Baby carriers and slings: Choosing a sling or baby carrier Baby backpacks and Hippychick

Carriers such as the Bush Baby have a rucksack-style appearance

Baby backpacks

Baby carrier backpacks have a rucksack-style appearance: your baby sits in a harness, supported by a light metal frame or rigid backpack-esque padding. You secure it on using padded shoulder straps and a waist belt. 

Lots of adjustments are possible and both parents can use the same backpack carrier. Because your child will be high up, you'll need more space to turn around and have to allow extra head space when going through doorways – but they'll be able to get a good view of the world.

Baby backpacks with a metal frame are usually designed so you can stand the carrier upright on its own – making it easier to get your child in and out. With some, you can buy extras such as sun and rain covers. More expensive ones are made by outdoor clothing and equipment specialists. Some baby backpacks even have space to store extra clothing and food, for example. 

Weight is the main drawback with these carriers. Unless you've been carrying your baby since birth and are fit, you may find them taxing over long distances, especially as your baby gets older. Watch out for the metal parts of the backpack getting uncomfortably hot or cold to touch.

• Suitable: from six months to up to three years, or up to 16kg
• Typical prices: from £50-£100+

Hippychick

Not strictly a sling - the Hippychick is another way to carry your child

The Hippychick hip seat is essentially a back-supporting belt with an integral padded foam shelf. The Hippychick allows you to carry a child naturally on your hip with a little help to reduce back strain.

Simply click the belt around your waist – it fits all sizes, with extensions available for larger figures – and sit your child on the seat.

The seat provides a firm shelf for the child to sit on and supports their increasingly heavy weight from underneath. Your back stays straight and your baby is tucked into your chest on whichever side is more comfortable for you.

The hip seat also has secure inner pockets and is machine washable.

• Suitable: from six months to up to three years, or up to 16kg
• Typical prices: around £35-£40

Looking for a baby carrier to use from birth? Find out about baby slings and soft baby carriers.