There is a particular kind of toddler phase where "pick up" becomes the soundtrack. This was that week. My two year old wanted to be close for most of it; out and about on our walks, through the supermarket and definitely during every attempt I made to cook dinner.
If you are in the toddler carrying stage and wondering whether it ever gets easier to choose the right carrier for the moment, here is my honest answer: I stopped trying to find one carrier that does everything and started matching the carrier to the situation. Here is what that looked like for us this week.
The LennyPreschool: for the long carries when they really just need to be close
When my daughter wants more than a quick cuddle (when she is overtired or overwhelmed or we are going on a long walk) the LennyPreschool is what comes off the hook.
It is a woven wrap conversion carrier designed specifically for bigger kids. It is basically the LennyUpGrade PRO but bigger. The padded straps support a solid toddler weight without digging into your shoulders and the waistband support works well for a front carry (or back carry) that you can wear for a while without counting down the minutes.
My little one still fits comfortably in the LennyUpGrade PRO but we just got the new Capybara print in the LennyPreschool and honestly it is very hard not to smile while wearing it, so we have been using that. But beyond the print, the carrier itself is genuinely comfortable for both of us.
Good for: longer carries, overtired moments, when you want your hands free for a while without feeling it in your back. Front or back carry.
Ring slings: for the quick ups
Ring slings get a reputation for being complicated, but once you have the basics dialled in they are the fastest handsfree carrier to get on and off. That is exactly why they earn their place in a toddler babywearing survival kit.
When my toddler wants up for two minutes while I sort something out, wants up while I am trying to do something in the house or needs a quick reset between activities, the ring sling goes on without a second thought. Hip carry or front carry works well at this age, they can see what is happening, stay close, have their arms out or in and you have both hands if you need them too.
A good ring sling at the toddler stage is less about long hikes and more about having something you will actually reach for in a hurry when they want constant up and downs.
Good for: quick ups, hip carries, transitions, moments when you need both hands and a settled child.
The LennyLamb Onbuhimo PRO: for the short carries when you want structure without the bulk
The Onbuhimo is one of those carriers that takes a little explaining, because it looks unusual if you have not seen one before. There is no waistband, just two shoulder straps and the panel, which sounds counterintuitive until you wear it.
For short carries with a toddler who says they want to walk but you know before long they will want up, it is excellent. It goes on quickly, packs small and does not feel like overkill for a ten minute carry. Plus you can get a super high back carry so your little one can experience the world from your perspective.
We have been using it for post office runs when I know my daughter won't last the walk, dog walks when I don't want her pinching our greyhound and neither of us has the patience for a wrap.
Good for: short carries, active toddlers who want up and down, outings where you want a carrier on hand that fits in your bag easily. Tend to be a hit with dads!
Honourable mention but didn't get used this week: woven wraps
On the shelf all week. Intended to wrap her every day but little miss had other ideas about the pace of things.
Woven wraps are still our favourite for a comfortable toddler carry when life allows it. This week did not allow it. Next week, maybe.
A note on toddler carrying generally
People sometimes ask whether it is too late to start carrying once their child is walking. It is not. The toddler stage is actually one of the most useful times to have a carrier. Not for all day wearing necessarily, but for the in-between moments that are otherwise really hard to manage.
If you are not sure which of these would suit your situation, come to one of our meets and try them. That is genuinely the fastest way to find out.
Cloth and Carry runs free community meets where you can try carriers before you buy. Find the next one near you by checking out Babywearing Social Club.
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