• Compare Child Carrier Backpacks

• Choose a Child Carrier Backpack

• Find Child Carrier Backpacks on eBay

• Wear Your Child Carrier Backpack

• Buy Child Carrier Backpacks with Confidence

Compare Child Carrier Backpacks

Compare Child Carrier Backpacks

Child carrier backpacks come in a lot of different sizes, configurations, and colors. Do not choose one based on looks alone, however. Most manufacturers use color to differentiate models and the child carrier backpack you find most attractive may not have the features or comfort you need for long-term use.

Determine if a child carrier backpack will work for baby

Manufacturers design child carrier backpacks for children who can sit up unassisted and hold their head upright for long periods of time, from roughly 6 months old to 5 years old. Young babies may not have the head control they need to sit in a child carrier backpack until they get older. Consult with your pediatrician before placing your young baby in a child carrier backpack.

Look at child carrier backpack weight capacity

Determine how much weight you want to carry before you buy. All child carrier backpacks have a maximum weight capacity that includes the weight of the backpack frame, your child, and any additional gear you decide to carry. Just because a child carrier backpack can haul up to 70 pounds doesn't mean you want to carry 70 pounds. In this case, you'll probably be happier with a less expensive backpack that can hold up to 50 or 60 pounds.

Child carrier backpack specifications in item listings will list overall weight, child weight capacity, and maximum load weight. If you need more information, email the seller by clicking the “Ask seller a question” link under their profile.

Fit the child carrier backpack to your body

Manufacturers optimize child carrier backpacks by height range. Measure your height and torso length as well as the height and torso length of anyone else who will carry the backpack on a regular basis. Make sure everyone meets the child carrier backpack manufacturer's height or torso length requirements before you buy.

Find the right child carrier backpack features

Convenient child carrier backpack features make it easy to leave your diaper bag at home.

• Storage compartments: Look for additional child carrier backpack storage compartments and pockets to carry bottles, snacks, diapers, and toys.

• Changing pads: Choose a child carrier backpack with a changing pad or buy a small portable changing pad so that you can diaper your baby anywhere.

• Rain/sun hoods: Buy a rain/sun hood to protect your child from the elements, especially if your child has a tendency to take off his or her hat.

Babies often like to throw objects from the child carrier backpack. In order to prevent games of fetch, buy links to attach toys to the child carrier backpack, and a pacifier holder to secure pacifiers and hats.

Choose a Child Carrier Backpack

Choose a Child Carrier Backpack

Child carrier backpacks run the gamut from basic frames with seats to backpack systems designed for long walks and hikes.

Basic child carrier backpacks

Perfect for short jaunts around town, basic child carrier backpacks such as Gerry child carrier backpacks and Evenflo child carrier backpacks have a cloth or unpadded nylon seat, minimally padded shoulder straps, and a waist strap for your passenger. Some child carrier backpacks also come with a basic shoulder strap for your baby and a hip strap to give you added support. These lightweight child carrier backpacks usually include a small storage compartment as well. Look for removable seats made of a washable fabric or a seat made of material you can easily wipe down, such as nylon.

Travel/hiking child carrier backpacks

Rugged travel child carrier backpacks designed for hiking have more features than budget child carrier backpacks and often use materials that can withstand more wear and tear. They typically have a thick frame, structured seat, well-padded shoulder pads with multiple adjustments, and more than one storage area. Popular brands include Kelty child carrier backpacks, REI child carrier backpacks, and Tough Traveler child carrier backpacks.

If you plan to do a lot of hiking, look for a child carrier backpack with a padded hip belt and sternum strap that will properly distribute weight across the backpack. Also look for an adjustable seat that you can lower as your child grows taller, and a full safety harness that will keep your child strapped in if he or she jumps on the child carrier backpack stand, or in event you take a tumble. Always use a full harness when hiking.

Find Child Carrier Backpacks on eBay

Find Child Carrier Backpacks on eBay

Once you know what type of backpack child carrier you want, go to the Baby portal, click the Backpacks, Carriers link under Gear, and start searching for item listings on eBay.

Search eBay listing titles for specific keywords. For example, if you want to find an REI backpack, type "REI backpack" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Wear Your Child Carrier Backpack

Wear Your Child Carrier Backpack

Fit your child carrier backpack to your body and make sure you find it comfortable before leaving the house.

• Learn about child carrier backpack adjustment options: Read the child carrier backpack's manual and get to know your adjustment options.

• Adjust child carrier backpack straps: Put on the empty child carrier backpack; you'll have an easier time fitting the backpack without a fussy or fidgety child sitting in it. If you want to simulate weight, place a heavy object, such as a sack of flour or large book, in the backpack seat. Fit the shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt to your body. You should have 80% of the backpack's weight resting on your hips (not your waist) and the other 20% distributed across your shoulders. A snug-fitting sternum strap will help ensure that weight falls equally across both shoulder straps when your child shifts.

• Make baby comfortable: Place baby in the child carrier backpack and see which adjustments you need to make to the seat. Make sure to place it low enough that if they stand on the frame, they cannot get out of the backpack. Your baby's weight should be equally distributed. Then take baby out of the backpack, adjust the seat, and return the baby to the backpack. Make additional adjustments as necessary. Consider using a small towel or receiving blanket to cushion leg openings.

Practice using the child carrier backpack

Putting your child carrier backpack on and taking it off with ease requires practice. Have someone spot you while you learn how to use your backpack. Try backing into the backpack as it sits on the floor or another stable surface. Some people choose to lift the backpack onto a knee while putting on shoulder straps. Find out which methods work for you before leaving the house on your own. Also reach back and practice folding your stand in so that you don't hit people or objects as you walk around town.

Follow child carrier backpack safety rules

Always use caution and common sense when you have your child in the child carrier backpack.

• Use straps: Always strap your baby in using the child carrier backpack's shoulder and waist restraint system.

• Bend properly: Bend at the knees when you pick things up so that you don't pitch baby forward.

• Avoid dangerous activities: Do not wear the child carrier backpack when you jog, bicycle, swim, rollerblade, drive, ride horses, climb ladders, cook, or perform any other activity outside of walking or hiking.

• Stay with your child: Do not place your child in a child carrier backpack and leave them unattended. Backpack stands will assist you when you load and unload your child, but will tip over if your child decides to throw their weight to either side.

• Ask for help: Ask for assistance if you need to reach something on a high shelf. Stand out of the way while someone retrieves the item for you so that baby does not get hit by a falling object. If you need help removing the child carrier backpack when you're away from home, find somebody to assist you.

• Read the directions: Always read the directions and abide by warnings provided by the child carrier backpack manufacturer.

Buy Child Carrier Backpacks with Confidence

Buy Child Carrier Backpacks with Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• Make sure the item you want has not been recalled. To find information about specific product recalls, visit eBay’s Baby portal and click the link to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on the right side of the page.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,000.

• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.