The best baby carrier backpacks for family walks and more

Mother&Baby Award: Silver

Designed for ultimate convenience, practicality and security, the Cross Country S4 will see trips from the city to hikes in the country, all with baby on board. Made from lightweight and breathable nylon, both you and your baby will be nothing but comfortable due to its carefully designed backpack system. We loved the improved fabrics and airflow shoulder straps compared to previous versions. This baby carrier felt comfortable and would be perfect for days out. It even comes with additional accessories, including a sun shade and a viewing mirror for their protection. This design is suitable from 6 months old and can be used until three years old - no wonder it tops our list.

It's not the lightest carrier of the bunch but reviews are overwhelmingly and unsurprisingly positive. "Glad I got this one over a lighter weight one, as the extra storage is really helpful for taking changing stuff, spare clothes etc," said mum. "It's a really easy-to-use design and feels very secure."

Our own Mother&Baby reviewer said: "Overall, I really like the carrier. It looks good, is easy to use, and a lot of thought has gone into the design regarding pockets, sunshade and little extras such as the face cushion. It's quite big but can fit in the boot of a car or on the back seat. It takes some practice to lift onto your back with your child in, but I got the hang of it quite quickly, although I found it harder to remove him."

Read our full Cross Country S4 Child Carrier review

When it comes to good design, value for money and comfort - the LittleLife Ranger S2 Child Carrier ticks all the right boxes for parents. There are less pockets and storage spaces than in other carriers, but we love this one for travelling because it is lightweight at just 1.7kg. So, whether you're strolling around a museum with your child or going on your first beach trip, this baby carrier backpack is essential for any long wear.

The Ranger S2 Carrier was tried and tested by mum, Kate Gillies, who said: "The shoulder straps are good quality, plus it's lightweight, slimline and comfortable for longer walks. One drawback is that it doesn't stand up on its own, but at the price, I can live with that. This backpack carrier is perfect for either caregiver as the straps can be adjusted to suit the person wearing it. We found this is a great option for parents who plan to use it all day as it is very lightweight. We also like that you can buy additional accessories if you need them."

Any less than brilliant reviews tended to come from mums who are of shorter height and find it difficult to balance whilst wearing it. Just something to keep in mind.

Read our full LittleLife Ranger S2 Baby Carrier review

As well as carrying your toddler, these backpacks should be able to store bottles, nappies and a spare change of clothes for your little one. We like that this has space for all your kid's essentials, as it includes a bottle holder and pockets. That said, our favourite thing about this phil&teds Parade Baby Carrier is that it comes with a detachable backpack for tots to wear when walking.

The phil+teds Parade Carrier was tried and tested by mum, Nikki Hunt. She said: "My favourite! There's no headrest for naps, but it's lightweight and compact when folded, so fab for popping in my small car boot. It's comfortable and simple to adjust – the harness is easy to fasten. I can reach the support leg unaided, and there's plenty of storage space. Emmy loved being able to fill the little bag with all her 'treasures' too."

The frame of the carrier is reportedly a little uncomfortable in the lower back for a few wearers, and another says there is space between a smaller child and your back, even at the tightest setting, which makes the wearer lean forward.

Read our full Phil&Teds Parade review

Do you suffer with a bad back? You don't have to rule out a baby carrier backpack, thanks to this incredible option from Ergobaby. This carrier can be worn not one but in four different positions: parent-facing, on the back, on the hip and front-facing outwards, which will ensure you and your little one are comfortable at all times. We love it - and there are many happy parents out there who agree.

"My husband and baby love this thing!" said one mum. "My husband has really bad back problems, and he says this doesn't hurt his back at all and supports it well. He says it is comfortable, and my baby loves it. He falls asleep almost instantly and stays asleep the entire time he is in it. My little one is only two months old, so we haven't tried the other positions yet, but I'm excited to try the forward-facing position. I have yet to use it because I feel it is too bulky for me at the moment, and prefer my Ergobaby Aura wrap carrier. Right now, I do have to help him get the baby in."

There are some reviewers who say they don't feel the ErgobabyOmni 360 is ideal for newborn and very small babies, but is better once they grow a little older.
"I purchased this as it says it doesn’t need an infant insert," said one. "I tried my baby from around 9lbs, he’s currently about 13lbs and he’s still too small for it. I’m keeping it for now as I really hope he likes it when he is a bit bigger and hoping it’s just an issue with him not fitting well in it yet."

Another reviewer said she felt similarly, but that her nine-month-old and three-year-old are both carried comfortably and happily.

Like an adventure? With a sun shade, waterproof fabric and side pockets for all the bits you may need on a walk, this one is for fans of the great outdoors! Boasting a ventilated back, comfortable waist belt, padded shoulder straps and a height-adjustable seat for your child, it's made with sturdiness in mind. It even has a stand for when you put it on the ground. Having said that, it's not one of the lightest options."I bought this as a gift for my son, who is 6ft and well built," said one grandma. "He's delighted overall with the product but said the waist strap could be more generous! Apart from that, he said it's a great product - well made and very comfortable when on."

We particularly love the sun shield, which helps to keep your child safe in the sun. This is the perfect baby backpack carrier for hikers and accompanying little ones aged one and above.

It may have a trendy Osprey label, but there's more to this carrier than designer status. Its fold-flat frame is the standout feature, making it convenient to travel with and store. But once in use, it boasts an SPF 50 sunshade, drool pad, various pockets for carrying essentials, and a snug, adjustable seat for your little one.

Comfort for the wearer hasn't been compromised, either. "This carrier is worth every penny," said one mum reviewer. I'm 5'2" and have a bad back, so I was worried about using this carrier for my 19-month-old for a week-long camping trip, but my back didn't hurt from the carrier at all! It distributes the weight so comfortably, and it was worth the extra money to have the quality, extra storage, and comfort."

The carrier is pricier than other options but worth the investment if you're going to use it often, according to another reviewer: "There is ample room for essentials and the straps adjust for a perfect fit. The carrier is attractively designed and very durable and is easy to keep clean because of the dark colors. It is well worth the expense as it will last you well beyond the child's outgrowing and you can keep in the family for a long time."

At 2.31kg it's neither the lightest nor heaviest carrier in our round-up but this does include a stand.