Active with children

Suitable for children who can sit on their own – "Baby comfort carriers" see here

Hiking is more popular than ever before, with all levels of the population getting involved. According to the Allensbach polling institute, 53 million people in Germany regularly go hiking. But what happens when offspring join the family? Does this put an end to hiking for the time being? The answer is quite definitely no! Ergonomically shaped back carriers for children make it possible to continue enjoying the countryside on Shank's pony. They give active families an ideal means of including children in the fun.

Close contact between parent and child

A back carrier facilitates close contact between parent and child and enhances family cohesion. As soon as children can sit on their own, these carriers are an appropriate alternative to prams when going on excursions, as long as plenty of "active breaks" are planned in between.

Safety and comfort are what count

Safety and comfort for parent and child take absolute priority. Back carriers for children should be simple and easy to use. It should be possible to put the child into the carrier, secure the straps, pick the carrier up, walk with it, put it down and remove the child again in a back-friendly way. The belts must be well padded, ergonomically shaped and easily adjusted. This is the only way to ensure that the pressure is shared out properly on the shoulders and back of the person carrying the child. It is also very important for the carrier to have a spine-shaped back section.

Attention should be paid to good optimum air circulation and an age-appropriate sitting position for the particular well-being of the child. It is good for the child to have a clear view forwards. This not only trains the senses but also means the child won't be constantly turning his or her head.

Note

A back-friendly back child carrier is ideal for carrying a child on your back in comfort. However, hiking tours should be kept short, as sitting for too long is generally not good for the child's development.

The most important criteria for the user

• The back carrier must stand securely when putting the child in and taking him/her out.
• A robust design of the carrier element makes it easier to pick the carrier up and put it down again safely.
• The section of the carrier in contact with the back must be spine-shaped.
• A simply handled harness system makes it easier to carry children close to the body.
• Pressure is distributed by well padded belts approx. 6 cm wide.
• A back carrier that is light in weight reduces the additional burden for the wearer.
• It must be easy to adjust the sitting position of the child.
• It must be possible to make adjustments without additional tools.
• Handling elements must be easily recognised.
• Easily accessible, spacious pockets should be provided for utensils or food.

The most important criteria for the child

• For the child to enjoy the excursions with all his/her senses, he/she must have a clear view forwards, e.g. with a high sitting position.
• The used materials must permit optimum air circulation.
• Various adjustable belts or a 5-point harness system must make it possible to adjust an age-appropriate sitting position for the child that takes account of his/her body proportions.

Minimum requirements

• Structural stability
• Easily adjusted harness system
• Easily adjusted and adapted sitting position for the child
• Spine-friendly shape
• Low weight
• Easily adjustable
• Pockets
• Clear view forwards for the child
• Optimum air circulation around the child

Unfortunately none at present.