Many of us have experienced the joy of wearing our wee little babies close to our hearts.  We kiss their sweet foreheads when we wear them on our front and squeeze their little toes when we wear them on our back.

Much like breastfeeding, babywearing doesn’t have to end when your baby moves into toddlerhood.  The dynamics of it might shift some (again just like breastfeeding a toddler is different than nursing a newborn), however the benefits remain the same.

A few simple things to keep in mind when toddlerwearing:

1. Be prepared for a lot of up-an-down/in-and-out of the carrier

We all know toddlers like to assert their independence while at the same time they still crave a great deal of reassurance and comfort from us. These seemingly opposing needs of toddlers are usually quite apparent while toddlerwearing. Your child will want to be picked up and then what feels like a mere five minutes later, they want to be put down again to explore.  A few minutes later they will ask you to hold them again. Moms of toddlers are all too familiar with this exhausting drill. Therefore having a carrier that allows for easy up/down/in/out is essential during the toddler years. A ring sling is a great option as is a soft structured carrier.

2. Back carries are generally easier than front carries with toddlers

A back carry allows for your child to look around more as well as offers you a greater sense of mobility. Getting simple tasks done such as unloading a grocery cart or folding laundry are easier to accomplish with a toddler on your back than on your front. I also find hiking to be much easier and more enjoyable with my little guy on my back versus on my front. I feel more stable and balanced with extra weight on my back as opposed to in front.

3. Tandem carrying is an option if you have a newborn and a toddler

When a new baby arrives into a family it may be even more important to continue to wear your toddler. They will want to continue to be held close to you as they transition to having a new sibling. Tandem babywearing takes some practice but once you get the hang of it, it can be great way to meet the needs of two kids at the same time. You can even toddlerwear while pregnant.

Wearing my three year old in a Dolcino Woven Wrap while 36 weeks pregnant with baby #4.

4. A quality carrier should comfortably support the weight of a toddler

Sometimes a parent or caregiver states they stopped wearing their toddler because they were too heavy. However, most quality carriers are designed to carry a child up to 40-ish pounds when used properly. If wearing your toddler has become uncomfortable try playing with your carrier to adjust straps or type of carry. Or perhaps consider investing in a new carrier that will better accommodate your growing baby.

Happy Toddlerwearing all!

Sarah is a crunchy mama to three boys with a fourth on the way. Her family feels blessed to currently live abroad in the Netherlands and enjoy exploring all it has to offer.