You might be a cycling newbie or a relative De-France competitor, but anyone can fall victim to the common buying mistakes when it comes to cycling gear. Unfortunately, while the internet makes shopping easier than ever before, it has also increased the difficulty for newcomers to discern the good from the bad. The new-and-improved head support was a hit with our tester’s son who had no problem falling to sleep while in the seat. Are there any extra features? The best part about cycling is that you need very little to get going. There are a number of must-have pieces of equipment such as a helmet, high visibility clothing and lights, but apart from this small group, you don’t need anything extra. Despite the feather-light design, it's surprisingly sturdy, with chest and waist straps that ensure it feels perfectly secure for both parent and child. The ideal progression from a front carrier, the Ranger is a great alternative for short to mid-length journeys if you want to leave your pushchair at home.

Comfort in a carrier is key too, for example the hip belt pivots whilst you’re walking so the load is shared more evenly across your body.

What is the Best Child Backpack Carrier for tall people?

While stains are fairly inconspicuous thanks to the grey fabric colour, you can easily spot clean the Cross Country S4. 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. Is the LittleLife Cross Country S4 good value for money? Of course, this doesn’t mean buy the most expensive items, but it does mean to think about if the price tag has more to do with the bragging rights than the actual quality of the product. The Adventurer is ready to use straight out of the box. The straps take no time at all to get to grips with and everything adjusts as you would expect.

Weight of the carrier: How much does the carrier weigh when empty? Considering the weight of the carrier itself, along with the weight of your child, is important, particularly if you are petite or small-framed. Lightweight designs are often more comfortable to carry, however they don’t tend to be as feature-rich as the heavier, more robust designs. Laura Westerman is an editor, writer and Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet, and mum to a one-year-old. Our advice is to take your time studying factors like the reputation of the brand, the materials used to manufacture the product and also comparing it to other products of a similar price in the Child Carriers category. The Cross Country S4 is the ideal choice for those who require a great all-rounded child carrier with more than enough features to keep you and your child happy throughout the day.While being wrapped up tight on your chest is perfectly safe, for extended periods it can put baby at risk of suffocation, asphyxiation and hip dysplasia. So, monitor your little one closely at all times and aim to put them down or adjust their position at least every couple of hours. 19 best baby carriers, wraps and slings

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family. About the author Read next: The best baby carriers: soft-structured carriers, wraps and slings How easy is the LittleLife Cross Country S4 to assemble? In total, of the 7 products, 2 products cost more than LittleLife Cross Country S4 Child Carrier and 4 cost less. Littlelife Child Carriers For other adults involved in the baby's care, using a carrier also gives them a great opportunity to bond. 'It can reduce the chance of postnatal depression increasingly recognised in men and partners,' says Ruth. 'It also helps to share the load of parenting and to get out and about!' Help choosing the right baby carrierYou might also want to get a bike cover if your bike will be open to the elements whilst at work, school or elsewhere. A cover will protect your bike’s surface from wear and tear, helping to keep it in the best condition possible. Prices can vary so shop around and don't be afraid to ask your parent friends for advice or hand-me-downs. 'You don't necessarily need to go for the well known, celebrity endorsed brand to get a great sling!' says Ruth. Longevity