Comparing baby carriers: Which one suits your family life?

Jul 3, 2025

When little legs get tired, a big solution is needed. One that's lightweight. One that fits. One that moves.

Parents know the feeling: The child runs, jumps, and explores – until their energy suddenly runs out. Then it's time to carry them. But which carrier is best suited for everyday use, travel, or hiking? We compare the most common types of carriers – and show why free on shoulders is exactly the solution many families have been waiting for.

What types of baby carriers are there?

Classic front and back carriers

They're usually designed for babies and come with padded shoulder straps, buckles, and a carrying panel. Ideal for the first few months of life, but often uncomfortable and impractical once the child can walk independently.

Area of application: Newborns and small babies, everyday life at home

Limits: Less suitable for spontaneous situations with running children, often bulky

Hiking carriers / carrying frames (also called Kraxe)

These robust racks are designed for big adventures—with a frame, sun/rain protection, and plenty of storage space. They offer plenty of comfort for longer tours, but take up space in the trunk and are usually not ready for use quickly.

Area of use: longer hikes, sporting excursions

Limitations: bulky, expensive, difficult to handle, often unsuitable for everyday use

Fixed shoulder carriers

These models rely on the strength of the parent's shoulders. The child sits on top, while a harness secures the feet. Many models are rigidly constructed or can only be used in specific situations.

Area of application: Events, festivals, short distances

Limitations: often no flexible adjustment, not always compactly stowable

Why free on shoulders is different

free on shoulders is the world's most compact and flexible baby carrier for children from walking age. Developed by an Austrian father, directly inspired by real family life, the idea: a baby carrier that steps in when the stroller becomes too bulky, the carrier too cumbersome, and the traditional carrier no longer fits.

In a nutshell: What makes free on shoulders special

  • Compact & lightweight: Fits in any bag, no carrying backpack necessary
  • Quickly ready for use: Put on in just a few seconds – ideal when children suddenly get tired
  • Flexible: Whether you're strolling through town, walking in the woods, on holiday or at the supermarket – always at hand
  • Safe: Officially approved up to 50 kg, recommended for children between 1 and approximately 5–6 years
  • Independent: Parents keep their hands free – perfect for traveling with a dog, shopping bag or sibling
Buy now
Kind sitzt mit fr-o-sh System auf Schultern des Vaters, Produktfoto mit TV-Auszeichnungssiegel
Verpackung der free on shoulders Kindertrage mit der Kindertrage im Vordergrund

Babywearing advice: What really matters

Babywearing consultants often recommend choosing the carrier that fits your daily routine —not just the one that looks like it can do the most. While front carriers are indispensable during the baby's early years, active families later need a solution for those "I can't walk anymore" moments . This is precisely where free on shoulders comes in.

From now on: Wear - but simply

From now on, simply
Es geht nicht nur ums Tragen. Es geht darum, weiterzumachen. Gemeinsam.

free on shoulders ist die clevere Antwort auf das Trage-Dilemma vieler Familien. Keine sperrige Ausrüstung, keine Kompromisse zwischen Freiheit und Nähe. Sondern einfach: rauf auf die Schultern, sichern, losgehen. Wenn Abenteuer rufen – oder die kleinen Beine mal wieder streiken.

Ab jetzt einfach.

Für kleine Abenteuer und große Augenblicke.