Making it Comfortable for the "Child Sherpa"

There are a number of us out there that have extensive experience with a back country backpack loaded up for a two week adventure, but the reality is that most people buying a child carrier have never slogged a 40-60 pound pack on any hike. For the rest of the parents, grandparents, or "Child Sherpas" as we like to call them, this can be a very new experience.

There are many different types of carriers out there made for different uses. These different uses translate into different padding and suspension systems for the carrier. Once we break these down and then the actual fit for the "Child Sherpa" becomes more clear and logical.

Each child carrier is made for one or more specific use. This does not mean that you have to use them for one or the other. It just means that the manufacture had certain activities in mind when they built them. Believe me; I can often be spotted with my Sherpani Rumba (Full Blown backcountry carrier) cruising around the city or at the farmers market.

Activity Categories:

• Travel - From plane, street, subway, to trail, this user is interested in a all around compact model that will make life easy on the next family trip and around town.
• Around Towner - This user is interested in a pack that will get their child up and down Main Street easily and a spot to ride when junior does not want to walk any more. This could be in the park, on Main Street or at the mall. Maybe even the occasional mowing of the lawn. (It has been done.)
• Light Hiker - This user is the day hiker that wants a pack for around town but definitely will be hitting the local trials. They are interested in a little more stability and support for longer times in the carrier.
• Backcountry Hiker- This user is interested in maximum comfort and carrying capacity because they will be using it for long hikes or backcountry trips. This could be from a full day hike to an overnight.

All that being said, the manufacture has designed and slanted a carrier to a particular activity or level of activity, but that does not mean an around towner can not buy a backcountry carrier. Sometimes an individual will be interested in the features that a full blown pack offers. The moral of the story is this; most of the time but not all of the time the cost and the features will be lined up with what you plan on doing with the pack. No need to carry a larger pack if all you are going to be doing is using it on the plane or in the streets on your next trip to Paris.

The other main consideration is obviously comfort for the wearer. Following are some features to consider:

• Fixed Torso: This is when the torso length or adjustability of the shoulder straps in relation to the hip belt can not change. These are good for average sized users looking to cut weight in the child carrier.
• Adjustable Torso: This is when the torso length or adjustability of the shoulder straps in relation to the hip belt can be changed. Some torso lengths can be changed in fixed increments with in a range and others can be adjusted infinitely with in range. These often allow you to refine the fit better and dial in more comfortable fit. They also work well with two users of very different torso lengths.
• Light Weight Carrier: Are you looking for ultra light? Light weight carries often have to cut back on adjustability and other features to achieve a light weight result. Light weight child carriers can often be used for many different uses but tend to have a little less storage than the bigger carriers. They often more streamlined and have less padding.
• Heavier Padding: Some of the backcountry packs are built with beefier padding and some more adjustability than the other carriers. This often translates into a more precise fit and a cushier fell than the lighter use packs.

We have tested out and fit many child carriers for many different sized people. Here are a few of the themes that we have found:

• When two people are using the same child carrier with very different torso lengths, adjustable torso child carriers often work best.
• Long Torso broad shoulder men tend to fit in the Backcountry Child Carriers the best. (Over 6’2” and over a suite size 44) The best fit seems to often be the Sherpani Rumba.
• Very Short torso women tend to fit better in the Deuter Air Contact and the Sherpani Rumba.

In summary you have to ask yourself a few important questions to help you refine your search and understand what features are important to you.

• What am I going to be using it for?
• Who will be using it?
• What is most important to me? Comfort, weight, adjustable fit?

The best thing is to talk to or chat with a retailer who has extensive experience and has tested out all the carriers. The most important thing to understand is that everyone has a favorite for different reasons. Some else’s favorite is not necessarily yours.

Fitting Your Child

Get comfortable - with placing your child carrier on the ground and find a position that allows you to stabilize it most effectively.

Adjust the stansons - or seat height to an approximate level, and loosen the tie straps before placing your child in the carrier, You child should be seated high enough to look forward over your shoulder but not so high that their chest is above the height of the carrier holder.

Loosen all the straps - and make sure the rear kick-stand is fully extended. The kick stands vary model to model so be sure ti is fully extended.

Place your child - into the carrier and make sure their feet and legs come through the leg openings and they are sitting comfortably. Make sure legs can move freely

Tighten - the shoulder straps then buckle them, do the side straps and then leg straps (remember straps and buckles vary by manufacturer).These can include the hip belt and shoulder, leg and sternum straps. Not all carriers come with all straps. Your child should be secure and comfortable but not restricted. Check to make sure the shoulder harness fits smoothly over your child's shoulders and that the leg straps are comfortable.

Put the Child Carrier on - by moving it to your knee and then yor back, its not unlike putting a full pack when you go for a hike on a trail. (You may require help the first time until you become comfortable with it yourself)

Test it out - For your first time out we recommend a walk around the backyard or down the street - better to deal with adjustment issues before out on the trail with a crying child!

