Babywearing through toddlerhood–preschool and beyond even! Is it still worth it?
- Emma – Little One Snug
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
It's in the name, when many people think about babywearing, they picture a tiny newborn curled up against their parent's chest. What they don't always picture is a determined two-year-old demanding "up" halfway through a family walk, somewhere a pram isn't suitable. And while there are so many benefits to carrying early, this only continues as your child grows bigger!
And actually toddler carrying is far more common than many people realise.
There are carriers that are specifically designed for bigger kids! (Not just those huge hiking framed ones) What I'd suggest to a family looking to start carrying their 18m old would be very different to a newborn!
Many families (my own included) can find that babywearing becomes even more useful as their child gets older! While carrying will likely look different to how it did in the newborn days, there are plenty of situations where a carrier can make life easier, more enjoyable and sometimes considerably less stressful.
But isn't my toddler too big to be carried?
As someone who isn't particularly strong and who has carried her 4 year old quite comfortably for fairly long periods in a carrier – No!
You may have heard this from well-meaning family members concerned about your back, or society who think once a child can walk that's it they are independent, and you will be creating a problem for yourself further down the line. So, kindly, from a parent who has been there and done that, you won't be, you'll in fact be nurturing the secure attachment bond all humans need, and that will lead to dependence and confidence with others further down the line sooner!
And just because a child can walk doesn't mean they'll always want to.
It's perfectly normal for a toddler to alternate between:
Walking confidently
Running away from you at impressive speed
Demanding to be carried five minutes later
A carrier can be such a useful tool during those moments - you might choose something that you feel really confident doing quick up and downs with!
Here is a fun blog about choosing the right babywearing position for your needs!
Real-life scenarios of toddler carrying
Toddler carrying isn't about preventing children from walking.
It's about having another tool in your parenting toolbox readily available when it's needed.
1. School and Nursery Runs
If you have more than one child, depending on the age gap you'll know that school / nursery runs don't always go to plan!
A carrier can be incredibly useful for:
Busy roads
Time-sensitive school drop-offs / Setting a pace that works for you
Sometimes it's simply the quickest and safest option.
Helping regulate those big emotions if they happen on route
Rainy mornings
Times when the buggy just isn't an option
Managing multiple children – I know some parents who even tandem carry!
2. Travel and Holidays
Airports, train stations and unfamiliar places can be quite overwhelming for little ones.
A carrier can help keep your child:
Close
Secure
Comfortable
Many parents find a carrier easier / less stressful than navigating certain crowded areas with a buggy. Particularly when:
Boarding planes
Exploring historic towns
Walking on uneven ground
Using public transport
3. Outdoor Adventures
Toddlers often have very ambitious plans and very short legs.
What starts as an exciting walk can quickly become: "Carry me!"
Whether you're exploring woodland trails, visiting the seaside or spending a day in the countryside, a carrier can help everyone enjoy the outing without worrying about how far little legs can manage.
4. Tired toddlers
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons families continue carrying.
Toddlers can get tired, grumpy, and often it's seemingly out of nowhere
A carrier can provide:
Comfort
Security
A chance to rest
A safe place for a nap
Sometimes it turns a potentially difficult outing into a much calmer experience.
5. Emotional Reassurance
Toddlers are navigating a world that is getting bigger and more exciting every day.
They are also experiencing huge emotional and developmental changes.
There are times when they simply need closeness, or maybe you need that too
Being carried can provide:
Connection
Comfort
Reassurance
A chance to regulate after a busy day
Let's reiterate you won't stop your child from becoming independent. In fact, meeting their need for connection often helps them feel more secure exploring independently.
What About My Back?
This is usually the next question. And it's a fair one. Toddlers are significantly heavier than newborns, and babywearing is a form of weightlifting. The key is having a carrier that offers appropriate support and is adjusted correctly. Many parents are surprised by how comfortable carrying can feel when weight is distributed effectively with a developmentally suitable sling. You may find you need to build up to longer walks if you are only just starting to carry a toddler like this.
If carrying hurts, it may be a sign that adjustments are needed, or that a different carrier would better suit your child's current stage. Checking in with a consultant can be really helpful when things feel off.
Ok, so which carriers work well for toddlers?
Toddler Carriers
Designed specifically for older children, these often provide:
A taller back panel
Wider seat
Increased support
Improved comfort for longer carries
Soft Structured Carriers (most mainstream and easy to learn a back carry with if starting out)
Many buckle carriers can comfortably accommodate toddlers, depending on the manufacturer's size guidance.
Woven Wraps / Ring Slings / Half Buckles
Some families enjoy the flexibility that these more structured tying style slings provide for carrying older children.
Moving from a front carry to a back carry
As children grow, many parents find back carrying more comfortable for longer periods.
Back carrying can:
Improve weight distribution
Increase comfort / your visibility
Allow greater freedom of movement
Signs Your Child Might Benefit From Being Carried
Every child is different, but some common signs include:
Becoming tired on outings
Asking to be carried regularly
Struggling with long walks
Feeling overwhelmed in busy environments
Needing extra comfort and reassurance
If you want to carry them (we need to be held too!) And the closeness is only going to help with bonding and connection
Carrying isn't a sign that something is wrong. It's simply one tool that can help meet your child's needs.
When toddler carrying might not be right for you
As with every stage of parenting, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Some toddlers prefer walking everywhere, my little girl went through some very independent phases, then weeks later she wanted ups again!
Some parents just find carrying no longer works for them physically or mentally.
Others use a carrier occasionally rather than regularly.
All of these are perfectly valid choices. The goal isn't to carry for as long as possible. The goal is to have options that work for your family.
Final Thoughts
Many parents assume babywearing ends once their child starts walking.
In reality, toddler carrying can be one of the most useful stages of all. Whether it's a school run, a family holiday, a countryside walk, calming those big emotions, needing connection, or simply helping a tired toddler make it home, a carrier can continue to earn its place long after the newborn days have passed.
If carrying no longer feels comfortable, or you're wondering whether a different carrier might suit your growing child better, seeking advice can make a huge difference. Because, while your baby may be getting bigger, that doesn't necessarily mean the carrying journey has to end.
