CC FAQ:
Q: What are the benefits of using a child carrier? Vs. a stroller?
Child carriers are, quite simply, the oldest known method of transportation. Prehistoric in origin, the child carrier is humanity's first and best method of caring for a child . . . providing the developmental benefits of close contact with mother or father without depriving parents the freedom to fulfill their day-to-day duties. By all accounts, keeping your child close to you in a child carrier during their early development is beneficial to both you and them. It is not only a bonding technique, but also a way for your child to see and interact with the world as you do, and not as an idle spectator.
These are just some of the benefits to "wearing your baby":
- Pure Convenience
- You can use Both Hands! Shopping, eating, cleaning, taking care of your other kids, and walking busy streets become much easier when you use a baby carrier. You always know where your baby is, and keeping them close enhances their development (see below).
- Aids Breastfeeding
- Some babies feed better while moving, and children that are slow to gain weight are known to gain weight if they are held or carried in a sling for several hours per day . . . proximity to mom encourages eating and weight gain.
- Many child carriers and slings, such as X and Y, are designed specifically for breastfeeding. These and other models often have special flaps to protect mother's privacy.
- Enhances Baby's Development and Experience
- Studies indicate that 'worn' babies have improved visual and auditory alertness relative to children that are frequently left on the floor or in a crib or playpen. Other studies indicate that carried babies have improved speech development since they are more directly exposed to normal adult conversation rather than 'child directed speech'.
- Keeping your baby 'up' and with you as you manage your day-to-day tasks, especially in a forward facing child carrier, provides them with a 'heads up' perspective on the adult world.
- Reduces Crying and Colic
- A survey of 99 mothers of infants in Pediatrics indicates that carrying a baby for at least three hours per day reduces crying and fussing by 43% in the day and 51% at night, even when the child is set down.
- Builds a Bond
- Perhaps the best thing about a child carrier, baby sling, or front carrier is that the close proximity between parent or caretaker and baby can be instrumental in enhancing the close bonding that children need in order to be happy and satisfied. For mothers in particular, the close and constant proximity afforded to users of baby carriers stimulates and encourages the development of unspoken cues.
Q: What are the differences between a Soft and Framed Back Child Carrier?
Framed Back Carriers are somewhat bulky, reinforced with an aluminum frame to make the act of carrying a child easier to handle for longer durations. Most feature a stand so that they can be set down without having to remove the child from the cockpit. Some higher end framed backpack carriers, like the Kelty Adventure, have added storage space. Framed back carriers are for long distance treks like hiking trips in the mountains or a walk from one end of Golden Gate Park to the other. Framed back carriers have the highest weight capacity of any child carrier.
Soft Back Carriers are any sling, hip carrier, or baby carrier without a frame, are for 'everyday' use; i.e. a trip to the store or mall, a stroll through the park, or any other short-term excursion. Some parents like to wear a soft carrier while they do housework or just hang out, keeping their child close while they work or relax. Soft carriers do not offer the long-term support of a framed back carrier, meaning they will not compensate for the inevitable strain on your back and muscles as well.
Q: What are the differences between a Front Carrier and a Back Carrier?
Front Carriers keep your baby at your chest, facing either inward or outward. The inward facing position is necessary when you use a carrier with an infant, as they cannot yet support their own heads. After about 6 months or so-once your child can safely support their own head-you can place them in the outward facing position, allowing them to see what you see.
Back Carriers are backpacks that have a 'cockpit' for your baby or toddler to sit in. There is huge variety of back carriers available, some of which (like the Kelty Transit Carriers or Deuter Kangakid) can double as a normal backpack when not used as a carrier. Framed back carriers like the Kelty Adventure or Sherpani Rumba are designed for long hikes, and offer lots of support and padded straps to minimize back and shoulder strain. Back carriers have the highest weight capacity of any child carrier.
Q: What are the differences between a Child Sling, a Baby Wrap, and a Hip Sling Carrier?
Child Slings are an over-the-shoulder 'sling' likened to a messenger bag, that hang over one shoulder and support a passenger. The Premaxx Adventure and New Edition are child slings that have many additional pockets for storage. The problem with child slings is that they put a lot of stress on your shoulder, so you cannot really use one with bigger children.
Baby Wraps like the Peapod Cuddly Wrap or Parents of Invention Ultimate Baby Wrap are a single piece of fabric that ties around your upper body. After properly positioning the wrap you insert the baby into a pouch or opening. Wraps are perhaps the most comfortable style of child carrier, since they distribute the stress over your entire upper body like a shirt. Wraps can be used with both infant and toddlers. The drawback of a wrap is that they take some time to get on and off, but they pose a particular advantage for nursing mothers who can use the extra fabric for privacy during feedings.
