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Home About us Research services Reports Childcare products Continence Household products Mobility Telecoms and alarms General Surveys Design Ordering Links Site map change text size and colour ?		Baby carriers (view report contents) Framed back carriers These can be used from when the baby can sit up without support until about 3 years old, if you can manage the weight. They are worn like a rucksack and have a light metal frame. Models vary in weight and the amount of padding on shoulder straps and waist belt. Some are for serious walking – long country walks or even mountain walking, where a pushchair won’t go. They often include storage space and extras such as sun and rain covers Most of the older babies loved travelling at parent height and have a wider view of the world. No wheelchair users were asked to try these. About half the other parents said they would be happy to use the framed back carriers regularly. Those who would not were mostly people with walking difficulties. Carriers with fold out stands, like those tested, mean you can sit older babies in them with your hands then free to deal with the harness. But you may well need a second person to lift the carrier and child on to your back. Starting with the carrier on a safe surface, say a high armchair, helps but never leave the baby in it unattended. PROS once on carriers are completely hands free frame gives babies some protection from knocks can continue to carry when front carrier outgrown, if you can do so comfortably the more sophisticated can be used for serious hiking fun for babies to see ahead at your height most stand along for putting the baby in and out before hoisting both on to your back CONS tend to be the heaviest – to lift and walk with can be bulky to store generally too large to be much use around the house you can’t bend or sit easily baby is in good position to pull your hair, kick your back and shoplift from convenient height shelves – all out of your reach not suitable for wheelchair users LOOK FOR: a size and weight of carrier that suits your size and strength padded shoulder straps a padded waist strap to lift the weight from your shoulders a chest strap to stop shoulder straps slipping down a design that distributes the weight evenly so your balance is least affected a folding stand so the baby can be sat in the carrier before lifting both on to you straps or a harness to keep the baby secure a high back to support the baby and keep him or her secure but still able to see out enough space so your baby does not get hot but not so roomy that he or she moves around on your back optional rain cover and sun canopy if you are an all-weather walker ‘A bit elaborate to wear around the house.’ ‘Much easier to use than having to take the pushchair.’ Riding high in a framed back carrier Report Contents About this guide Baby issues How to choose a carrier Ability issues Types and what to look for General points Front carriers Slings Soft back carriers Framed back carriers Fastenings Buying guide Guide to summaries Front carriers Baby bjorn Baby trekker Kipling Heartbeat bis Mothercare Aquarius Wilkinet Slings Huggababy Framed back carriers Trubend GS-30 Vaude Jolly Keeping safe Helpful Organisations Suppliers list
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