Child Carrier
If you have an infant or toddler and you like to hike, hiking with you child calls for a child carrier. Here are instructions on how to fit the carrier comfortably to you and to your child.
FITTING THE CHILD CARRIER TO YOU
1. Load your child carrier with books for weight. Leave the child out.
2. Put on your carrier as you would a backpack.
3. Adjust the suspension system so the hipbelt is resting on your hip bones (not on your waist) and the shoulder straps are resting evenly on both shoulders.
4. Tighten the hip belt to get about 80% of the carrier’s weight onto your hips.
5. Adjust the shoulder straps so the remaining 20% of the weight is carried by your shoulders.
6. Adjust the sternum strap comfortably across your chest. You should be able to breathe with no difficulty.
FITTING THE CHILD CARRIER TO YOUR CHILD
Here’s how to fit the carrier for your child’s comfort.
1. Fully extend the kickstand.
2. Loosen all child straps.
3. Adjust the child seat’s height.
4. Put your child gently into the carrier, fitting his or her legs through the leg openings.
5. Buckle and adjust all leg straps, shoulder straps and any other restraint straps so your child is safe and comfortable.
Have a great time hiking together. Check on your child’s welfare and comfort periodically.
Do you have a child carrier for hiking that you recommend? Bring us in the loop, in the comments section below.
by Richard Davidian, Ph.D.
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