Types of Infant (Baby) Carriers

Overview
We all know that infants love to be carried and most don’t want to be put down. During the first stages they want to be close to their mothers, fathers, and other people who love them. Carrying a child reenforces family bonding and is an important factor for continual brain development. Baby carriers are incredibly practical and are used to assist in everyday household activities as well as taking your child outdoors. May of them provide the significant advantage of allowing the wearer to have two hands free. So not only can you carry your child safely and comfortably but having two hands free allows you to carry on daily activities. there are several types of carriers for infants, and newborns. A description of each is outlined below.

Baby Slings
Typically a Baby Sling or Baby Wrap is made out of a strong soft cloth material. They wrap around your body and provide a pocket for the baby to ease into. The wraps or slings go over your shoulders and back and allow you to safely and securely support the weight of your child.

Front Carrier
Front Carriers are more manufactured for extended support and versatility. They allow a parent to carry a child for a much longer period of time and provide extra back support for greater versatility in movement. In both cases, slings, wraps and front carriers the child faces the wearer.

Multi-Position Carriers

Unlike slings and wraps Multi-Position carriers allow the wearer to the baby or infant to be turned around so that they are front facing, or facing away from the wearer.

About Deuter-pronounced (doy-ter)

Who is DEUTER??? DEUTER of Augsburg, Germany, has over 100 years in the backpack business, that is more than any other backpack brand, and is represented in over 45 countries worldwide!! So why are you not carrying one?

In 2001 Deuter established a US subsidiary in Longmont, Colorado. Over the past few years Deuter USA has made a big splash in the US market. Today in 2007 Deuter USA boasts nearly 500 specialty accounts and has been recognized by retailers as one of the top five backpack brands in the industry. No matter what outdoor sports you are doing or to which country you are traveling, Deuter packs will always be reliable companions for your activities. Our goals and values enable us to meet your highest expectations.

Deuter means ventilation... With five back systems perfectly suited for a specific purpose, Deuter guarantees optimum ventilation. In 1984 Deuter introduced the Aircomfort backsystem, which has revolutionized the hiking pack market.

Deuter guarantees comfort... Each and every backpack model is perfectly equipped and optimized for maximum comfort and functionality. Thus providing the most enjoyable experience for the demanding outdoor user.
Deuter backpacks fit... To ensure a comfortable fit, the range of products in each category is developed to best fit the majority of users. We take the fit very seriously hence the growing SL range for women and smaller torsos, as well as the Vari-Quick harness system to dial in that perfect fit.
Deuter pushes the envelope... Our consumer can be assured that we are setting the bar in product innovation and technology. Our child carriers meet and exceed the German consumer safety standards, set by the TUV Germany.

We were the first to introduce 3-sided ventilation, as well as the first to integrate a back protection shield into active sports packs. We are specialists in what we do, committed to using the latest in materials and techniques. We concentrate on being one step ahead of our competition.
There is one thing that all Deuter products have in common... They are designed with a wealth of experience and innovative creativity, always keeping our consumers' comfort and satisfaction in mind. The Deuter team consists of outdoor enthusiasts who share in the love of nature and the pursuit of outdoor adventure.

Gear Review: Sherpani - What's the Difference?

Comparing the Rumba and Rumba Superlight Baby Carriers
The Rumba and Rumba Superlight are both outstanding baby carriers. They are unsurpassed in comfort for both parent and baby and the unique Sherpani design highlights safety features you won’t find anywhere else. But, there are some significant differences between the Rumba and Rumba Superlight you will want to take into consideration when making your decision. Read on for more details …

Suspension System
- Rumba: Shoulder harness is adjustable for different torso lengths, ideal for couples who are very different sizes.
- Rumba Superlight: Shoulder harness is sewn in, good for parents close to the same size

Storage Capacity
- Rumba: Has a pop-off daypack in addition to the lower trunk storage, 2800 cu.in. total
- Rumba Superlight: Has lower trunk storage, 1500 cu.in.

Sun/Rain Shade
- Rumba: Topper sunshade is included
- Rumba Superlight: Topper sunshade is included

Pack Weight
- Rumba: 7 lb. 8 oz.
- Rumba Superlight: 4 lb. 8 oz.

