Child Carrier Backpacks?

[LAlvis]

Anyone ever used this backpack or one like it? My mom just offered to buy it for me for my birthday...want to make sure it's a good one before I take her up on it.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/kel...colorFamily=01

[kim]

We have a kelty kids backpack, although an older model. We really like it - both hubby and I have used it for all our kids. The kids have all loved being in it too. The kelty ones are pretty adjustable and comfy. HTH!

[ChamomileFriend]

I don't own a Kelty, but I remember them getting good reviews in general in the consumer reports baby book when we were shopping around for one. I think it was the Kangaroo model we looked at, but the one you linked to got good reviews in REI and Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-FC-1-0-C.../dp/B002YXY084

http://www.rei.com/product/829977/ke...-2011-closeout

[LAlvis]

Thanks, ladies! Kim, I was hoping you might reply...I remembered hearing you talk about child carriers a while ago and it seemed like you knew a fair amount about them. I haven't ever shopped around for ones at all; I got my snuggli used at a consignment store and that's about it, so I was hoping some of you who have done the homework might let me know what you think. I'm thinking that Kelty looks comfy and versatile, and I appreciate your comments.

[plaid]

I used to own a Kelty and we used it quite a lot. It does offer frame pack support which some people like. I ended up selling mine though. I found it very big. At the time we owned a truck and I was always having to leave it in the back which I often found frustrating if it was raining and then when we stopped somewhere I would have to try and find room for it in the truck as I was worried it would get stollen. The frame makes the pack stick out far and puts your baby higher and farther out. I found it awkward in crowds and hiking through trees. We switched to a soft frame pack and both Dh and I like it soo so much better. It is small and light and packs easy in your diaper bag. Baby is right next to you and lower down out of the branches. You also have the option of wearing them on your front still which I have found handy several times. We were both surprised to find the soft pack more comfortable too. We use it for hiking, Xc-skiing, grocery shopping and just out and about.

http://www.babyhawk.com/Gallery/?Type=1

http://store.ergobaby.com/

Just had to throw our reason switch out there, but Kelty's are very nice and well made and I have lots of friends that really like them. Having a pack is great.

[momofweewerfs]

we just had an evenflo back pack carrier given to us..i love it and so does Z!!!

[Jeff's Turtle]

I just bought an evenflow baby back carrier at a consignment rally for $20. I used it just yesterday for the first time at my sons tee-ball game. It worked really well. It gave me the ability to take care of our 2 year old when she needed me.
I also have a mei tie (just like a babyhawk) but I find it hard to place the baby on my back when it's just me. So that's why I bought the back carrier. I love it.

[LAlvis]

I also have a mei tie (just like a babyhawk) but I find it hard to place the baby on my back when it's just me. So that's why I bought the back carrier. I love it.

That's kind of what I was thinking...I completely understand what you're saying, Kathaleen, and I loved the looks of those carriers you linked, but I think the frame pack will work for what we need and also be something I can get on myself. Appreciate the "con" view--that's the kind of information I needed!

[Gracy47]

perfect! thanks I really need that !