UPDATED APRIL 2018 Which kid carrier is right for you? In this post I compare the Baby Bjorn, Moby Wrap and Kelty Kid Carriers.
One of the most important piece of gear a Mountain Mom or Dad can own is a baby carrier. I have camped and hiked with my kids starting at just four months old, but the only way to do that is to have a dependable baby carrier to use.
So many great kid carriers are out there including soft structured carriers, baby wraps, hiking backpacks and more. The three kid carriers I use most – the Moby Wrap, Baby Bjorn and Kelty Kid Carrier are reviewed here, but I also like the Onya Baby NexStep Baby Carrier that Onya sent me to review.
You can see all the gear my family uses and loves at mountainmomandtots.com/gear.
But which is best?
This is my FAVORITE way to carry really young babies ages 0 to 6 months old. I was given one as a baby shower gift and LOVE it.
When the tots were brand new, day one to six months, they loved using the
Moby Wrap because they could curl up in the fetal position. I loved it because it kept baby close but still allowed me to move my arms.
You can use it to support baby on the front, side or back and the
Moby Wrap is super comfortable once you practice how to get the fabric wrapped correctly.
I’ve used it through out my tots infancies and toddlerhoods. My friend once even carried her exhausted six-year-old in the wrap for a short trek from Disneyland to the car.
BONUS: There are lots of adorable colors and styles and the Moby Wrap is really affordable compared to other kid carriers out there.
Newborns maintain fetal position
Expands as child grows
Baby close to body
Versatile baby positioning
Under $50
Restricts baby’s movements – great for newborns, can be annoying for babies 8 months and older
Awkward placing baby
Putting on wrap requires practice
Long fabric can drag on ground when
When Big E and little g were between two and eight months old, the
Baby Bjorn is the carrier I would most often choose. It was quicker to put on than the Moby Wrap and hands free, once I figured out how the straps worked.
Plus Mountain Dad would actually use the
Baby Bjorn. The tots loved it.
Comfortable
Easy to place baby
Freedom of movement for mom
Baby can be forward or backward facing
Front heavy at times
Baby can only be worn on front
Straps confusing at first
Baby slobber on folded front
The
Kelty Kid Carrier is designed specifically as a hiking pack, not just a baby carrier. It’s been great for my kids between six months old until almost three. However with toddlers it’s always been hit or miss if I could convince them to get in the thing. Two-year-olds tend to have minds of their own, y’know?
What’s great about the
Kelty Journey Kid Carrier s the support for the adult’s back. It fits like a very large backpack, with hip straps and a sternum strap to help distribute the extra weight of carrying baby to your base.
The other awesome aspect of the
Kelty is the extra storage and stable kick stand. With other kid carriers, it’s always tough to ALSO carry snacks, diapers, and water bottles. With the
Kelty, that’s no problem at all, in fact our model has a detachable mini backpack that’s perfect for that headstrong toddler that wants their OWN pack.
WARNING: All backpack child carriers should only be used if baby can safely hold up their heads.
Great features: detachable mini pack, child view mirror, sun shade
Adjustable for child and adult
Stable kickstand
Allows for hiking with toddlers
Heavy when fully loaded
Awkward to place on back without help
Digs into shoulders
Cost
Whichever pack you choose to use, I hope to see you on the trails soon.
See you in the outdoors!
~Mountain Mom
PLEASE NOTE: I was given no financial compensation for this review. These are the baby carriers my family purchased or were given at baby showers or as hand-me-downs.
HOWEVER the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking them I receive a small payment. Please do so! I’m saving up for backpacking gear for the whole family.
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