The classic or traditional front pack baby carrier is simple to use and provides adjustments for various parent heights and sizes. Front baby carriers enable the baby to face forward or toward the parent and some models even convert into a backpack. The front-pack baby carrier is often a go to choice for both men and women due it's feel, appearance, and simplicity. However, one drawback of the front pack relative to a baby sling is that is more bulky and can be difficult to fit in a diaper bag. Also, most front-pack's are only good up to a maximum baby weight of 20 to 25 pounds.

Backpack baby carriers are a great choice for parents who enjoy an outdoors lifestyle or like to take long walks hands free. The baby backpack carrier is built much like a heavy duty hiking backpack with a sturdy metal or plastic frame and padded shoulder and lumbar support straps. Backpack baby carriers are designed for children who are at least 6 months old, have gained head and neck control and can sit comfortably without support. Most models will support a child up to 40 to 45 pounds and come fitted with an array of features and amenities depending on your intended use.

Many backpack models are designed with extensive outdoor related features such as extra storage compartments, and a sunshade or weather canopy. Some newer models can be found with a more simple design for shorter urban trips, but keep in mind that a backpack is less convenient than a front pack for transferring a baby in and out at short intervals. If you are buying a backpack carrier for use on extended walking trips make sure to look for a light yet sturdy frame with wide and heavily padded shoulder and lumbar support straps. You will be quite thankful you invested in these features after walking for several hours with a squirmy 40 pound toddler! Men seem to prefer to the backpack baby carrier for it's sytle and outdoor compatibility, but it's most certainly just as useful for mothers as well.

Sling baby carriers come as padded or non padded versions. Unpadded baby carriers are highly versatile, fit and adjust to most parent sizes and can take on many carrying positions including hip, cradle, face to face, or on back. Unpadded carriers are also small and compact for easy storage in a diaper bag. As great as all this sounds, no padding can be a comfort issue and the great versatility also makes them a challenge to get used wearing compared to a regular front pack carrier. Padded sling baby carriers include padding on the edges and shoulder area. This version allows for the same range of carrying styles, but is more bulky and can trap too much heat in hot weather.

Asian style baby carriers are similar to unpadded slings and are quite simply comprised of a rectangle of quilted fabric with cloth strip ties extending from the corners. Your baby can be carried facing forward or toward you. Asian style baby slings are most intimate and are great for newborns and small babies. Asian style carriers are not recommended for older babies or toddlers who will feel constricted and require greater freedom of movement.