Back carrier for baby, toddler and older

[shelivesthedream]

I really want to take my children out and about more next year and we've got two really nice outdoor options half an hour's walk away. However, it's the getting there that will be the problem as we don't have a car and the bus fares are ridiculous. I'm pretty small and slight and not enormously strong or fit, but can manage a slow but determined trudge for a long time if necessary. And would like to get fitter!

Is there a backpack-type carrier out there that will carry a sturdy nearly-three-year-old with a bit of growing room and also manage a slight nearly-one-year-old without needing too much adjustment between them? And that I can strap them into thoroughly before hoisting them on all by myself? If I could have one in the buggy and one on my back I reckon we'd be fine, and they could swap on the way back. We have a (homemade, reasonably large) mei tai and I carry the little one in it on my back sometimes but I can't get her on by myself and trying to put the big one in it has been a disaster!

We've not got a lot of money at the moment but I am hoping that this will be a QOL investment for years to come. In theory it would mean I could take them on the Tube by myself as I could have the little one on my back and the big one could get out of the buggy to go up and down steps while I carry it empty (can't rely on the kindness of strangers as our 'home' station is often totally empty at the times we would travel and only step-free on the way out). Or am I just mad and should pay the bus fare or stay home?

[Morning Glory]

I purchased a used ergo baby for about $50. My boys run large and it lasted until my younger one was about 2.5 years old; he's 96th percentile for height and weight. I couldn't handle the moby wrap or front carrier due to neck pain. Ergo baby on my back was fine. I would balance him on my hip to get him in then spin him to my back before tightening the belt.

[nessness]

The type of carrier you want is called a soft structured carrier, of which there are many brands. I had a Lillebaby and was happy with it. Some people swear by Tula carriers for older/larger kids, but they're pricey and I haven't tried one myself.

It takes some practice to get a 1-year-old into a back carry by yourself (a 3-year-old should be easier because they can just hold on while you buckle them). There are some good YouTube videos to show you how to do it - I would recommend trying it a few times at home before you go out. I used the method where you buckle everything but the chest strap with the kid in the front then shift them around them to your back.

[Cranky]

Do they not make packs with a frame anymore? Meant for actual hiking? Ours would stand by itself, so you insert small child and then put the pack on.

I would look for a second hand lightweight double stroller, myself (and I walked everywhere when my kids were that age.) More comfortable, more range, and a place for the shopping, too.

[pattycakepdx]

My kiddo is a little younger than yours (2 yo), but I have a the Happy Baby onbuhimo and a Kelty Kids trekking pack and they are both great for these purposes. I'm also pretty small, but I'm able to get him on my back myself with both of these.

To figure out the onbuhimo I had to watch a few youtube videos and practice a bit, but we've got it down now. The trekking pack is a little simpler - you just strap him in and swing it up onto your back like any heavy backpack. The onbu is nice because it's lightweight and compact, but the trekking pack is very sturdy and I find it more comfortable for longer stretches.

I also got great deals on both of them used very gently. Could be just my area, but there were tons for sale in local groups. I know they are pretty pricey if you buy new.

[Sugaree]

I had a mei tai style carrier that I used until he was nearly four.  It could be worn front or back, which was nice.  Getting him into the back was challenging until he was older though. 

I actually made mine.  For whatever reason, baby carrier prices were insane in 2013/2014.  Like limited patterns were going for more on eBay than they cost new.  I had a Moby wrap, but after he outgrew that, I wasn't going to pay $100+ for a soft carrier. 

[tthree]

I also used a mei tai carrier. Once she was old enough to back carry, she pretty much lived there until she could walk.  And I continued to use it regularly until she was over three.

As with most things, you will feel more comfortable loading and unloading them the more you practice. You will get good at it:).

[bogart]

I got a Kelty frame carrier (similar to this, though I got my used and think I paid maybe $80 for it, about a decade ago -- so yikes at the pricing posted here:  https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Journey-Perfectfit-Child-Carrier/dp/B0793MC5KW ), and it was ... great.  Really well designed, well crafted, well balanced, very sturdy, very secure (I once tripped and fell flat on my face, no fault of the carrier -- kid securely inside, securely strapped, uninjured, unfazed.  I was bruised from the fall, but fine...). 

It was also big and clunky and not practical for day-to-day use (except insofar as I was hiking daily -- not good for in-town outings, at least, didn't appeal to me for that purpose).  I subsequently got and used the h*ll out of a simple peanut shell brand sling similar to this one -- https://www.ebay.com/itm/Peanut-Shell-Baby-Sling-Size-S-Pink-And-Brown-For-Babies-6-36lbs/373293225751?hash=item56ea029717:g:xN8AAOSw6rZfk0yV ).  Cheap as all getout, small enough to cram in a purse.  It's shown in that pic as an infant carrier, but if you look around you can find pictures that showed the way I used it with an older kid -- slam kid astride you on hip, pull sling around kid.  I took my 3 year old / 40 lber on a trip to Europe with that and walked everywhere with him in it.  Loved it.  Owned 3 before I was done using it -- 2 different sizes to account for how much clothing I was wearing, and a fleece one for winter hiking. 

