Good hiking baby carriers are well-padded and comfortable for both the carrier as well as the baby.They are safe and ergonomic . They are adjustible and easy on the shoulders through a longer trip.

Many hiking baby carriers also come with features such as sun and rain shades, foot stirrups, drool pads, and side-entry access into the child’s seat.

A hiking baby carrier is useful in situations other than hiking   - zoo visits, city walks, metro, running errands, doing yard work, airport traversing and neighborhood dog-walking. 

Keep in mind that newborns and infants under 20 pounds are often most comfortable when being carried in carriers. After hitting the 23 pounds mark, they start to need to move more.

The best baby hiking carrier: Deuter Kid Comfort 2 ( stabilization in uneven terrain, little hand-accessible snack pockets, hydration portability, a snooze-inducing pillow)

The best baby hiking carrier upgrade: Osprey Poco AG Premium (smartly stashed changing pad, removable daypack, easy-to-wear, pricey) 

The best affordable baby hiking carrier: Clevr Baby/Child Back Pack Cross Country Carrier Stand with Sun Shade Visor Shield Red (very light, good padding, good for short hikes)