Hiking With Your Baby: How Long Can They Be in the Carrier?

One common question from new parents is how long it is safe to carry a baby in a carrier while hiking.

Your baby can ride in a carrier or backpack for several hours at a time while hiking. There is no standard guideline for keeping a baby in a carrier, as long as the baby and parent are both comfortable and the baby is safe. Most babies and toddlers will let you know when they need a break.

While it is safe to carry your baby in a baby carrier, there is more you should know before getting started.

How Long Can a Baby Be in a Carrier or Backpack?

There are no hard and fast rules about how long a baby can be in a carrier. Most infants and toddlers love being carried as it keeps them close to their parents, safe, and comfortable. In fact, baby-wearing is one of the most natural things for parents to do, as it is traditionally done by cultures worldwide. It is far better for your child to spend time outside, being carried close to a parent, than to sit at home in a car seat or baby swing.

Parents are sometimes worried about their baby getting container baby syndrome, but most people agree that carrier time usually doesn’t contribute to this in the same way that car seats, bouncers, and bumbo seats do. Container baby syndrome happens when babies are in containers repeatedly for hours a day which limits their development and keeps them from strengthening their core muscles. Baby carriers that hold babies in an upright position and continually shift the baby gently as the parent moves don’t have the same effect. In addition, most parents aren’t consistently hiking for hours each day.

That said, there are still some things to watch for when you are hiking with a baby in a carrier. You have to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable by checking on them often, especially while they are sleeping. And you need to be ready to give them breaks from the carrier when they seem restless or uncomfortable.

Making Sure Your Carrier or Backpack is Safe

The most important thing when choosing a carrier is to make sure it’s safe. Young babies and children have immature joints and shouldn’t sit in adult positions for long. This means your babies shouldn’t have their backs or legs straight for long. In fact, you will hardly ever see a small baby naturally laying in a straight position. Instead, they should spend time in what we think of as the fetal position– back curved in a “C” shape and legs like a frog. Look for a carrier that will support your baby in this way. The carrier or backpack should also have head support for young babies and a way for older children to nap comfortably.

In addition, you will want to find a carrier that is supportive and keeps the parent safe from back and shoulder strain. Wide straps, a supportive waistband, and proper weight distribution are important, especially for longer hikes or heavy children. This is why I preferred my soft structured carrier and baby wrap because they held the baby close to my body and I didn’t feel any strain.

My son loved his wrap carrier from a young age, and so did I. There is nothing more comfortable.

Age Newborn to Six Months

Newborn babies can’t be carried in backpack carriers. Instead, they have to be in infant-specific carriers that keep them in view of the wearer (front carry only) and support their head and neck. In addition, only use hip-safe carriers which support the baby’s hips by keeping their legs in an “M” position (with the knees higher than their bottom). At this age, I preferred to wear my babies in a baby wrap or Ergobaby carrier.

Age Six to Twelve Months

Once your baby is six months old, they are usually old enough to use hard-frame hiking backpacks and soft carriers in the back-wearing position. Your baby needs to have good head control and be able to sit on their own before using a hard-frame backpack, as they don’t have enough support for younger babies.

At this age, I still preferred using my wrap carrier or soft structured carrier, as most of my babies were small and lightweight. This allows your baby more firm support and they are often more comfortable for the parent. The exceptions seem to be when carrying a heavy baby or when the weather is warm. In these circumstances, hard-frame carriers are sometimes more comfortable.

Age One to Three Years

By the time they are toddlers, most kids will need to be carried in a hard-frame backpack for hiking. These packs allow older kids to be more comfortable and less constricted compared with soft carriers, and give the parent more ease of movement. They are also designed to support heavier weights without causing back strain, so they are ideal for heavier babies and kids. Finally, they are cooler because the child isn’t held directly against the parent.

However, there are many situations when a soft carrier is still suitable. I used my Ergobaby carrier for several of my children well into the toddler stage because they were so small that it was still comfortable. Carriers can also make sense for short hikes when the parent isn’t going to be carrying the baby for long. They are also convenient for toddlers who are in the “up and down” stage because they are easier and lighter to carry when empty and relatively easy to get the baby in and out of, even without another adult. Finally, they can be ideal in cold weather because the child can share the parent’s body heat.

How to Keep Your Baby Comfortable in a Carrier

If you are using a properly fitting, well-made baby carrier or backpack, you won’t usually have much trouble keeping your baby comfortable. The important step is selecting a well-fitting, ergonomic carrier. It’s also important to make sure the carrier or backpack is appropriate for the age and size of your baby. If you select the right backpack and allow your child to get used to it gradually, your baby is unlikely to be uncomfortable.

If you do feel like your baby is uncomfortable, take the time to find out why. They may need to adjust their position in the carrier or something could be poking or pinching them. They could even have a wet diaper. The problem could also be with the timing: If your baby or toddler isn’t used to being in a carrier, they may just be reacting to the strange feeling. Always break in a carrier gradually, and in a setting where your child can walk if they choose, such as a local park.

Comfort features for carriers and backpacks:

Padded straps, waistband, and leg areas
Chest clip
Pillow or cushion for the head
Head support for newborns (Soft carriers only)
Wide crotch area for support
Footrests for toddlers (hiking backpacks only)

What to Do When Baby Needs a Break

So what do you do when your baby needs a break from their carrier? If your little one seems uncomfortable, restless, or starts getting grumpy, consider taking a break. Remove them from the carrier and try to find an area in the shade where they can relax. We often brought a light-weight blanket for younger babies so they would have somewhere to lay down and stretch. Older babies and toddlers enjoy having some time to crawl or walk around and explore. Use this time to have a snack, rest, and enjoy nature. After a few minutes, your baby will be ready to continue down the trail.

Babies enjoy taking a break to stretch, explore, or simply lay around for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Hiking with baby carriers is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the outdoors when you have a little one. While it can seem complicated at first, babies, especially small babies, usually have very few needs and are content to be held for hours. This is the easiest time to introduce your children to hiking!