I also had and used (some) a soft Kelty harness, an Ergo, a mei tai (my second favorite, moreso when he was younger), a ring sling, a baby bjorn and others.  I was insanely interested in baby carriers and in finding baby carriers that worked for me.  The simple 100% fabric loop sling beat them all hands down for me.  GL finding something that works well for you.

[shelivesthedream]

Hm... I'm scratching my head now wondering if I can make the mei tai work? I've got two, a small one and a bigger more padded one. Maybe tying it differently? Watch this space! Any links to tying tips much appreciated!

[bogart]

Hm... I'm scratching my head now wondering if I can make the mei tai work? I've got two, a small one and a bigger more padded one. Maybe tying it differently? Watch this space! Any links to tying tips much appreciated!

Would buying and adding (may require a bit of sewing) snaps -- https://www.amazon.com/BootYo-Backpacking-mattresses-Sleeping-Pair-Black/dp/B00Y9AK20U/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=nylon+strap+buckles&qid=1609343938&sr=8-9 -- be an option? 

I'm way past what you're dealing with now, but I really wanted distance baby wearing to become a competitive sport when I was baby wearing.  Don't tell me you can vacuum comfortably while wearing your baby, show me how quickly you can scale a steep hill, then pause at the top to remove your windbreaker and re-tie your boot, all without waking baby. 

[shelivesthedream]

Hm... I'm scratching my head now wondering if I can make the mei tai work? I've got two, a small one and a bigger more padded one. Maybe tying it differently? Watch this space! Any links to tying tips much appreciated!

Would buying and adding (may require a bit of sewing) snaps -- https://www.amazon.com/BootYo-Backpacking-mattresses-Sleeping-Pair-Black/dp/B00Y9AK20U/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=nylon+strap+buckles&qid=1609343938&sr=8-9 -- be an option? 

I'm way past what you're dealing with now, but I really wanted distance baby wearing to become a competitive sport when I was baby wearing.  Don't tell me you can vacuum comfortably while wearing your baby, show me how quickly you can scale a steep hill, then pause at the top to remove your windbreaker and re-tie your boot, all without waking baby.

Interesting! I made both carriers myself, so very happy with a bit of sewing, but would have to think about optimal placement.

I tried an onbuhimo-type tie with the baby today, sitting her on the sofa and getting her legs in, then kneeling in front of it. It was OK, except I had to get Mr SLTD to keep her from crawling off the sofa while I got down and got my arms in! I presume she'd get used to the idea after a few goes and stay still.

The position on my back was very comfortable and did actually feel secure, which I was surprised by, but the straps ended up really cutting in. I sort of did it like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Kx7hRb7qA&ab_channel=LMBbabywearing and the knots ended up right on top of my shoulders taking all her weight! I shoved a bit of padding underneath as I was just planning on a test trip round the house, but need to work out how to tie it slightly differently.

[Sugaree]

Hm... I'm scratching my head now wondering if I can make the mei tai work? I've got two, a small one and a bigger more padded one. Maybe tying it differently? Watch this space! Any links to tying tips much appreciated!

Would buying and adding (may require a bit of sewing) snaps -- https://www.amazon.com/BootYo-Backpacking-mattresses-Sleeping-Pair-Black/dp/B00Y9AK20U/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=nylon+strap+buckles&qid=1609343938&sr=8-9 -- be an option? 

I'm way past what you're dealing with now, but I really wanted distance baby wearing to become a competitive sport when I was baby wearing.  Don't tell me you can vacuum comfortably while wearing your baby, show me how quickly you can scale a steep hill, then pause at the top to remove your windbreaker and re-tie your boot, all without waking baby.

Interesting! I made both carriers myself, so very happy with a bit of sewing, but would have to think about optimal placement.

I tried an onbuhimo-type tie with the baby today, sitting her on the sofa and getting her legs in, then kneeling in front of it. It was OK, except I had to get Mr SLTD to keep her from crawling off the sofa while I got down and got my arms in! I presume she'd get used to the idea after a few goes and stay still.

The position on my back was very comfortable and did actually feel secure, which I was surprised by, but the straps ended up really cutting in. I sort of did it like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Kx7hRb7qA&ab_channel=LMBbabywearing and the knots ended up right on top of my shoulders taking all her weight! I shoved a bit of padding underneath as I was just planning on a test trip round the house, but need to work out how to tie it slightly differently.

My SIL has something like this:  https://www.amazon.com/TwinGo-Separates-Carriers-Comfortable-Adjustable/dp/B01J3V1D4I

I'm not sure how easy it would be to construct that, and it's pretty pricy.  but using the straps @bogart posted, you might be able to construct something. 

