The carrier feels similar in weight to a good quality travel ruck-sac and is similarly structured to distribute weight well across the wearer’s body so it feels comfortable to carry even with a baby or toddler inside.

I find the Freedom S4 really easy to adjust for different heights/torso lengths, which is a joy when you are sharing a carrier between adults. It also keeps little ones amused with its range of fun animal-shaped toddler ‘daysacks’, safety equipment such as reins disguised as mini backpacks and colourful ID wrist straps.Yes, you can stash both baby essentials like nappies, wet wipes and sun cream along with those things you would normally have in a handbag: keys, wallet and phone. With over seven years' experience as a full-time editor, five of which have been spent writing, commissioning and editing product reviews and round-ups, Laura has a keen eye for what parents love and likes nothing more than putting together honest reviews to make parents' lives that little bit easier. Instead, the main frame has a relatively wide base, making this a freestanding carrier, while stability is achieved by the adult putting the weight of their foot onto an anchor point at the base of the unit.

Please note: The rear viewing mirror, easy-pull sunshade, and detachable foot stirrups are included with the Freedom S4 child carrier. As the full carrier doesn't sit directly on your back, there is plenty of airflow, making it comfortable on warm days.Handily, the face pad - which is Velcroed to the carrier and the part you'll most likely want to clean regularly - can be removed for machine washing. As well as a concise, helpful instruction booklet, there are videos available online which help with anything that is not intuitive. Designed for long days out in the country, the LittleLife Freedom S4 uses tough fabrics, padded comstruction and an airflow backsystem to keep you cool during lengthy walks. Buckling my daughter in was easy and she felt safe in the seat at all times during our walks, which was very reassuring. Designed for all-day use, the Freedom S4 is a premium child carrier with an airflow backsystem to keep you cool during lengthy walks.

For parents, the fully adjustable padded back panel with two stabiliser straps ensures a safe and comfortable carrying experience, and it can be adjusted by detaching the hip belt, which is Velcroed on, and tightening the panel strap. It has so many features that it can be initially intimidating but once you’ve tinkered with various straps, clips and bits of Velcro, it is a straightforward piece of kit. Comprised of tent-like poles and a fabric hood, it definitely feels less premium than the clever, integrated sunshades on other carriers. However, it does the job, with the poles slotting in either side of the child’s seat and Velcro attachments to tension it out.Handily, the left hip belt includes a rear view mirror so that you can keep an eye on your tot while on the move. For example, if a child is napping whilst you take a snack break, you can sit next to the carrier rather than having to constantly support it.

Obviously one should never leave a child unattended in a carrier, but I do find the Deuter metal bar more stable if we are stopped with the child on the ground. It’s almost as if it was a bit of an afterthought once the design of the main unit had been finished. If the item comes direct from a manufacturer, it may be delivered in non-retail packaging, such as a plain or unprinted box or plastic bag. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. One of three harness buckles on the LittleLife Cross Country S4 Is the LittleLife Cross Country S4 safe and sturdy?Our reviews and articles are written by parents who are professional journalists, and we also include feedback from our parent community and industry experts.