This page will review the options for transporting babies, toddlers, and young children when it becomes necessary to bug out on foot. The goal is to provide information about each type of transport. These may be for short or long term use, used for a person alone with children or in a group of other adults with children.

Each option is listed with the pros and cons of its use. If there are pros or cons that are not listed for a specific method of transport that you think others should be aware of, please feel free to contribute. If there is not an option listed that you think should be considered, please add that as well, taking care to list its advantages and disadvantages as they come to mind.

Slings

PROS	CONS
Generally able to use for a wide weight range, from infants to toddlers up to 35 pounds. This may vary depending on brand and style.	Difficult to use when the baby or toddler is uncooperative.
Leaves both hands free most of the time.	Babies need support of head when nursing or bottle-feeding, leaving only one hand available.
Adjustable for comfort and size, for wearer and baby/toddler.	Stress to back after prolonged carry
Inexpensive	Difficult to run with
Compact and easy to carry when not in use
Can double as a blanket

Front Carriers

PROS	CONS
Both hands are free to use.	Older children become heavy after a while.
Easier to run (depending on the person)	Difficult to run (depending on the person)
Can still carry additional backpacks, in fact it may help to balance the weight.
Babies unable to sit on their own can still be carried this way.
If you fall forward you can try to catch yourself with your hands to avoid crushing the child.

Backpacks

PROS	CONS
Both hands are free to use.	Cannot carry additional backpacks.
Some models have small, attachable backpacks.	Babies that are unable to sit on their own cannot be carried this way.
Easier to run (depending on the person)	Older children become heavy after a while.
	Difficult to run (depending on the person)
	If you fall backwards you cannot use your hands to catch yourself. The child is between you and the ground and so may be injured.

In-Arms

PROS	CONS
No hassle with taking child in an out of anything.	Both hands are not free.
	Arms tire after carrying for long distances.

Strollers, Conventional

PROS	CONS
No extra weight to carry	Difficult to maneuver in some terrain
Extra storage space	cost, depending on model
some models seat double
Can be modified to hitch onto the back of a bicycle

Strollers, Jogging

PROS	CONS
Maneuverable in diverse types of terrain	Requires an air pump and tubes for tires
Some models seat double	Not all types have adequate storage space
Can be modified to hitch onto the back of a bicycle.	Cost

Strollers, Umbrella

PROS	CONS
Compact, easy to fold and unfold	lack of storage space
inexpensive	difficult to use except on sidewalks or other smooth terrain
some models seat double	Strollers are short, making it difficult to push without discomfort due to posture.

Bicycles

PROS	CONS
Enables children to travel farther distances	Best only for confident riders
Can attach baskets to front and/or rear of bike for extra storage space.	Easy for children to out-distance others

Scooters

PROS	CONS
Enables children to travel farther distances