5 Babywearing turned Toddlerwearing

Confession. I still wear my son....and he is 3.

Confession #2. Joe still wears him too.

I started fairly early for us. I don't remember the exact first time but I do remember always thinking how much easier it made things. We would babywear around the house, in stores, on vacation and when going for walks and hikes. In the beginning it was about survival most of the time. Simply placing him into the Moby while I was doing work around the house would save my ears from the mid-afternoon 'I don't want to nap and you can't make me' tears.

So why are we still wearing him 3 years later? Because it still makes things easier. Try going for a 5km hike with a 3 year old. Your hike is either going to last 3 million hours or your stroller is going to bust a wheel. We prefer to let him walk for a bit and then carry him for a bit. We trade off between the two of us on longer hikes to give each other a little break because seriously I can only take so "faster Mommy" combined with kicking my sides! 

As B has grown our carrier needs have changed. We started out with a handmade Moby Wrap and a Baby Bjorn. Before his first birthday I began to research carriers that would allow us to carry him as a toddler. I purchased the Baby Hawk - Oh Snap. This is the carrier we continue to use today.

When wearing a toddler it is important to remember that you are burning calories! Which I am pretty sure means you can skip the gym. Look for a carrier that is comfortable. Take your toddler to the store with you and try it on with them in it. Focus on how it feels around your hips and your shoulders. If they are old enough, ask them if they are comfortable. Gretchen brings up a good point about really finding a carrier that works for you. "I moved on to structured carriers and realized the importance of finding one that truly fits well. I have a small frame, and once I got the right carrier for my body, it made all the difference (no shoulder pain nor back strain)!"

Prepare to become addicted to all the fabric choices, but if you are only going to get one make sure you get a print that works for both you and your partner.

Moby Wrap

Pro

* You can wear your child in a variety of different positions.

* Cheap and easy to make! (or find them on Etsy!)

* With newborns you really do feel super close and connected

Con

* I suck at tying myself into it

* On the fly can be hard to quickly get your child into it (especially solo)

* Chances of your guy wearing a wrap are probably less than other carriers

Would I do it again? - YES! I would use the Moby for our at home carrier for a baby. Emily recommends that if you don't want the fuss that can come with a Moby that you should try out a Baby k'tan.

Baby Bjorn

Pro

* Readily available

* Easy to use

Con

* It is a crotch dangler so it is not ideal for your child

* Has a low maximum weight meaning it won't last into toddlerhood

* Expensive for what it is

Would I do it again? - No. I would have gotten the Baby Hawk earlier.

Ergo (note I borrowed my friends and used it twice when B was 1)

Pro

* Easy to use

* Comes with newborn accessories

* Has a high maximum weight limit

* Allows for front and back carry

Con

* I found the buckles dug into my sides/hips

* I didn't *love* the fabric

Would I do it again? - Yes. This is a good option for a carrier. It isn't my first choice for this style but I think it is a great carrier if you are looking for one from birth to toddler.

Baby Hawk Oh Snap (Mei Tei)

Pro

* Easy to use

* Has a high maximum weight limit

* Allows for front and back carry

* Super comfortable

Con

* Have to adjust front chest strap when moving from front to back carry

Would I do it again? YES!  This is my carrier of choice. If I could do it again I would have bought this carrier from day 1. I opted for the Oh Snap version because I didn't want to have to deal with the ties (and neither did Joey).

Do you babywear or toddlerwear?  What is your favourite carrier?

Related Posts - Check them Out

Birth Options

Being a Green Mom

LOVE!