ADVICE NEEDED! Hiking Carrier that Can Hold Larger Children
by
Shannon Colon 
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Real Moms Sharing Their Experiences and Advice
Please be advised that the information that is shared on this page is for general knowledge and information from parents and (some) professionals.
 ****THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS PAGE IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE OR REPLACE MEDICAL ADVICE, OR TO PROMOTE, IN ANY MANNER, ANY OF THE MEDICINES/DRUGS. FOR DIAGNOSING A HEALTH PROBLEM OR DISEASE, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR MEDICAL ADVISER ABOUT MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS FOR PATIENT-SPECIFIC ADVICE.*****
Question: I need help. I have a 48 pound 6 year old boy who is handicapped. I need a hiking carrier for him or some type of pack, I have looked at several online but want some options possibly, anyone know of a child carrier that can hold a larger child?
Answers:
Linda S. Please be careful with your back carrying that kind of weight. I would think a jogging stroller might work better.
Rebecca T. I found an awesome one! Oh I guess it is only good for someone who can stand. Can he walk or stand?
Piggyback Rider
PIGGYBACKRIDER.COM
Jamie M. I think there are better carriers then the Ergo for this size child! But the best advice is to look up a babywearing group! There are lots!
Sarah B. Fwiw, onya was created by hiking gear folks.
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Sarah B. Most soft structured carriers top out at 45 pounds. Onya is safety tested to 75 lbs
Robin K. This article is by Rachel Coleman of Signing Time with Alex and Leah. She carried her daughter at least until she was 11, if not longer using a few carriers, one being a custom baby hawk, an ergo and a Kelty pack.
Jason B. Check out the company called Kelty. They have some amazing products.
Laura T. We have used a Kelty soft carrier and a framed carrier for older kids…though it is more comfortable for my husband who is taller when the child is taller. I wrapped my 40 lb 4.5yo yesterday in a wrap and worked for an hour, and we do frequently hike with her wrapped. We tend to choose the wrap because we can all use it to carry her and it doesn’t have a height or weight limit
Sarah P. And this comparison chart shows 3 carriers designed for 50-60lb too
Tough Traveler Child Carrier comparison chart_n
Jessica L. This is a MadamGooGoo custom carrier. It’s 23×23 inches. It has a lower weight limit though. I also used a preschool Kinderpack which is similar to the toddler Tula, but some people find it more comfortable for heavier kids who need a deeper seat. My. My daughter is 48 inches and while she is only 40lbs, she can be dead weight. You could use a woven wrap as well though that could take some practice. Looking up a local babywearing group could help by letting you try things out.
Jenica S. Please check out 3.21 carry. It is a non profit run by a baby wearing expert who has a son with Down syndrome and is dedicated to getting carriers in the hands of anyone with a child with special needs. Her name is Drea and she is so lovely.
Melissa B. Tula toddler carriers. Front or back, can carry large kids and very comfortable for parent and child!!!
Christine I. I’m pretty sure I read you can carry a small adult in an Ergo.
Monica B. Which one of these is best for children with little head control?
Briana S. Kinderpacks. They make some for preschool children. My son is 3 and the toddler one is huge.
Sandra S. We have a freedom Chair from Cross Wind Concepts and our son(8) loves it. It can be used up to adult age/weight. It does take at least 2 to lift over rough(hiking) ground but can be used by one person on the fairly average ground.
Cara P. We are looking for something similar for mountain climbing/hiking when we go to Colorado. I know from experience that babywearing gear is not at all ideal for hiking. When I last looked, I believe Kelty has something for up to 50lbs.
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The freeloader. Just saw someone using it. Perfect for you!
Rachel coleman used a deuter kid comfort 3 ….
My daughter has cp and uses a power wheelchair …. she is 8yrs old and about 60 pounds …. i use the kid comfort 3 also …. used it for a 4.5 hr hike 🙂
I added extra padding ect
You can use Clevr Baby Back Pack Cross Country Child Carrier.
It has some very good features.
1. Lightweight aluminum frame weighing 5.1 pounds
2. Suitable for children weighing up to 33 pounds (can hold children between ages 6 months to 4 years)
3. Retractable and removable canopy
4. Multiple pockets
5. Made from breathable 600D oxford cloth
For more info please visit https://tacticalbackpacklab.com/special-needs-child-carrier/
The Freeloader is the best carrier I have seen used with larger children and children who are special needs.
I carry my son who is 48 lbs and is 14 years old in a Kelty. I also use walking sticks for added support. You can sometimes find someone selling them on craigslist. I got mine for $10. I’m excited that Deuter is coming out with a specialized one due to the “We carry Kevan” experience. Can’t wait!