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<<< Back to Great Products & Gear
Best Child
Carriers for Travel
with Babies and Toddlers
Buying tips for travelers:
As you travel with your child, having a comfortable carrier, wrap or
sling can make a tremendous difference in your ability to sightsee and explore a
variety of changing terrain. As well, wearing your child close to you can give
you both confidence as you explore unfamiliar territory, like crowded markets,
busy train stations, and subway systems.
Yet which child carrier, wrap, or sling is right for you at home and
as you travel may change by the destination--and by the pound as your child
grows. Truth is, there are not very many carriers that work well for newborns
and very small infants, and aside from the framed backpack carriers, there are
few that will be comfortable to wear for long periods once your child reaches 20
lbs. Your size and stature, and your partner's who might be sharing the carrier
with you, can also make a difference in what works best for you.
With all of these points in mind, here are some of my
top-recommended child carriers for traveling parents.
Maya Wrap Ring Sling
> Supports children up
to 35 lbs.
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Travels from first
newborn walks around the block through toddler treks through the
airport - where it's very easy to slip off and run through the
scanner at security (or wear it through when allowed). What's more,
the fully-adjustable ring sling helps mom nurse discreetly wherever
she roams, and the extra fabric helps shield babies strategically
from sun. What else is there to like? Option of forward-facing when
wee travelers want to see where you're headed, and a pocket holds
keys or cell phone. Machine washable.
Find it online at:
Amazon
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Moby Wrap Carrier
> Supports children up
to 35 lbs.
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Versatility and security
- and ease on the back. The Moby wrap can be used with a preemie,
twins simultaneously(!), and toddlers - with your child facing you,
facing front, or riding on your back. Cotton jersey fabric (think
T-shirt) is soft and stretchy, and spreads wide across your
shoulders and back to lend extra support--much appreciated by moms
with big babies. I will say there is a learning curve to using the
Moby Wrap (instructions included), but those who stick with it are
rewarded with possibly years of use, and a variety of options during
travel. Also helps shield babies from sun in harsh climates--now
sold with UPF rating of 50+. Machine washable.
Find it online at:
Amazon
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 Ergo
Baby Multi-Position Carrier
> Supports children up
to 40 lbs.
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
While the Ergo carrier
costs more than most other soft child carriers and slings, it may be
one of your most travel-friendly options overall. You may also be
able to use it far longer than other models since you can start
using it with your infant and most parents can continue to use it
comfortably through 2 years. Use the Ergo to wear your child on your
front or back (or side, but we found front or back preferable). Many
parents who hoped to use it right away with the infant insert
weren't happy with it for their newborns (be aware), but most
parents find it quite comfortable to use from babyhood through
toddlerhood, and some even use it beyond as a backpack carrier.
The
padded shoulder straps and hip belt, combined with a chest strap,
give the support you would want carrying a 20 lb. or 25 lb. pack on
a hike, and the "kid compartment" is snug against the parent whether
on the front or back (or side), with no fabric between the two. This
makes it easy to gage your child's temperature--and even breastfeed
on the go. We also really appreciate the straps adjusting fairly
easily to accommodate two parents of very different sizes, and the
extra pockets and hidden sun hood / head holder come in very handy,
too.
The Ergo does not allow you to wear your child facing out,
however, though many children seem to enjoy seeing the world from a
"hug" position as when worn on the front or a piggy back position on
the back--however, a precious few will tire of turning their necks
to see everything from the side and may not ride as contently in the
Ergo for extended periods of hiking and sightseeing. Getting your
child onto your back also requires a little practice and is
definitely easier as your child gets bigger and sturdier (and can
stand on a chair while you load her), but it is doable with a baby
as the video will show you. For no internal frame, it is
surprisingly supportive, and it folds up small enough to travel in
most diaper bags.
Find it online at:
Amazon
Baby Earth
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 Deuter
KangaKid Soft B ackpack
Carrier
> Supports children up to 33 lbs.
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Pictured here, it looks
like a child carrier. But zipped shut with the canopy folded away
(sold separately) you can't distinguish the KangaKid from any
regular daypack. That alone makes it a nice option for times when
you may prefer to keep your child in her stroller, but want the
back-up option of wearing her, as when navigating Metro or subway
stations with stairs. The KangaKid may also help you get kid +
carry-on in one through the airport (check your stroller or leave it
at home). The built-in easy-access diaper compartment on the back,
other storage compartments, and double bottle pockets also help you
stay organized on the go. Great when you need a daypack that does
double duty.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
REI.com
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Sherpani Rumba Superlight Backpack
> Supports children up to 55 lbs.
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
It only weighs 4.5 lbs.
The lightweight, streamlined Rumba Superlight gives you just what
you and your child need--great support for carrying kids up to 55
lbs.; storage for diapers, snacks, and jackets; two water bottle
holders, and removable sun/rain canopy--without weighing you down.
Since the storage space is kept below the carrier, rather than
sticking out behind it like some other models, this trim carrier is
not just more comfortable to wear when loaded, but easier to use in
crowded urban settings like when boarding trains, subways, buses,
and metros. Yet its generously padded lumbar support, load
stabilizers, rugged frame, and washable/waterproof fabrics make it
just as suitable to wear on the trail. Includes canopy, child
stirrups, and kickstand. Fully adjustable to fit Mom and Dad.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com eBags.com
REI.com
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