Hip Sling Carriers like the PortaMEe or Combi Urban Baby Carrier use both your shoulder and hip to support the weight of a child. Hip slings are great for everyday use and walking, but do not offer the support of a baby wrap or back carrier. With a good hip sling, your toddler can easily sleep on your shoulder, as well as see everything ahead and behind them.
Q: From what age, and to what age, is it appropriate to use a child carrier?
With an inward facing front carrier or baby wrap, you can use a child carrier from infancy, which is very good for your child's development. Once your child is able to support their own head you can switch them into the forward facing position in a front carrier, place them in a hip sling, or bring them along for an outdoor adventure in a back carrier. As far as the age limit, weight is a much more important factor. You can use a child carrier for as long as you like, but the more your child weighs the harder it will be to carry them for long durations.
Framed back carriers like the Sherpani Rumba have a weight capacity of 70 lbs. . . . although most framed carriers support anywhere from 40 to 50 lbs. in the cockpit. It's really up to you. How long can you handle that much extra weight on your back?
Some baby wraps, like the Peapod Cuddly Wrap, claim to have no weight limit.
Q: How long can a child remain in a front carrier?
The average weight limit for front carriers is roughly 25 lbs. Even the best front carriers place a substantial strain on your shoulders and lower back, so you would not want to use them past the 25 lbs. mark anyway.
Q: If I am using a front carrier with an infant, when can I turn my child around to face outward?
Once your child can support their own head, which is usually around 6 months, they can face forward in a front child carrier or sit in the cockpit of a backpack carrier.
Q: Wraps like the Moby Wrap and Peapod Carrier look confusing to set up. What can I do?
The truth is, yes, these wraps are a bit confusing to set up properly, but the comfort and benefits offered by a good wrap like the Peapod are outstanding. They distribute the weight of your child evenly over your whole upper body and are extremely comfortable to wear. The key to 'getting it right' is to read the instructions and practice, practice, practice. After a few times the whole process should be effortless.
Some things to remember when setting up your baby wrap;
- Make sure all the wraps around your body are snug
- Don't let your baby rest too low in the wrap
- Don't allow the fabric to bunch up anywhere
Any one of the above mistakes could result in unnecessary strain to your back or shoulders. A properly secured baby wrap is the most comfortable child carrier option available, you just need to make sure you're using it properly if you want to reap all the benefits.
Q: What do I do if my child carrier doesn't fit me correctly?
Every child carrier is adjustable in one way or another. The best practice is to place your child in the carrier, put it on, then tighten or loosen the various strap adjustments until you've got it set in a position that feels right. The rule of thumb (especially for bigger kids) is that you want your child as high on your chest or back as possible without it being uncomfortable or obstructive. The higher up they are on your body, the less strain is placed on your lower back . . . and good posture is a must.
If you still can't get your carrier to fit the way you would like it to, ChildCarriers.com has a no-questions-asked 30 Day Return Policy. Just return the carrier in the same condition as you received it within 30 days of your purchase, and we will gladly refund your money.
Q: My son or daughter's arms and legs are hanging out of their carrier. What can I do to keep them warm and still get plenty of use from my carrier?
In this circumstance you have a lot of options. If it's very cold out, you'll have them bundled up in warm clothes anyway, but that's not always enough. There are a growing number of attachable blankets, buntings, and carrier covers that will insulate and protect your child from the elements. Many can be used with strollers and car seats as well. For a full listing of carrier covers we have available at ChildCarriers.com, just click here.
Q: What qualities should I look for in a hiking pack?
There is a wide variety of features, functions, and conveniences offered by the wide variety of hiking-oriented child carriers. Every hiking carrier is a framed back carrier (No Way would you want to take a front carrier hiking . . . it would kill your back) and any of them worth a second glance will have all or most of these features:
- A kick stand, or some mechanism other that allows you to set the pack down without having to remove your child
- A 5-point or "H" harness in the cockpit to prevent your child from climbing or falling out
- Thickly padded and fully adjustable waist and shoulder straps for you
- "Haul loops" or rope handles that allow you to lift and put the pack on yourself
- Storage space (some have much more than others . . . and some have none at all)
- A good reputation (See the hiking packs from Kelty, Deuter, and Sherpani)
Some bonus features and accessories offered with hiking packs:
- Child-view mirrors that allow you to see your passenger
- Sun and rain hoods (these are more of a necessity, but they're not always included with purchase)
- Pockets within the passenger's reach for toys, drinks, snacks, etc.
- Pockets on the waist belt for you, since its hard to reach into a backpack while you're wearing it
- Stirrups for your passenger's hanging feet
- "Dribble pads" for drool, spills, or spit-up.
