Best Hiking Carriers to Keep Your Baby Close and Safe

When it comes to hiking, having the right gear is essential, especially for petites. While this guide focuses on hiking pants, it’s worth noting that other gear like toddler hiking shoes, best toddler hiking gear, and winter hiking clothes for women also play a crucial role in ensuring comfort and safety on the trails. For parents, choosing the best hiking infant carrier can make all the difference when exploring the outdoors with your baby. Whether you prefer a soft-structured carrier or a structured backpack, your personal preference and the needs of your family will guide your decision.

Before making a purchase, gather as much info as possible. Visit a local gear shop to try out different options, or borrow from a friend to test what works best for you. This approach not only helps you choose the right gear but also ensures you’re well-prepared for your next adventure.

Best Hiking Infant Carrier – Explore with Ease

Choosing the best hiking infant carrier ensures comfort and safety for both parent and child. Opt for soft-structured carriers like the Ergobaby for newborns or structured backpacks like the Osprey Poco for toddlers. Key features to look for include adjustable straps, hip-belt support, and sun protection. Always test carriers for fit and comfort before hitting the trails.

How to Choose a Hiking Carrier

Soft-Structured Carriers (SSC)

Soft-structured carriers are a popular choice for parents who want to keep their kid close while hiking. These carriers, which resemble a backpack, allow you to carry your child on your chest or back. They’re known for their smaller footprint, making them easier to fit in your car and more convenient for travel. Additionally, they’re lighter, often weighing much less than the 6lbs typical of structured backpacks. For parents and caregivers, the snuggles and closeness these carriers provide are a big plus, as many children prefer being close to their parents.

Benefits of SSC’s Over Structured Backpacks

The benefits of soft-structured carriers over structured backpacks are clear. They’re more compact, making them easier to store and transport. They’re also lighter, which is a huge advantage on long hikes. The closeness they offer is perfect for kiddos who love to stay near their parents, and their smaller size makes them a great option for families on the go.

The Ergobaby

The Ergobaby is a standout choice among soft-structured carriers. It’s packed with features like excellent padding, easy access for getting your kiddo in and out, and even an excellent sunshade to protect your child from the elements. The newer models also come with pockets for storing small items, making it a practical choice for parents.

The Co Family Carrier

Another great option is the Co Family Carrier. It’s designed to be less bulky, making it easier to pack or carry when not in use. The straps cross on your back, which prevents them from competing with backpack straps—ideal if you’re carrying essentials or using a structured backpack carrier for another child. It also holds the weight differently on your body, reducing strain on your shoulder blades during long wear.

Structured Backpacks

For parents hiking with older babies (6 months and up) or toddlers (up to 48 lbs), structured backpacks like the Osprey Poco and Deuter Kid Comfort are excellent. These carriers feature a hip-belt structure that shifts the weight of your kid onto your legs instead of your back, provided they’re properly fitted. While they’re bulkier, they’re perfect for longer hikes where comfort and support are key.

The Benefits of Structured Backpacks Over Soft Carriers for Hiking

Storage Space

When it comes to storage space, structured backpacks have a clear edge over SSCs. Depending on the model you choose, these packs offer enough room for lunch and hiking basics, whereas an SSC might still require you to carry a separate backpack. This makes structured backpacks a more convenient choice for longer hikes.

Weight Distribution

One of the biggest advantages of structured packs is their weight distribution. They’re designed to shift the weight of your toddler onto your leg and butt muscles, which is far more comfortable for carrying heavier kids. In contrast, SSCs place most of the load on your back and shoulders, which can lead to fatigue over time.

Toddler Comfort

For toddler comfort, structured backpack carriers are hard to beat. They provide a better view, more space to sit comfortably, and enough wiggle room for your kid to eat or drink. On the other hand, SSCs can feel awkward for older toddlers, especially if they fall asleep and their neck isn’t properly supported.

Personal Experience and Recommendations

From my experience, the Osprey Poco is a standout choice. While I’ve helped friends with the Deuter, I found it harder to keep the kids’ weight centered, which made the parent carrying them feel uncomfortable. If you’re considering a structured backpack, I recommend visiting a local sporting goods store to try them on. Have an employee help fit it properly, and bring your kid to test it by walking around the store. Buying used can also save you a lot—while a new Osprey Poco Plus costs

330 the used market often has deals for half or even lower. In places like San Francisco, USA, you can find lightly used carriers on websites like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and Craigslist. I’ve seen deals as low as $25.

