Kelty; $120; www.keltykids.com.
Want to keep your child close and at eye level while visiting the zoo or hiking? Think Kelty, one of the best-known names in backpacking. This carrier fits kids weighing from 16 to 40 pounds and is meticulously designed for the comfort and safety of both child and parent. The padded seat provides back support, adjusts position as the baby grows, and offers five-point-harness safety. The carrier minimizes load-bearing stress to the user by providing amply padded shoulder straps with multiple adjustment options, a comfortable harness and a curved waistbelt. Additionally, an innovative sliding torso adjustment system achieves the best fit and balance for different body sizes and shapes. The internal aluminum frame stands on its own to load baby easily. When you don’t need to tote a child around, cinch the child-carrying cockpit and use the carrier as a framed daypack or zip off the outer pack to hold snacks or diapers.

“Kelty really did its homework. This carrier is safe, has good load-bearing and is protective of both user and baby.”
– NAPPA Judge

SAFETY TIP: Avoid the temptation to overload the storage spaces on a child carrier, which could significantly increase weight-bearing on the person carrying the child, or on a stroller, which could cause it to tip.