Contented cargo

Let's take a closer look at the features that make a good child carrier:

A superb suspension system (1) is paramount for parent comfort. Twenty pounds of wiggling toddler demands the best in support and stability for your back. Add on the weight of day hiking or overnighting supplies and you have a heavy load. Look for a carrier that fits your torso size well and holds you snugly with adjustments that can be done quickly and mindlessly while Junior is crawling up your leg in his snowsuit. Since you and your spouse will likely share the carrier, look for a model that is in the mid range of adjustment for both of you.

The kickstand (2) allows one person to don and doff the carrier without fears of it tipping over. The kickstand folds out so you can get the little one loaded and strapped in, then once you hoist up the carrier the stand retracts. You'll want a kickstand that has a wide enough base to be stable so it won't shift unexpectedly.

Beneath or behind the child's seat is a storage compartment (3) for baby items. These are great no matter how far you intend to wander, but in general, the longer the trips you intend to take, the more space and features you will need. Loops to keep bottles upright are nice on an hour's stroll; three days out they are essential. Space to store the sun/rain hood is important so that it will be accessible. Some models have detachable child day packs, a nice feature if your toddler is old enough to do some walking until she tuckers out.

Definitely spring for the optional sun/rain hoods (4) most carriers offer. A hood protects youngsters' tender skin from sunburn as well as rain. Look for hoods with a good deal of viewing space on the front and side and maximum ventilation. Usually this means a large area on the sides remains open. It needs to be easy to install and to stow away. Also consider getting a bug net to fit over the hood for peace of mind in bug country.

The shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt should have the same features as those on a regular backpack. Look for supportive but comfortable padding, ease of adjustability, and good fit. The hip belt, as part of the suspension system, allows the weight of your child to ride on your hips, where it is most comfortable. As in a backpack, if you feel strain in your neck and shoulders the pack is adjusted incorrectly.

The child compartment (5) should offer safety and comfort for your precious cargo:

• Leg hole openings should be comfortably wide but no so wide that there's a chance of baby slipping through.
• The seat must provide a secure foundation that can adjust to the child's ever changing size.
• A harness must keep the baby seated snugly yet not be binding. The harness protects baby if you should stumble and keeps him from wiggling out. Look for one that buckles and adjusts quickly, as your little one may not be inclined to wait while you fiddle with straps.
• Padding is critical for baby's comfort. Ample padding on the sides of the compartment protect baby from tree branches and provide comfort while napping, backward support for head and neck, and a low cut up front so baby has a good view.
• Accessible toy loops help keep baby amused.

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