Backcountry Hiking with a Baby Carrier Backpack
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
by Dawn Cameron
Nature beckons and the weather is fine for backcountry hiking. Why don't you bring baby along in one of those sturdy baby carrier backpacks and let her enjoy the outdoors while you have fun too?
Backcountry hiking is a nice way to enjoy the summer and it's an adventure the whole family will enjoy. With young children in tow, you have to slow your pace and take snack breaks in-between and if you have to take your five or six month old baby along, forget the front baby carrier because your baby is now too heavy for long-distance travel that way; you'll likely suffer back pain.
Baby carrier backpacks make parents' backcountry hiking easier and baby can get a good view of the scenery; these backpacks are recommended for five- to six-month-old or older babies because they need to have strong enough neck muscles and the ability to sit up, pretty as you please, to get a good view of the countryside. It is a different experience alright when baby sees an adult view of the world, instead of the view of knees and shrubs they get from buggy rides.
For hiking or a leisurely stroll in the park, or even a walk about town, you do not want to be encumbered with the buggy or stroller. Once your child can sit up on her own, you need a versatile baby carrier backpack, which can sit baby comfortably, and keep your hands free. These sturdier carriers do not sacrifice anything when it comes to comfort for both parent and child, especially for longer walks.
Some soft baby carriers are designed for longer use, but can still be uncomfortable. Rigid framed baby carriers backpacks assure your baby's security and comfort and are outfitted to make hiking a pleasure. This variety of baby carrier backpack can be transformed to a chair. It boasts good suspension, padded shoulder straps with on the fly adjustment points, and a padded waist belt. The waist belt is significant because you support the weight with your hips and legs not your shoulders.
You should be able to find many useful features such as pockets where you can pop in baby stuff, waterproofed sun and rain guards to protect baby in time there's a change in the weather, high backs and sides to shield baby from branches and twigs, stirrups to keep his feet comfortable not hanging, a safety harness, and lashings for extra gear.
A collapsible frame for compact storage also works as a retractable kickstand to hold the carrier upright while on the ground, even with baby inside. Select one with toy loops; baby can grab these anytime or amuse himself with the bouncing toys while you trek the trails. Some of these baby carrier backpacks come with a detachable bag for baby things - wipes, diapers and change of clothing during the hike. You can easily sneak in a candy bar for yourself.
With your hands free and baby settled comfortably inside a baby carrier backpack, you and baby will immensely enjoy your backcountry hiking, excursions to the mall and even strolling around the neighborhood.
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