Using Your Carrier and Safety

Baby and child carriers provide one of the safest and easiest ways to spend time outdoors and on the go with your child. When used properly, both parents and kids will love moving about with a carrier whether out for a hike or attending an outdoor festival. In general we offer the following tips for safe and fun adventures with carriers:

• Start out slowly with your child - make your first outings with a carrier short, fun and positive so that your child will have the chance to get used to this new form of transportation.
• It is easy for a child to become sunburned while out in a carrier - if your carrier does not have a sun shield or cover be sure to use sunscreen and a hat.
• Know you and your child's limits - you may think a 6 hour hike sounds like fun but your baby might not, besides will you be able to carry Jr. for that long and still be able to walk the next day?
• Bring snacks, toys, and other distractions for extra help along the way.
• Take time to adjust and fit your carrier properly
• Re-assess how the carrier fits your child periodically - babies grow fast and may require new fit adjustments.
• Consider a child view mirror if not included with backpack carrier - very handy if you need to see what ís going on back there.
• Make all necessary fit adjustments for your child before heading out.
• Make sure baby or child is well-insulated for cold weather outings.
• Read the manufacturer's information included with your carrier about fitting, use and safety.
• Don't leave your child unattended while he or she is in a child carrier.
• Since many babies and children often fall asleep in a child carrier, occasionally check your child's position and comfort
• Backpack style carriers should not be set on elevated surfaces (like a bed, sofa, chair or bench)
• Baby and child carriers are not recommended for activities that can affect your balance like skiing, rollerblading or skating, among other things.

Overview

Child carriers allow outdoor kids and active parents to take trail hikes and casual walks. Before you purchase a Child Carrier it is advantageous to compare several products and determine which is the best for you. Ideally the child carrier would meet your activity requirements while providing you with safety and comfort.

Child Carriers Overview Child and Baby Carriers come in a various, shapes, colors, how to buy a child carrier and sizes. They tend to have a variety of options, configurations and harnesses that determine there appropriate functionality. Be sure to look at the all the options of the and think about how it applies to your current activity prior to purchasing. Often times its the smallest feature or function that can make the difference in feeling comfortable in your activity of choice.. Most critically is determining if the child carrier will in fact fit your child. Manufacturers have designed carriers with the ability to modify the height of the seating position to enable the best balance and seating position for your child. Be sure to look at the size, weight and safety requirements of the specific product you are interested in. Often times a specific carrier does have a weight restriction. Pick a carrier that allows you to get a few years use out of it but don't mistakenly go with the largest carrier. Remember the larger the size the more weight you will be carrying during your hike or walk. Often time lighter is better but it primarily depends on the active you are participating with.

Types of Child Carrier Backpacks
Child Carriers – Where to start?There are generally two major categories of child carriers: infant carriers, and child carriers (backpacks). When choosing a child carrier, the most important thing to consider is what you will be doing with it. Are you up for some back country adventures with the kids, or are you just going to be heading out on the trail for some light day hikes. The other thing to consider is whether you are a “go light” family, or a “bring as much as you can” family. Just make sure you have all the features you want in the price range you desire. It is easy to say, but hard to narrow down, we know. All our packs have some kind of storage. You always need diapers, extras, and some hydration at the bare minimum if you are heading out on any kind of trail, even if it is in the neighborhood park. We have broken down the carriers into four categories. You will see some packs in more than one category. These packs are very versatile.

Here are the categories:

Backcountry Ready: Feature rich fully loaded carriers that are ready for more than just a short day hike. They are for families that are ready for a back country adventure, or want all the bells and whistles for an outing.

Lightweight: Lighter weight carries that can handle the trail. Don’t get us wrong, we did not pick any that are not ready to go on at least a day hike. We have even used some of them for longer day hikes. Check them out and let us know if you have questions.

Convertible Daypack: This is the newest innovation in the child carrier market. These carriers all collapse into backpacks. These are the best for travel and heading out on the town because they are not as bulky as the traditional child carriers. We love them! Infant: Infant carries are for the early days of getting out, often for sanity sake. We did not select the carries without some kind of storage because we feel it is an important component. Whoever came up with the ones without any storage either never left the house for more than an hour, or were lucky enough not to have a blowout when they were walking around the block.

About Compare-Child-Carriers.com

Compare child carriers is a site dedicated to providing you with information about the various child carriers in the marketplace.

Child and Baby carriers were created by creative parents trying to find ways to carry their baby. Often times they created baby slings or rudimentary packs. Today, makeshift carriers are no longer practical. The advent of technology and new innovative designs have reinvented the whole idea of transporting your child. A full definition of Child Carriers can be found on wikipedia. Lightweight metals, durable fabrics, and superior functionality have transformed the antiquated baby carrier your parents used into a wide range of baby slings, carriers, and backpacks that fit just about any lifestyle.

This site [Compare-Child-Carriers.com] provides links to critical information in researching and finding the right child carrier for the task at hand. We evaluate baby slings, baby carriers, baby backpacks and child carriers as they become available. Not sure which type of carrier is right for your needs? We’re here to help. We will continuously update the site with information that can help you make the right decision.