[icebox92]

I'm a baby wearing fanatic and have just about every type of carrier imaginable (and multiple brands of the same type SMH)...  keeping it MMM style I've only actually bought one.  All others were hand me downs or gifts. That being said, I think my favorite for larger children and babies combined is the Tula.  It is the best hands down, but as someone said, it is pricey.  You should be able to pick up a used one, and it is worth the money.  My only complaint about it period is its a little harder to breastfeed in...  the Ergo & Lillebaby were easier.  We still breastfeed in it, just a little different feel for me. 

[dhc]

I don't think I'd want to carry a 3-year-old in a soft structured carrier. Mine's only 18 months, but we're already phasing out of that and into a framed carrier (in my case, by Osprey, but there are several others including one by Deuter everyone by me seems to love). The published weight limits are similar for both styles (around 45 lb), but as you get up in that range, the additional structure really makes a difference, as does the true hip belt.


Adjustment-wise, the Osprey at least would be super easy to swap back and forth - it's just one strap to lower the "seat" to the appropriate height, with everything else remaining the same.

[Cranky]

I don't think I'd want to carry a 3-year-old in a soft structured carrier. Mine's only 18 months, but we're already phasing out of that and into a framed carrier (in my case, by Osprey, but there are several others including one by Deuter everyone by me seems to love). The published weight limits are similar for both styles (around 45 lb), but as you get up in that range, the additional structure really makes a difference, as does the true hip belt.


Adjustment-wise, the Osprey at least would be super easy to swap back and forth - it's just one strap to lower the "seat" to the appropriate height, with everything else remaining the same.

I agree - truly distributing the weight to your hips makes a lot of difference, not just to comfort but to your balance.

[SimpleCycle]

I carry my 5 year old in a soft structured carrier on occasion without much problem.  Frame carriers are not my preference at all because they change your center of gravity.  Better to keep the kids close to the center of your body.

So I’m going to dissent and say you probably want a toddler carrier for the 3 year old and a smaller carrier for the 1 year old.  Fit makes all the difference in comfort for you and the kids.  We have a toddler Tula and used an Ergo when they were smaller.  It takes a bit of practice to get comfortable with back carries, but you can practice at home.  Ergo fit until about 3.5.

The ultimate in flexibility is a woven wrap, but its learning curve is pretty steep.  If you’re interested in that route I’m happy to post resources.

[I'm a red panda]

We hike with our 3.5-year old a Boba 4G. Her Dad likes the colors better than the Lillebaby All Seasons we have, so I wear that with the 18-month old.
Lillebaby also makes toddler carriers with higher weight limits.

I have never felt I needed a framed hiking carrier, and honestly, the tall height of them seems onerus- I wouldn't want to be bonking my child into trees and branches that I didn't realize I needed to duck for, since the kid sits higher up than me.

[engineerjourney]

I carry my 5 year old in a soft structured carrier on occasion without much problem.  Frame carriers are not my preference at all because they change your center of gravity.  Better to keep the kids close to the center of your body.

So I’m going to dissent and say you probably want a toddler carrier for the 3 year old and a smaller carrier for the 1 year old.  Fit makes all the difference in comfort for you and the kids.  We have a toddler Tula and used an Ergo when they were smaller.  It takes a bit of practice to get comfortable with back carries, but you can practice at home.  Ergo fit until about 3.5.

The ultimate in flexibility is a woven wrap, but its learning curve is pretty steep.  If you’re interested in that route I’m happy to post resources.

Agree with this comment.  I have tried many brands of soft structured carriers and even wear my five year old without issue for hikes and stuff, its like an assisted piggyback ride.  The hiking carrier frame thing I tried once was god awful and bulky and heavy!  Tula is one of the best and now sells for cheap used (a couple years ago they were all instantly sold out and re-sold for waaay more than retail), you probably want the toddler size (they even have a preschool size now that I can wear my five year old in). 

A wrap (not stretchy!!!) is definitely the most flexible and easy to carry around but as SimpleCycle said its a steep learning curve.  It might also take you a while to find your "perfect" one as there are sooo many fiber options and stuff available.  You can get them pretty cheap though.  And its sooooo worth learning if you have any interest.  People make them from extra fabric too for super cheap, you just need to look for certain blend/strength.  I like the pretty ones so never did that myself.

Look for babywearing swaps on facebook.  There are even ones for like $100 and under only groups. 

I used a stroller like five times with my oldest and never with my youngest (they are five and three now), babywearing is seriously the best. 

[clairebonk]

I use the ergo on the back for kids  ages 1-5. It’s the most comfortable for everyone.

[Morning Glory]

My 3 y/o is too big for the Ergo so he just sits on my shoulders now. We did a six mile hike last weekend and I probably carried him for four of them. My neck was a bit sore afterwards. I might get a real hiking carrier if we go on a big trip this summer.

I back carried him in the Ergo from about 6 months to 2.5 years.