Did you know that taking baby outdoors has multiple health benefits, like language development and immunity-boosting? It is also a fun expedition that can spark a life-long love for the outdoors. So, how do you go about choosing the best baby carrier for hiking? Check some of these models out. You’ll also find a handy guide near the end of the article to help you prepare for a hike with baby.
Best Baby Carriers for Hiking
The Osprey Poco Plus carrier is the only 5-star rated carrier on this list but it’s also the most expensive. The LILLEbaby and MiaMily carriers are more like traditional baby carriers whereas the Osprey and ClevrPlus carriers are designed specifically for hiking.
Osprey Poco Plus Carrier
The Osprey Poco Plus Carrier is the Cadillac of hiking carriers. It is designed to use with your little one from 16 pounds to 48.5 pounds (total weight) and has the most features out of any hiking carrier on this list.
Functionality
This pack can be adjusted up to six inches in the torso so that it will work for most adults, no matter the height. The shoulder and hip belt are also fully adjustable for a comfortable fit. The hip belt even has two zippered pockets on either side for your stuff!
For storage, there is a lower zippered pocket and an upper zippered pocket. The upper pocket has an external hydration sleeve that can accommodate up to a 1.5L hydration bladder, which is perfect for keeping both you and baby hydrated on long, hot hikes.
There are mesh pockets and little storage spaces all over the pack, so you won’t be without any gear you might need.
Comfort
If your worry about this being comfortable for your baby, just remember that the company refers to the child’s seat as the cockpit! It’s like their tiny little command center. It has features like the Double Halo child harness system, removable stirrups, a washable drool pad, and even a big UV-safe canopy.
All of the straps are padded for comfort. Yes, this is large and a bit heavy, but it is so comfortable and spacious. This is ideal for longer hiking trips.
Pros
- Gold standard in hiking carriers
- Spacious and comfortable for baby
- Has tons of storage
- All straps and even the height are fully adjustable
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the best choice for petite moms because it is so large
LILLEbaby Six-Position Baby & Child Carrier
The LILLEbaby Six-Position Baby & Child Carrier is the only carrier designed to work with newborn infants up to toddler age. You can wear it forward as a carrier, backward as a backpack carrier, or as a baby sling. It’s one of our top infant carrier choices overall.
Functionality
This is designed to provide the head and neck support infants need without any extra inserts. Features like an extendable soft waist band and padded adjustable shoulder straps make this comfortable for mom and dad. It also offers excellent lumbar support to prevent lower back pain.
If you are worried about being uncomfortable, rest assured this lightweight model has been recognized for its design. It has received the award of Most Comfortable Carrier from Cribsie awards, as well as named Hip Healthy Carrier by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Comfort
Hiking is commonly an activity for the warmer months. An all-seasons design has a zippered pocket that you can leave sealed for cooler months and unzip to expose a mesh temperature control panel that allows airflow during the warmer months.
If your little one wants to nap on your outing, they have plenty of head support to do so. This also has a removable hood for sleeping.
This comes with a large zippered storage pouch to carry your things. A major downside if you plan on using the storage space is that the pocket fills inward. If you fill it too much, your baby might be uncomfortable.
There also is not a lot of padding in the leg area. In some cases, the fabric may be uncomfortable and cut into your baby’s skin. However, this seems to be a problem with many carriers.
Pros
- Designed to work with infants without additional insert
- Lumbar support
- Padded, adjustable straps for your shoulders
- Removable sleeping hood
Cons
- Not enough padding in the leg area
- Storage pocket fills inward
MiaMily Hipster Plus 3D Child & Baby Carrier
Your little one can start using the MiaMily Hipster Plus 3D Child & Baby Carrier when they are three months old and continue using it up to 44 pounds. It has an ergonomic design to distribute your child’s weight between the shoulders and hips to prevent strain.
Functionality
This best carrier can be used with or without shoulder straps. With a seat’ that goes around your waist, there is also an option for front, back, or hip carrying positions. Your baby can sit front or rear-facing.
The seat that goes around your waist doubles as a storage area with zippered pouches. The storage comes without making your little one uncomfortable.
The shoulder straps of this hiking baby carrier are also designed well. They are easy to adjust and stay in place.
The accessibility of the straps makes this easy to put on and take off. Drool pads keep the materials clean. Additionally, the material used is soft and comfortable against your baby’s skin and resists messes and staining.
Comfort
Under your baby, an optional hard-shelf seat lets them move more freely. There is also a dual-layer, zippable mesh for temperature regulation.