Weight Capacity
- Rumba: Strength rated to carry up to 70 lbs.
- Rumba Superlight: Strength rated to carry up to 55 lbs.

Child Carriers Defined - Wikipedia - Snippet

Child Carrier - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A child carrier (also called a baby carrier) is a device used to carry an infant or small child. This can be on the body of an adult, or separately. On-the-body carriers are designed in various forms such as slings, backpack carriers, and soft front or hip carriers, with varying materials and degrees of rigidity, decoration, support and confinement of the child. Slings, soft front carriers, and "carrycots" are typically used for infants who lack the ability to sit or to hold their head up. Frame backpack carriers (a modification of the frame backpack) and hip carriers, as well as certain styles of slings, are used for older children.

History
Although the carrying of children on the body using devices is a relatively recent phenomenon in the West, the practice has been established in many cultures for centuries. Images of children being carried in slings can be seen in Egyptian artwork dating back to the time of the Pharaohs, and have been used in many indigenous cultures. Devices for carrying children, not on the body, take the form of "carrycots", although many cultures have produced portable cradles, cradleboards, baskets, travois and other devices for making young infants easier to pick up and set down quickly. The modern car seat infant carrier is a relative latecomer.

See also
Baby transport: This has more discussion on strollers and carseats.
Cradle board
Baby sling: This is the most comprehensive article on specific methods of carrying babies on an adult's body.
Babywearing: A discussion of the concept of "wearing" the baby, this article looks more at the philosophy and general concept of babywearing, and less about specific carriers.

References
van Hout, I.C. (1993). Beloved Burdens. Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen.
Fontanel, Beatrice (October 1, 1998). Babies Celebrated. Harry N Abrams, 250 pages. ISBN 0-8109-4012-4.

Gear Review: Deuter Kid Comfort II

Gear Review: Deuter
Friday, June 09, 2006
Price: $179.99
Deuter Kid Comfort II

Upside: This pack is very easy to adjust from Dad to Mom. The Vari Quick system allows you to change the torso length in a flash. Loading your child is by far the easiest in the Kid Comfort II because the side opens as apposed to most of the other carriers where you need to top load the child.

Downside: You must remember to push out the back of the frame before you put the pack down with the child. This is a mistake I made on the first stop. I was attentive to the carrier and my little one did not fall over but it was very tippy without the frame fully extended. This is not uncommon in many packs.

Over All Impression: I have to say, I was surprised how comfortable the pack was. I was also very pleased with the way it handled my 30 lb. 3 year old. She tends to reach for branches and leaves and this did not compromise my hiking at all. It was so comfortable it felt very similar to my regular backpack fully loaded. We took the Kid Comfort II on a pretty technical rocky trail with some twists and turns and it managed the load very well. Leave it to Deuter to engineer a superb pack.

Cool features: Hydration compatible; put in a bladder and you and your child have access to hydration during the hike. Mesh pockets on the sides that the child can reach while in the carrier for snacks or the cute little teddy bear that comes with the pack.

Other Gear Reviews (From: BackPacker Gear Testers)

• Brian Atkins
• Shane Steinkamp
• Tim Coughlin

available at: http://www.upsideover.com/

Showcase: Deuter

Never heard of Deuter? It's because they are completely new to the U.S. market. Sure, you haven't seen them in every REI warehouse or your neighborhood outdoor store. A Germany-based company, Deuter has more than 100 years of experience with outdoor gear. They've been a forerunner in developing innovative hiking, biking, and child carrier packs. We're particularly impressed by their unique Vari-Quick ventilation system and their KangaKid pack - which converts from regular backpack to child carrier with one zip. We're pleased to introduce you to Deuter.

Deuter packs bring innovation and design to a new level. These packs use ventilation and support to give a great suspension and feel. Deuter child carriers feature some of the best structural design and flexibility in fit. Check out the entire line of Deuter Packs and child carriers!!

Deuter: Kid Comfort II Child Carrier - Most successful Deuter child carrier. New improved back system and hip fins for increased carrying comfort. Height-adjustable child seat with innovative height adjustable & child dimensioned safety belt, softly padded at face height.