Other Carrier Types

Exploring Woven Wraps for Newborns

For the newborn days, woven wraps are a fantastic choice. Their softness and gentle fabric allow your squishy baby to snuggle close, creating a smooth transition from the womb to your arms. They’re perfect for keeping your hands free, especially when you need to chase a 2-year-old around. Two popular brands are Solly Baby and Baby K’Tan, each with its own pros and cons.

Solly Baby: Soft and Stylish

The Solly Baby wrap is known for being the softest and breeziest option out there. Its stretch allows for a snug fit while still giving your baby some wiggle room. Plus, it comes in delightful colors and patterns. However, the price tag of $74 can be steep, though you might catch it on sale. The learning curve for tying the wrap can also feel cumbersome at first, especially with a crying newborn by your side.

As a first-time mom, I found it stressful and often reached for a soft-structured carrier I could clip on quickly. But as a second-time mom, the process became much easier, and I loved using it. One downside is its length—it tends to drape on the floor while tying, which can feel gross depending on the cleanliness of the area. My SIL had a smart solution: she’d wrap it at home and wear it in the car. This wrap is best for newborn days, working well with babies up to 25lbs, and is most comfortable for the first 3 months. If it fits your budget, I highly recommend it!

Baby K’Tan: Affordable and Easy to Use

I found a used Baby K’Tan for just $25, which is on the cheap end, but even new, they’re more affordable than Solly Baby. This wrap is pre-wrapped, with connected circles of fabric, eliminating the dragging on the floor and the problems of tying a long wrap.

Slings: Quick and Convenient

Slings are another great option, especially for quick use. While ring slings require tying, they can be left tied and thrown on when needed. They vary in price, from cheap options to fancy brands close to $100. I love their ease, but they can get uncomfortable fast since all the pressure rests on one shoulder near your neck. They’re most useful in specific situations, like when you’re out and about and need a carrier for small moments (e.g., at the zoo) or at home for quick tasks like making dinner. And yes, they photograph well, making them a cute choice for photos!

Trail Magik: Perfect for Backpacking

For backpacking or when your toddler needs a ride some of the time but walks most of the way, Trail Magik is a cool option. It’s essentially a rectangle of canvas with a bit of padding where your kiddo’s legs rest. It attaches to a backpack with an existing hip belt structure, so it relies completely on a backpack. It folds to the size of a water bottle, making it easy to carry without bother.

My Go-To Carriers for Every Stage

As a serial carrier buyer and someone who baby wears almost constantly, I’ve tried many carriers over the years with my two kids. Here’s a breakdown of my favorite options by age/stage:

• Newborn: For the earliest days, I loved using a woven wrap like the Solly or Baby K’tan. They’re soft, cozy, and perfect for keeping your baby close.
• 3 months to 1 year+: Once my little one grew a bit, I switched to the Ergobaby, a soft-structured carrier. It’s easy to use and great for everyday wear.
• 1 year+: For older babies and toddlers, the Osprey Poco Plus (a structured backpack) became my go-to. It’s sturdy and ideal for longer hikes.
• Transition from carrier to walking & backpacking after 1 year: When my child started walking but still needed occasional rides, the Trail Magik was a lifesaver. It’s lightweight and perfect for backpacking.

If you’re looking to buy just one carrier that will last through all the years, I’d recommend a soft-structured carrier that works from newborn to toddler. These are convenient to get on and off, work well for hiking, usually come with sun shades, and are comfortable for both parent and child. Plus, there are many brands to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs perfectly.

Some Important FAQs About Hiking Infant Carrier

When Can Babies Start Using a Hiking Carrier?

A hiking carrier is generally appropriate for babies who can hold their heads up on their own, which is typically around six months and over. For younger babies, options like the Ergobaby, Artipoppe, or Solly baby wrap are more suitable. These carriers provide the necessary support for newborns and infants who aren’t yet ready for the structure of a hiking carrier.

What is the best hiking carrier for a child?

When it comes to the best hiking carrier for a child, two models stand out: the Osprey Poco and the Deuter Kid Comfort. These carriers feature a hip-belt structure that shifts the weight of your kid onto your legs instead of your back, as long as they’re properly fitted. They’re rated for babies 6 months and over, and can comfortably carry toddlers up to 48 lbs, making them ideal for both short hikes and longer adventures.

How do you carry a baby while trekking?

Investing in a reliable baby carrier is vital when hiking with your baby. Look for carriers that offer proper support for your baby’s neck and spine, while also ensuring comfort for the parent. Key features to consider include adjustable straps, padded waist belts, and a sunshade or hood for protection against the elements. These elements make trekking safer and more enjoyable for both you and your little one.