How do you choose the best baby carrier?

How to choose the best baby carrier to go hiking?

To choose your mode of carrying and to know everything about baby carriers, here are our key tips for you to understand everything!

We know it's important for you to be able to go and enjoy nature with all the family and to pass on the pleasure of hiking from a young age.
Just because baby can’t yet walk doesn't mean they should miss out on the pleasures of hiking!
Of course, a pushchair (even with 4x4 wheels) can be restrictive on trails,
as it can be in an urban environment too: weight, accessibility and size issues.
The baby carrier is perfect for keeping your baby close to you with hands free in the countryside or in town.

Which type of baby carrier do you choose for your child? 

Sling carrier, traditional or physiological baby carrier, it's easy to get lost...

The baby carrier is a way of carrying that has many benefits.
it allows the carrier to gain proximity, to soothe and to bring comfort and safety to the child while freeing hands to do several things at the same time. Depending on the model, it will last for several months or years for everyday use or even when hiking!
Its all-purpose format makes it very fashionable.
It is a useful accessory both at home and outside and for regular or occasional use.
Are you hesitating between the baby carrier or sling carrier?
Have you heard about physiological carrying or even the ergonomic baby carrier?
We give you our tips for choosing the best baby carrier.

How to compare?

There are different types of carrying systems, each with their own specificities and advantages. First of all, you have to choose the criteria that are essential for you in order to find the baby carrier that suits you the best.

How do you choose the best baby carrier?

A/ THE TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL CRITERIA

- The seat: This is the position you want your child to be in. It is possible for the parent to carry their child on the front or on the back. The child can also have a position facing you or a position facing the world..
- Price: Of course, it’s important that your purchase falls within your budget while meeting your needs.
- Comfort: Both for the baby and the carrier.
- Safety: choice of resistant and qualitative materials as well as respecting current safety standards.
- Functions / accessories: Everything you need to help your everyday such as storage, different options, adjustable shoulder straps, a sunshade, etc.
They can be extremely useful when hiking to protect baby from UV rays or light rain.
- Easy to use / quick set-up: yes the carry system is easy to understand, yes you can set it up without risk to your kid...
The aim is to spend quality time with the family!

How do you choose the best baby carrier?

B/ MORPHOLOGICAL-BODY CRITERIA

Then take into account the physical aspects of the carrier and the baby so that carrying is optimal, comfortable and above all fitted.- The weight: It is necessary to check on each model the maximum load capacity to be sure that the baby carrier has been designed to support this weight. You can also compare the weight of the baby carriers.
- Size: Depending on the size of the baby and the height of the carrier, it must be fitted to both.

What is the minimum age for using a baby carrier?

Your baby’s age affects the recommended positions.
For example, up to 3 months, it’s recommended you keep your baby in the foetal position.
From 6 months upwards, carrying them on the stomach or back is possible if your baby can sit up alone.
Progressive baby carriers are also available to grow with your baby without having to change them every month.
Some models cover up to 3 sizes.
These are generally baby carriers with adjustable height, width, gap between the thighs, etc.

What are the different types of baby carriers? 

How do you choose the best baby carrier?

THE FABRIC SLING CARRIER?

The sling carrier lets parents carry their baby through various weaving techniques.
The important factor is the quality of the fabric.
Above all it must be strong, then each material has a different benefit.
For example, linen and cotton are durable materials over time and use.
Lycra or jersey provide more warmth and elastane adds elasticity.
This method of carrying has the main advantage of guaranteeing emotional security for the child: skin on skin effect, smell, warmth, etc.
It's therefore recommended for feeding them and for everyday use at home.

THE CLASSIC BABY CARRIER?

With a classic baby carrier, the child is carried by the crotch. The central element is the carrier in which they are fitted.
These are often the easiest models to use.
They are carried on the back or front so the baby can be turned towards you or the outside world.
The latter lets your baby see what's happening, enjoy the landscape on your outings in the great outdoors and stimulates them, however it doesn't guarantee a physiological position.       

