Babies can definitely sleep in a hiking backpack. They are designed with the baby’s optimal comfort in mind and therefore babies will often fall asleep while in the hiking backpack.
Hiking backpacks or baby carriers used for very young babies are usually attached to the parent’s front, allowing the baby to nestle in close to the chest. This is naturally comforting and soothing to babies and allows them to sleep well.
The rhythmic pace of the hiking is a great soother. Many parents have spent hours walking the halls of the house at all hours of the night trying to put their babies to sleep. Hiking is no different and you will likely find that your baby falls asleep fairly quickly.
The best baby hiking backpacks ensure that the baby is well supported in three crucial areas. The back, head/neck and hips. They will also fit securing to the parent spreading the weight distributed evenly. This allows for a comfortable carry for both parent and child.
Moby Wrap
A Moby wrap was always my go-to baby carrier when my children were just tiny. They can be a little complicated to get the hang of at first but ultimately they are the most comfortable carrier for small babies.
Essentially, a Moby wrap is a very long piece of fabric with a slight stretch. It is then wrapped in such a way that you can place the baby inside and have them securely attached to your chest. Wearing a Moby carrier feels like your baby is just an extension of your own body.
I love the weight distribution of the Moby wraps. The fabric extends evenly across both shoulders and it feels like you are barely even carrying any extra weight. It is perfect to fit all body sizes and shapes which is such a blessing.
Your baby can have their head and neck well supported which is very important is small babies with no head control yet. The secure wrapping style also mimics the feeling of being swaddled which many babies find incredibly soothing.
Best yet, the Moby carrier is an all-purpose carrier. It can be used on any occasion. Whether that be a weekend hike or strolling the supermarket it truly is an all in one baby carrier.
Tula
The Tula is a great all-around type baby carrier also. What is great about this carrier is that you can use it as a true hiking backpack. It is designed to be used in both front and back carry positions.
We used our Tula Toddler when we hiked Arches National Park a few years ago. We were visiting from Australia and did not want to bring a bulky full-sized backpack carrier. Our youngest at the time was 2 1/2 so not quite up for some of the big hikes we were desperate to do.
The Tula was a good compromise and offered us a comfortable hike along with the ease of having a carrier that could fit in a backpack when not needed. Our son probably would have been more comfortable in a purpose-made hiking backpack carrier at that age but he never complained and he slept for a good portion of the hikes.
A Tula can be used for smaller babies right up to toddlers. We have found them to be super comfortable and easy to use. They actually do a new carrier that is adjustable for newborns right up to toddlers. This is amazing! I wish this was an option when my kids were smaller.
Osprey Poco
The Osprey Poco is a dedicated hiking backpack carrier for babies through to toddlers and even some smaller preschoolers. Hiking backpack carriers such as these are heavy-duty but surprisingly lightweight
If you love to hike this will be an essential addition once you have kids. These backpack carriers are designed for slightly older babies and toddlers who weigh at least 16 pounds. This is around 6 months of age.
I really love the streamlined design of the Osprey Poco carriers. They are sleek and compact but pack a punch in terms of features.
The first feature I am so pleased about is the built-in sunshade. It is hard when hiking to be sure that your child is adequately protected from the sun. This is why this feature is so brilliant.
The second feature that blows me away is the inbuilt backpack. Obviously, if you are wearing a child carrier it is going to be hard to wear a backpack too. This is a great place to store your drink bottles, snacks and change of clothes for your child. They have even gone a step further and added little pockets on the waistband for snacks. This makes it super easy to pass snacks up to your child without having to stop.
ClevrPlus Cross Country
ClevrPlus offer a kids hiking carrier that is packed full of features that are specific for babies and toddlers. I love that at every turn there is something new they have thought of to make hiking with your kids so much easier.
Like the Osprey hiking backpack carrier, this one is also fitted with a detachable sunshade. I feel like this should be a given on any hiking carrier you are thinking of buying. The benefit is just vital these days.
One inclusion that I thought was unique about this backpack carrier is that it comes with a diaper changing pad. This is such a novelty to have in the middle of a rocky trail that I am sure your baby will appreciate!
The ClevrPlus does not have a backpack incorporated per se but it does have ample storage options. These include insulated bottle compartments which can be such a blessing when you are hiking well away from any modern-day facilities.
The backpack carrier itself is extremely robust in design and materials yet it only weighs 6.5 pounds. The added weight is then distributed evenly through the shoulders and back. All aspects of the ClevrPlus are adjustable which means it is made for use over many years and for adults of all sizes and body types.
