1. Toddler Tula.
PROS: This is the carrier I currently use with Anna who is two and a half. I really really love it. It's got a sturdy waist band (but isn't diggy). It has cushy shoulder straps and is super easy to put on with the straps fixed in a ruck sack style. They come in gorgeous prints too. They are on the bigger size end of the toddler carrier spectrum which has worked really well for me with tall toddlers! They offer back carrying and parent facing front carrying options. To tighten when you're front carrying, it's a really simple forward tightening action.

CONS: The straps don't offer a crossed strap option (as with all tulas). This carrier also has very limited adjustability - it has perfect fit adjusters on the shoulder padding but not adjusters in the waist band. When back carrying you have to tighten by pulling backwards which can be a bit trickier.
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Price: £129 (additional discount if you order through us!)


2. Toddler Integra:

PROS: This is a lightweight, unpadded carrier which offers front, hip and back carrying. It has no heavy waist band which makes it a really transportable carrier. (Think shoving it in your bag until you need it). You can cross the straps over your back and it's has duel adjusters which makes tightening for both front and back carrying simple. Also comes in a solar design which offers sun protection and is splash proof!

CONS: If you prefer heavy padding and waist band in a carrier then the integra won't be for you.

PRICE: £75-£85

Toddler Beco Gemini Cool

PROS: This is lightweight with a breathable mesh middle panel carrier. This makes it a really good option for summer carrying. It has a Padded waist band but it's not mega chunky. Similarly the straps are padded but fairly minimal padding. You can cross the straps over your back. It offers front, back and hip carrying options. It is also a fairly big toddler option so will last a good time.

CONS: like the toddler Tula, there isn't much in the way of adjustability with this carrier. Because of this and how big it comes up, it will fit bigger/older toddlers (you may have to wait for it to fit).
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PRICE: £115
Get yours from slumber roo 
​A good* woven ring sling

When I say good, I mean one using woven wrap fabric, with metal rings and no padding along the rails (eg not cheapies on the internet)

PROS: super quick to just chuck on, especially helpful with toddlers who want to be up and down all the time and who really like being carried on your hip. Goes nice and small for popping in a bag on a day out. Can even be used for a quick back carry as well!

CONS: it's a one shoulder carry, and so it's not going to be a carrier that you use for a full day of walking around. There is a real sweet spot with ring slings so well worth taking the time to find yours.

​PRICE: varies from make to make.

5. A woven wrap

PROS: I will always love a woven wrap for all ages really. You can wrap it so it supports you in all the right ways (eg, spreading weight over different areas of your body, shoulders, chest, back, hips). There is something quite wonderful about the process of wrapping. With one woven the options are so big. Front, back hip carrying with lots of different ways of doing it. Something with linen or hemp in it is super strong for a toddler but still soft and lovely for your shoulders. This is also a sling option that isn't limited to toddler carrying but would work from newborn right through to toddler hood and beyond making it very cost effective.


CONS: They do take more time to learn and to tie. Wriggly toddlers can be a challenge to wrap. My preference is a size 6/7 which is a long wrap. These are then very long to carry around if your little one doesn't want to be up all day.


PRICE: again varies from brand to brand, we have mostly firespiral in our library which are around £150


Give us a shout if you'd like to try one 💗
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And this blog is up for an Essex mums award. If you've found it helpful, please take a moment to vote for my blog here:

Happy Toddlerwearing!

Sling Safety - carrying safely.

Carrying your baby in a sling or carrier has so so many benefits, they are far reaching and life long. As a sling library, we want every parent/carer who wants to carry, to feel super comfortable, confident and empowered to do it safely. That's not to say that babywearing is dangerous! But that with all things baby related, we must be aware of any potential risks and how to ensure we're safe!


Often we get asked "does this look right?" But actually it's not up to me to say if something looks right, rather it's up to me to empower YOU to be able to make that decision about safety!


Here are my top ten key safety points to be checking in on in preparation for and during carrying your baby.


1. Does my baby have clear and open air ways when both awake and asleep? Is my baby's chin off their chest? Do they have a lovely tucked seated position which allows them to rest their head on the flat of your chest if front carrying (or the flat of your back if back carrying) without slumping inside of the carrier or sling.


"My baby has clear and open airways in the sling."


2. Can I see my baby's face when awake and asleep? (When back carrying use a sling mirror or phone to be able to check on this). Can I make sure that the sling or carrier isn't covering my baby's face at all. This includes the straps or shoulder passes of the carrier.


"I can see my baby's face at all times."


3. Is my baby secure in the position the are in? Is the height of the sling safely supporting at least up to the armpit of baby but not higher than the nape of the neck. Am I happy that there is no way that baby can fall from the bottom of the sling.


"My baby is secure in the sling and cannot fall."


4. Is the activity I am about to do safe for carrying a baby in a sling? Is this an activity I would feel comfortable doing if carrying my baby in arms? Is the sling going to remain in a safe position while I am doing the activity? Will the activity compromise points 1 and 2?


"The activity I am doing is safe while carrying my baby".


5. Is my baby in suitable clothing? Can I monitor my baby's temperature and comfort levels in the sling? Have I made sure that all the clothes worn are allowing the sling to be in correct position and tightness to make sure that my baby is in a position that doesn't compromise air ways. Can I make sure that my baby doesn't overheat in too many thick layers in addition to the sling and body heat?


"My baby is comfortable and not at risk of overheating".


6. Is my sling safe? Have I checked it over before I use it? Have I made sure that the buckles are all in tact? Is all webbing in tact? There are no holes in the sling or carrier? Have I checked that the manufacturer of the sling is using safety and weight testing and safe dyes?


"My sling is safe and ready to use."


7. Am I aware of the ideal position for my baby in the sling or carrier I am using? (Upright, tight and snug, with open airways and full support of baby's body without restricting the head or neck). Am I able to check in on this position during the time I am carrying and make adjustments if needed?


"I am happy with my baby's position in the sling."


8. Am I confident I can be safe when putting the sling on and taking it off? There are no trip hazards, or dangers (eg next to your car on a busy road) while putting baby into the carrier. Am I confident that I am able to support baby at all times while putting the sling on and taking it off?


"I am in a safe place when putting my sling on and taking it off, I can support my baby while I do this."


9. If attending a babywearing class, or sling library do the instructors have relevant qualifications, insurance and experience. (This is best practise). Does the instructor or educator focus on safety? Does the instructor monitor safe carrying?


"I am in a class where safety is paramount."


10. Can I monitor my baby whilst carrying? Can I ensure I am able to monitor open airways, position, temperature and comfort of my baby in the sling?


"My baby is safe and secure while I am carrying them".


These safety check points become second nature. If you ever have any questions we are super happy to go through these points at any of our sessions!


Check here for our next meets!