In a nutshell

A comfortable, reliable backpack carrier with great accessories that will last for a few years

What we tested

  • Comfort for baby
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Comfort for you
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Ease of use
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Design
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Sturdiness
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Pros

  • Quality materials, adjustable straps to accommodate adult height, good weight distribution, packs down flat for travel, all accessories included, extra padding, sleek design, airmesh on straps for added ventilation

Cons

  • Not suitable from birth

A classic back carrier, the award-winning Bushbaby Premier carrier offers easy pocket access (including a handy compartment for your mobile phone), deep padding and a sleek, modern look.

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The Bushbaby Premier Back Carrier has an adjustable multi-position back system fits anyone from 5ft to 6ft 4in and waist/chest of up to 50/52inches, making it the longest on the market.

What we love

Believe the hype - the Bushbaby Premier Back Carrier is very comfortable and can fit the shorter parent (that’s me, at 5ft 2in) and the taller parent (that’s my partner, at 5ft 9in).

The contoured frame is indeed shaped to fit the spine and the adjustable chest straps help distribute the weight. The carrier’s frame design improves stability when loading your child inside it and allows the carrier to be packed almost flat when you don’t need it.

The child harness, which has been simplified, can be adjusted and secured on the inside of the carrier.

The Bushbaby Premier Back Carrier comes with a few accessories and handy features: a waterproof canopy with UV protective mesh at the sides so you can get out and about whatever the weather; a viewing mirror so you have ‘eyes on the back of your head’ to check what your little monkey is up to; toy loops to accommodate soft toys; and foot loops so older children have a comfortable ride.

Cheaper carriers have low weight limits, so they are outgrown fast. I wish we’d bought a similar carrier when Michela was younger as I had to purchase three different carriers to take Michela from birth up to 2 years. This carrier still worked with Michela who now weighs 15kg, although if you add the weight of the carrier, the total weight on my back was over 17kg. It was still comfortable but as my partner put it, “It’s a bit like marching in the Army with your kit.”

What to watch out for

Bushbaby Premier Back Carrier is suitable from 6 months to 4 years, with a weight limit of 20kg. The RRP of £150 might seem steep if you’ve just forked out hundreds of pounds on a travel system at birth, but this carrier could work out being a good investment if you use it from when your baby’s 6 months – you’d get a possible 3 and half years for the £150 price-tag, unlike some carriers that have a lower maximum weight limit.

The Bushbaby Premier Back Carrier doesn’t have a metal stand. When I queried this I was told that this carrier has a loading stabiliser Velcroed to the base, which is a sort of tab you step on so your hands are free to load your child in the carrier. Not having a metal stand means the carrier is lighter and safer as apparently carriers with stands lead unwary or distracted parents to use them as ‘a chair’, leaving their child in it for a long time. Plus it might tempt a parent to set it down and walk away. So the theory is there’s no temptation to multi-task while the carrier is at your feet and requires your foot.

Who is the Bushbaby Premier Back Carrier best for?

Parents who love walking and want a safe and comfortable carrier for their growing toddler.

MadeForMums verdict:

If you want quality materials, comfort and safety, the Bushbaby Premier Back Carrier is an ideal buy. Its wide age range means you’ll get plenty of use out of it for the money you’ve invested.

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Product Specifications

Product
BrandBushbaby
ModelPremier Back Carrier
Price£150.00
Suitable for
Child age (approx)6 months to 4 years
Child weightUp to 20kg
Features
Washing instructionsMachine washable and wipe clean
FasteningClick fit
Features
  • Toy loop
  • Loading stabiliser
  • Generous storage compartments (including 32 litres main pocket and secret pocket to keep valuables safe)
  • Removable and washable cushion for when your little on nods off
  • UV protective folding canopy that packs flat into the carrier to protect child from sun or rain
  • Bottle holders to keep drinks upright and avoid spillages
  • Viewing mirror to keep an eye on your precious load
  • Footloops included for a more comfortable ride for older children
  • Adjustable to fit adult height of 5ft to 6ft 4in and waist/chest of 50in/52in
  • Seat height for the child can be lowered for older children (adjustments for 6 months, 12-18 months, 18 months and up)
  • Two different shoulder widths to accommodate older children
Accessories
Head huggerNo. Sleep cushion instead
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