How do you choose the best baby carrier?

WHAT IS A PHYSIOLOGICAL CARRIER OR AN ERGONOMIC BABY CARRIER?

Physiological carriers or ergonomic baby carriers respect the body’s natural position and supports a baby's requirements to support their growth.
Pre-formed baby carriers also ensure a physiological position for your baby.
With no metallic frame and various adjustment points, particularly on the belt and shoulder straps, these models are easy to use and often easier to fit on your baby.

To ensure the baby carrier follows a good physiological position: choose a baby carrier that allows the "M" position:
- slightly rounded back
- knees bent above the hips/buttocks
- pelvis aligned with their shoulders
- folded legs and tilted pelvis
- head turned to the side to clear their airways
- baby placed at "kissing height"

What is the best recommended baby carrier for newborn babies?

Carrying on the stomach is highly recommended for newborns.
In the first six months, a sling carrier is preferable.
It's the closest to the parents so the baby has direct contact.
Some brands even offer "newborn" kits for their baby carriers with extra accessories: boosters, cushions, etc.

How do you choose the best baby carrier?

What is the best baby carrier for hiking? 

It’s always nice for a parent to go for a wander on the weekend, to walk and take a break to stretch their legs or get some fresh air on short strolls with their kid, while keeping their freedom of movement.
Walking can also send baby gently off to sleep (and what’s more, it's better for the environment than going to sleep with engine noise going round the neighbourhood by car).
Some criteria will seem more favourable than others to you, such as breathability or having maximum comfort to carry your baby for one or several hours with any discomfort for your baby or you.
As the carrier, it’s therefore essential to be able to adjust the baby carrier’s shoulder straps just like on a backpack, or even find good quality fabric so the baby carrier lasts longer and resists movement and possible friction.
All this in the lightest and most compact format possible.

For longer walks or hikes, it’s recommended that baby is slightly older between 18 and 36 months and that your carry them in rigid baby carriers.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that this way of carrying is not compatible with (intense) sporting activity.

How do you choose the best baby carrier?

Our opinion?

To choose the best baby carrier the most important thing is to find one that respects the baby's physiology as well as the carrier’s comfort.
Therefore, choose a baby carrier adapted to the baby’s age, size and weight as well as the carrier’s body shape.
For your first time, we advise you to be with another person (ideally someone who has already used a baby carrier) to accompany and guide you.
Find more advice just below ;)

How do you choose the best baby carrier?

A little bonus, what baby carrier for dads?

Again, there is no perfect model as every body is different and the baby carriers are unisex.
We advise you to choose models that are easily adjustable and in particular on 3 key points to ensure support and comfort: the belt strap, chest strap and shoulder straps.
This means any responsible adult could be the carrier without having to buy different baby carrier models.
This will be really useful when the carrier gets tired on a hike and someone else can take over.

Which physiological baby carrier to choose for hiking?

How do you choose the best baby carrier?

Discover our physiological baby carrier co-created with our team of specialists 

At Quechua, we have the technical know-how on backpacks.
To grow our expertise and develop this baby carrier, we joined forces with experts in the physiology of young kids: a carrying instructor, a mid-wife, a physiotherapist and an osteopath.
They have supported us at every development stage to help us make the best choices (materials, shape, adjustments, positions) and guarantee the greatest comfort for your baby (physiological position) and for your back.
It’s designed to carry a baby from 8-9 months that is strong enough to sit up independently and up to 15 kg.
The position is optimised to offer a physiological baby carrier.
2 positions have been validated to provide comfort for the baby and carrier: at the start, a stomach position against you and a back position for older babies.
The straps are adjustable and padded for more comfort. It has a retractable hood that protects against UV rays and water in the case of light rain.
The back is made from perforated fabric to help air circulate and ventilate their back in hot weather. Many pockets to allow you to be independent during your outing in order to store all you need to take along with you: your keys, spare parts, flask, phone, etc.

How to choose the best baby carrier for hiking?

Maguy

Outdoor lover at Quechua

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