stoves
• Backpacking Food
• Water Filters
• Altimeter Watches
• Handheld GPS
• Mountain Bike Helmets
• Mountain Bikes
• Mountain Bikes Under $1,000
• Mountain Bikes Under $2,000
• Gravel Bikes
• Bike Brands
• Kids' Bikes
• Hitch Bike Racks
• Camping Tents
• Rooftop Tents
• Camping Sleeping Bags
• Camping Mattresses
• Camping Chairs
• Camping Stoves
• Duffel Bags
• Rock Climbing Shoes
• Climbing Helmets
• Climbing Harnesses
• Climbing Quickdraws
• Belay Devices
• Climbing Ropes
• Climbing Backpacks
• Winter Gloves
• 4-Season Tents
• Ski Helmets
• Ski Goggles
• Ski Backpacks
• All-Mountain Skis
• Ski Bindings
• Backcountry Skis
• Backcountry Ski Boots
• Skis for Beginners
• Hardpack Skis
• Mirrorless Cameras
• Full-Frame Cameras
• DSLR Cameras
• Point-and-Shoot Cameras
• Travel Cameras
• DSLR Lenses
• Mirrorless Lenses
• Lofoten Islands
• Lofoten Hiking
• Hardangervidda
• Jotunheimen
• 10 Great Norway Hikes
• Public Huts
• Torres del Paine
• Chalten and Glaciares
• Lake District
• Patagonia National Park
• Milford Sound
• Abel Tasman
• Marlborough
• Great Walks
• Adventure Towns

Add adventure to your inbox

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2024 Switchback Travel. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.

• Formula Dispensers
• Bottle Washer
• Bottle Sterilizers
• Bottle & Breastmilk Warmers
• Warm Water Dispensers
• Food Makers
• Sleepsuits & Swaddles
• Weekly Sale
• Bundle & Save More
• Buy with Prime
• Spare Parts
• Formula Pro Settings
• Formula Pro Info Center
• Bottle Washer Pro Info Center
• Order Status Lookup
• Activate Warranty
• Baby Shower Surprise
• New! Bottle Washer Pro
• Formula Pro Advanced
• Sterilizer Dryer Advanced
• Product Bundles

• Best of Baby Sale
• Formula Powder Settings
• Bottle Washer Pro Information Center
• Refer A Friend

pinch to zoom

Superfast Portable Bottle Warmer - Rechargeable Travel Warmer for Formula and Breastmilk

Website Extras :  Lowest Price & 18-Month Warranty Free Shipping & 45-Day Returns

Ships mid-October

OOPS! You've already added a subscription for this item to your cart.

• MOST ADVANCED portable warmer to warm breastmilk or formula on the go
• SUPER FAST WARMING: Warms 8 oz. in 4 minutes – 50% faster than other portable warmers. Features 50% stronger warmer (90 watts vs 60 watts)
• SAFELY & EVENLY WARMS BREASTMILK: Advanced sensor technology warms breastmilk and formula safely and evenly from top to bottom, protecting nutrients
• 4 WARMING TEMPERATURES: Choose from 4 temperatures (80°F, 98°F, 103°F for formula /water or 99°F for milk storage bags).  Temperature always shown on LED Display
• LARGE CAPACITY: Holds 9 oz. of formula, breastmilk, water or a filled milk storage bag
• CONVENIENT: No adapters, no turning bottles upside down and no leaking
• EASY TO USE: Warmer warms to proper temperature, then beeps and auto shuts off; Easily pour warm liquid by unscrewing lid or using 360° pour spout.
• Dishwasher-safe lid
• RECHARGEABLE: Advanced battery technology warms eight 6 oz. bottles on a single charge; Includes USB-A charging cable; Power adapter not included
• PORTABLE: Easily fits in cupholders or bottle pockets in diaper bags, backpacks, cars and strollers 
• FREE 18-month extended warranty with your purchase on BabyBrezza.com

It's better to buy on babybrezza.com

Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Free Shipping & 45 Day Return

Exclusive 18 Month Warranty

Expert Support 7 Days a week

Revolutionary approach to bottle warming on-the-go

SuperFast Warming! Warms 8 oz in 4 minutes – 50% faster than others. 

Select from four temperature settings (80°, 98°, 99°, 103°)

Safely warms breastmilk, protecting nutrients

Large capacity

Stainless steel cup warms 9 oz of water, formula, breastmilk or a filled milk storage bag

Rechargeable: Warms eight 6 oz bottles on a single charge (USB-A cable included)

Choose from 4 stylish colors

Frequently Bought Together

Bottle washer pro - all in one washer, sterilizer, dryer, formula pro advanced baby formula dispenser, related articles, 5 breastmilk storage & warming tips, how to choose the right bottle warmer, save up to 22% off your first order..

Be the first to know about new products and special offers

Thanks for entering!

Use baby brezza code "welcomebaby" for up to 22% off..

M-F: 9am-8pm ET S-S: 10am-7pm ET

• Satisfaction Guarantee
• Influencer Program
• U.S./Puerto Rico User Manuals
• International User Manuals
• Military, First Responder, Nurse, and Teacher Discounts
• Shipping & Returns
• Accessibility Statement
• Create Account

• ⓒ Baby Brezza 2024
• Find Baby Brezza Products
• Privacy Policy
• California Privacy Policy
• Cookie Notice
• Patent Notice