One downside is that the zipper for the detachable waist belt might unzip slightly when using it. While it does not unzip enough that it is dangerous, it can scratch against your child’s skin.
Pros
- Hard-shelf seat gives your baby more freedom to move
- Temperature regulation from zippable mesh panel
- Easy to take off and put on
- Plenty of storage that won’t make your little one uncomfortable
Cons
- Zipper for waist belt can be scratchy
Clevr Premium Cross Country Carrier
The Clevr Premium Cross Country Child Carrier is designed for use with babies from age six months until they are 33 pounds. It offers features like plenty of storage and a reflective strip for night outings.
Functionality
Even though this best carrier is designed to work with children up to four years old, the maximum weight is just 33 pounds. Therefore, it may not last until your little one is four. This baby backpack also may not tighten enough around the middle to provide lumbar support for thinner moms.
This baby backpack is made using an aluminum frame that allows it to stand up when you set it down. When not in use, it can be folded for easy transportation. Though the materials are durable, they might not be good enough for a parent who is a daily hiker. However, it is weather resistant with a sun and rain canopy included.
Another great feature is the thick shoulder pads and adjustable waist strap. There is also good storage, including two water bottle holders and a large storage pocket.
Comfort
When your little one is in the carrier, foot stirrups give them somewhere to rest their feet. This may stop the carrier from digging into their legs. Your little one also might not like that this carrier is only designed to carry on your back. If you want a more rugged, sturdy front baby carrier, check out our best baby carriers for dads list (moms can use them too!).
Pros
- Reflective visibility strip
- Foot stirrups so your little one is comfortable
- Plenty of storage
- Sun canopy and rain cover included
Cons
- Only works with children up to 33 pounds
- Can only be carried on your back
Baby Carriers for Hiking Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed.
The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with
the product compared to others in the table.Osprey Poco Plus Carrier 8.1 9.6 395.00 LILLEbaby Six-Position Baby & Child Carrier 9.9 9.0 99.99 Clevr Premium Cross Country Carrier 9.1 9.2 99.95 MiaMily Hipster Plus 3D Child & Baby Carrier 3.9 9.2 -
Benefits of Hiking with Your Baby
Some parents shelter their little ones, especially when they are young. However, there are numerous benefits of hiking with your baby, including:
- You get out of the house. New parents might not want to leave their little one behind for a night out. Hiking is a fun activity that lets you get out of the house without excluding your baby. It is also a good chance to get together with friends or meet new families who may be hiking.
- It is a great way to get exercise. Many mommies must work hard after pregnancy to get back in shape. Hiking helps you get a workout, especially as you get more comfortable with trying new trails.
- Fresh air can help with postpartum depression. Being outdoors can remind you of the natural beauty in the world. It can also ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as give you an opportunity to clear your head.
- It is good for your baby’s immune system. Even though germs make most parents shudder, the bacteria children are exposed to outdoors is good for their immune system. This means your little one may be less likely to develop a cold than a child who has lived a sheltered life. There are many other benefits of getting your baby outdoors as well.
Advice for Hiking with Your Little One
You do not even need to wait until your little one can hold their head up on their own to hit the trails. Many baby carriers for hiking are designed to support your little one’s head and neck. They could even take a nap. While having the right baby carrier helps, you should keep the following things in mind when planning to hike with your little one.
- Bring along a friend. Even the hiking baby carrier might make it hard to get your baby out of the carrier once they are on your back. Bringing someone with you can help make caring for your little one a lot easier.
- Be persistent. Babies often cry when they are adjusting to new settings. However, your baby will not cry forever. Even if the first hike is rough, be sure to get out there and enjoy yourself again in the future.
- Come prepared. Things like baby wipes, fresh diapers, sunscreen, and a first aid kit are important. Hiking carriers don’t always have pockets, so you may want a fanny pack or a backpack you can wear on the front side of your body to carry everything.
- Bring along extra bags. The last thing you want to do is leave behind litter when you are experiencing the beauty of the outdoors. Ziploc bags are great for dirty diapers and wipes, so you can carry them back without subjecting yourself to any smells.
- Don’t try to conquer the world on your first day. Start with shorter, flat paths. It is also a good idea to ease into elevation slowly. Elevation changes can irritate some babies or cause their eardrums to pop.
- Bring along tethers. You may want your little one’s favorite toys or a pacifier for when they get fussy. Without the tether, you may end up with a cranky baby on your hands when they inevitably drop their toy.
- Be sure you have the energy to get through the hike. Nursing mothers might need a snack while on the trails. Bring water for yourself, too.
