Many parents enjoy taking leisurely walks, hiking, or taking care of daily chores with their babies. A baby carrier backpack effectively frees them from having to constantly hold their babies. Many parents that are used to hold their babies while doing activities think of these carriers as lifesavers. Even though these baby carriers are convenient, its important to select the perfect carrier, making sure it\’s a perfect match for both the baby and parent, while avoiding common safety hazards. This article will go over the most important reasons to thoroughly compare baby carrier backpacks.

First, make sure the backpack has padding where needed (often to protect parents\’ shoulder area) and that weight is properly distributed when the baby is in the carrier. Otherwise, it will be uncomfortable to use. Carriers vary widely in the amount of padding and proper weight distribution so try some trial runs (many stores will allow parents to walk around in the store to check out how the carrier feels). Any carrier which cause shoulder pain should be immediately ruled out.

Another reason to check out baby carrier backpacks is to compare their ease of use. Carriers may be used often but no one wants to bother with one that has straps or buckles which are hard to open or close or which take too much time to adjust. Make sure instructions are easy to follow and that the backpacks are a snap to use. It is also important to know how easily the backpack can be cleaned. Babies can spit up or drool on carriers, just one of the realities parents have to handle. A smooth surface that can be wiped clean is a plus. Cloth fabrics can be difficult to clean.

One of the most important factors to consider when comparing baby carrier backpacks is whether or not they\’re on a recall list or not. There are many infant and baby products that have been recalled. While recalled carriers should be removed from stores immediately, it\’s possible for there to be a lag time before this actually happens. Keep up with current recalls and understand the common reason for product recalls. The U.S. Product Safety Commission tracks all recalls, so take the time to check their list.

Some of the dangers include suffocation hazards because of improper safety standards. Another risk is loose stitching that can allow infants to fall from the carriers and get injured. For example, Baby Trend Back Pack Carriers were recalled in 2007 because of loose stitching. Unfortunately, infants or babies are often injured, prompting numerous complaints, before a recall is issued. When parents carefully check baby carrier backpacks, they may catch a potential hazard. Always use common sense and if a potentially unsafe carrier is discovered, considering reporting your findings to the U.S. Product Safety Commission. Chances are that the baby carriers purchased in stores won\’t appear on the recall list, but its best to play it safe.

Of course, parents won\’t always stand while wearing the baby carrier, but make sure the comfort factor is high whether sitting or standing. If a carrier slips or has to be adjusted when moving from one position to another while bending over to pick something up, make sure the adjustments can be easily handled. Generally, a quality baby carrier should be safe, easy to clean, comfortable for both babies and parents, easily adjustable and perfectly fit a person\’s lifestyle.

Melvin Gray has been reviewing, evaluating and reporting about various backpack styles for 8 years. Being a parent, he only uses high quality baby carriers backpacks and would never settle for carrier backpacks with poor quality.