Q: What are the major differences between the five different Deuter back carriers?
To best answer this question, let's move from the bottom of the Deuter price scale up to the top and point out which features are exclusive to the next model up on the scale. For a more complete list of details and features for each carrier, just click on the product, read the description, and check the features tab. You can also go to the Deuter Page and click on the 'add to My Compare' box for each item, then 'Compare Items'.
This list below will only point out the differences, not the similarities, between the packs.
Deuter KangaKid
- Soft Back Carrier, passes for and functions as a regular backpack
- Built in diaper bag
- Only Deuter Carrier without an aluminum frame
- Front mesh pockets
- H Harness
- Padded, adjustable shoulder and waist straps
- NOT to be used when hiking
- Weight max is 33 lbs.
- Only Deuter carrier with No kickstand, which means added difficulty when getting child in and out
Deuter Kid Aircomfort
- Single bottom storage compartment
- 5-point harness
- Weight max is 48 lbs.
- Light materials that don't trap heat
Deuter Kid Comfort I
- Single storage compartment + mesh side pockets
- Small profile (much smaller than a Kelty or Sherpani Carrier)
- Suitable for hiking
Deuter Kid Comfort II
- Deuter's Top Seller
- Thickly padded shoulder and waist straps
- Pocket on waistbelt
- Reflective fabric
- Hydration system compatible
- Two big storage pockets
Deuter Kid Comfort III ; Has all the features of the Comfort II, plus:
- High "throne" backrest for child neck support
- H-Style Harness
- A child mirror to view the passenger
- Even more storage space
- Integrated Sun Roof
- Most expensive of the Deuter child carriers
Q: What are the differences between Kelty and Deuter child carriers?
The key difference between Kelty and Deuter back carriers is their size. Kelty Carriers like the Adventure or Pathfinder are bulkier than Deuter carriers, and considerably heavier. The passenger in a Kelty Carrier sits higher up on your shoulders, and Kelty carriers, with the exception of the Adventure, have minimal storage space.
Q: Can you put a child in a framed carrier while the carrier is upright on it's stand?
Yes. In fact, that's the point of a kickstand. Not only does a stand ease the transition in or out of a carrier, you can set the carrier down with your child still in the cockpit to take a rest. Back carriers without a stand can be difficult to get a child in and out of, often requiring two people to manage properly.
Q: How do I attach a rain cover to my carrier?
Different carriers have different attachment mechanisms for their rain covers. Some use simple snap buttons, while others use Velcro or strap attachments. Some carriers, like the Deuter Kid Comfort III, have an integrated rain hood. To use this style of hood you unzip to opening at the top of the seat, pull the hood out, and attach it at the front. You would have to be a contortionist to do this while the carrier is on your back, but that's what the kickstand is for.
Q: What is an "H-Harness"?
There are two basic harness styles used for back carriers, a 5-point harness or an H-harness.
A 5-point is the same style used in car seats and strollers, with one strap coming up from the crotch, two over the shoulders, and two over the waist with a 5-point connection in the center over a child's belly and sternum.
An H-harness is similar to a 5-point, minus the crotch strap. An H-harness comes over the child's shoulders and connects at their sternum, much like the adult harness. In terms of speed, an H-harness is a bit faster to secure.
Q: Which carrier is most comfortable for both the parent and the child?
That depends on what type of carrier you're looking for, and how you plan to use it.
For hiking packs, a Kelty or Deuter carrier with thickly padded straps and plenty of adjustment settings should be very comfortable, provided you have secured and adjusted it properly. For the child in a hiking pack, look for something with an adjustable cockpit and a well-padded seat. This will allow you to get the perfect fit for your child. Kelty also offers stirrups for your child to rest their dangling feet.
Most front carriers are comfortable for smaller kids, but they can strain your back if you use them extensively.
Wraps are probably the most comfortable option since they use your entire upper body to support your child's weight, but they can be difficult to set up properly.
Slings that hang off one shoulder are the least comfortable for the parent, since they put all the strain on one shoulder. Hip slings are a compromise, as they use your shoulder, hip, and lower back for support.
Q: Which carrier is easiest to get a child in and out of?
Any carrier with a kickstand will be the easiest to move a child into or out of.
Q: Which carrier offers the most storage space?
Soft backed backpack carriers like the Deuter Kangakid and Kelty Transit Carrier have very large storage pockets and can be used as an everyday backpack when the carrier function isn't needed. For framed back carriers, the MacPac Koala has a large storage pocket, and the Kelty Adventure has a big underside storage area.
The MacPac Vamoose has the most storage space of any back carrier available at ChildCarriers.com.