Deuter produces backpacks and child carriers for hiking, backpacking, climbing and mountaineering. Deuter backpacks and child carriers are well-made and time tested. If you want more than just your average kid carrier, check out the Deuter KangaKid Child Carrier Backpack.

Kid Aircomfort Kid Comfort I Kid Comfort II

Kid Comfort III KangaKid Fox 30

Kids Ultra bike

Accessories

Sun Roof/Rain Cover KC Rain Cover

Neck Cushion KangaKid Sun Roof

Some Products available at http://www.upsideover.com

How to Buy a Child Carrier

There are a lot of child carriers out there these days. For many years they just didn’t change much and the options were few, but in recent years designers have begun to question the old standards. Innovations in lightweight materials and frame and harness design have suddenly left families with more options than ever before. While this wide selection can leave some of us a little confused at first it allows distinct families to find a carrier that matches their unique activities and requirements. Taking just a few factors into consideration the field can be narrowed down in no time and any family can easily identify a few models that might be the right child carrier for them.

What do you want to use your carrier for?

Will you be traveling and dashing through airports and using your carrier as a carry on? Maybe you’re looking for a convertible daypack. These supped-up diaper bags are the minimalist answer to larger carriers. Capable of carrying a small supply of baby essentials, these “book bag” looking carriers zip open to reveal an internal seat and harness for baby. Just convert it from day pack to carrier, load baby up and you’re off for some quick errands or to catch your flight.
Going to the farmers market or running a few errands downtown? Mid sized carriers will provide adequate comfort for both you and your little one to do some light day hiking or to get around town for a few hours. With storage capacity for baby’s items and your lunch, water and rain shell, these are great for most urban and day hiking applications.
Doing some heavier hiking with higher mileages and elevations or planning on being out overnight? There are some really well designed backcountry packs that feature fully adjustable harnesses just like on your full sized backpack. They are designed for all day comfort for you and baby on rough terrain, are built to withstand tough backcountry use and feature storage capacities up to 2800 cubic inches. These carriers often feature all the bells and whistles that can be found on any backcountry backpack. Sun hoods for baby, rain covers, hydration bladder compatibility and fully adjustable harnesses, these carriers are ready for the backcountry or for long days at the park or out working in the yard or on the farm.

How big are the adults who will be using the carrier?

The nicest hiking boots in the world are useless if they don’t fit. Same goes for child carriers. Any carrier must be able to accommodate the torso length and harness requirements of the adult who will be using it. And if multiple adults will be using it, it must be able to accommodate their respective torso lengths. Again, just like backpacks, fixed harness carriers will accommodate a small range of torso lengths and adjustable harness carriers will accommodate a wider range of torso length. Some of the backcountry carriers with adjustable harnesses even do a great job of accommodating both petite moms and tall broad chested dads comfortably. See the “How to Measure Your Torso Length” entry on this blog for the play by play on how to get measured up.

Options and cost considerations.

Keep in mind options that may be important to where and how you’ll be using the carrier. Will you need a sun hood or rain cover for the carrier? Are they included or are they an additional accessory and how much are they?

Like all quality equipment, child carriers are an investment. How much are you willing to invest? As in all things, you get what you pay for and generally the more expensive carriers offer more options in adjustability. The difference in $50 at the time of purchase may be the difference in years of use of the carrier. Rather than being able to keep using the carrier as the child grows a less expensive carrier may have to be retired because it is no longer comfortable carrying the child’s increased weight. Or it may not feature options such as an adjustable seat for the little one, so as the child becomes taller the saddle can not be lowered and low branches and doorways become a hazard.

After comparing options and prices to your already narrowed list (based on your use and size requirements) you should have only a few options of models to choose from.

Still not sure?

Many retailers offer great consultation services and have experts on staff to help you through the fitting and selection process. Making use of these services can mean the difference between getting the best carrier for your family (and for your money) or ending up with a model that just isn’t a great fit or has features you don’t need. At the least, talking to these gear savvy folks will help you confirm that you’ve already picked out the right carrier to spend your hard earned cash on.