There are two Preschool size carriers that have recently come onto the scene and I REALLY love them both. If you've been wondering about buying a carrier for your big, little one, I'm going to talk you through the main pros and cons of each one and compare the two of them to help you out.
The bottom line though is, both are great. And if you're wanting to get one, you can't go too far wrong with either! And here's the thing, big kids DO still need carrying. For so many reasons, but if you're here reading this blog post you probably don't need convincing of that fact, you've got a big little one who needs the cuddles sometimes. If you've ever found yourself with a 3/4/5 year old piggy backing on you at the end of a long nursery day, or at the end of a long walk, you'll know that sometimes they really do need carrying still. Enter, the preschool size carrier!
The bottom line though is, both are great. And if you're wanting to get one, you can't go too far wrong with either! And here's the thing, big kids DO still need carrying. For so many reasons, but if you're here reading this blog post you probably don't need convincing of that fact, you've got a big little one who needs the cuddles sometimes. If you've ever found yourself with a 3/4/5 year old piggy backing on you at the end of a long nursery day, or at the end of a long walk, you'll know that sometimes they really do need carrying still. Enter, the preschool size carrier!
The Preschool Tula
KEY POINTS:
Price: £129.90
Suggested Age Range: 3/4+
Weight Range: 35-70lbs
Body panel size: 51.1 x 50.4 cm (approx 20″ x 20″)
Adjustable: No adjustability in the panel of the carrier (one size)
Straps type: H straps
Crossable Straps: No
Integrated Chest Clip?: Yes
Discount available: Sure - 10% through me :-)
Fabric: Reinforced canvas/cotton
Carrying positions: Front carrying (parent facing) and back carrying
Price: £129.90
Suggested Age Range: 3/4+
Weight Range: 35-70lbs
Body panel size: 51.1 x 50.4 cm (approx 20″ x 20″)
Adjustable: No adjustability in the panel of the carrier (one size)
Straps type: H straps
Crossable Straps: No
Integrated Chest Clip?: Yes
Discount available: Sure - 10% through me :-)
Fabric: Reinforced canvas/cotton
Carrying positions: Front carrying (parent facing) and back carrying
Pros and Cons (and What Anna thinks)
Like with all other Tulas, this is SUPER easy to use. 2 clips and you're done. In my opinion and experience of seeing parents with slings, that's what they want, something easy to use that is going to be comfy with minimal room for error. And the Tula preschool is exactly that. It's big. which is great if you've got a big kid you need a carrier for. But it's not forgiving if you have a smaller toddler/preschooler - it will be too big, until it's not. Sorry if that sounds super silly to say and obvious. But basically it has no adjustability in it. Anna fit in this size carrier when she was 4. What I will say about the Tula carriers is that my kids have always outgrown one before they fit into the next one (because Tula told me they didn't think my idea of an adjustable toddler size carrier was needed, it it Tula, trust me!!!) So that's a down side to me. When Anna and I tried this one out, she didn't find it as soft and cosy as the lenny lamb. It was comfy for me but not as soft for her. I would say that due to the lack of adjustability this is one you're going to want to try before you buy to make sure its the right size for you (in particular if you're not sure if your child is big enough to move up to the next size).
Like with all other Tulas, this is SUPER easy to use. 2 clips and you're done. In my opinion and experience of seeing parents with slings, that's what they want, something easy to use that is going to be comfy with minimal room for error. And the Tula preschool is exactly that. It's big. which is great if you've got a big kid you need a carrier for. But it's not forgiving if you have a smaller toddler/preschooler - it will be too big, until it's not. Sorry if that sounds super silly to say and obvious. But basically it has no adjustability in it. Anna fit in this size carrier when she was 4. What I will say about the Tula carriers is that my kids have always outgrown one before they fit into the next one (because Tula told me they didn't think my idea of an adjustable toddler size carrier was needed, it it Tula, trust me!!!) So that's a down side to me. When Anna and I tried this one out, she didn't find it as soft and cosy as the lenny lamb. It was comfy for me but not as soft for her. I would say that due to the lack of adjustability this is one you're going to want to try before you buy to make sure its the right size for you (in particular if you're not sure if your child is big enough to move up to the next size).
Lenny Lamb Preschool Carrier
KEY POINTS:
Price: £108+ (depending on pattern)
Suggested Age Range: Adjustable from 1-6 years*
Weight Range: up to 66lbs
Body panel size: Max size 58cm (w) x 51cm (h)
Adjustable: Grows with your toddler to preschool size in the waistband and height of the panel
Straps type: H straps and crossable straps when front carrying
Crossable Straps: Yes
Integrated Chest Clip?: Yes
Discount available: Sure - 5% with Happy Hugs
Fabric: Cotton, woven wrap fabric, super soft
Carrying positions: Front carrying (parent facing) and back carrying
Price: £108+ (depending on pattern)
Suggested Age Range: Adjustable from 1-6 years*
Weight Range: up to 66lbs
Body panel size: Max size 58cm (w) x 51cm (h)
Adjustable: Grows with your toddler to preschool size in the waistband and height of the panel
Straps type: H straps and crossable straps when front carrying
Crossable Straps: Yes
Integrated Chest Clip?: Yes
Discount available: Sure - 5% with Happy Hugs
Fabric: Cotton, woven wrap fabric, super soft
Carrying positions: Front carrying (parent facing) and back carrying
Pros and Cons (and What Anna thinks)
I really like this carrier a lot. You know I'm a massive fan of an adjustable carrier because simply you get more out of it. Although this carrier says its suitable from 1 years old, I would say it's closer to 1.5/2 years old. Because although it's adjustable its still REALLY BIG! And when it's fully adjusted, as small as it can go, the seat of the panel can feel a bit bunched up under your child's bottom. So slightly bigger is better in my experience with this one. But it is SOOOO soft and cosy and just lovely. I found it comfy every time I used it with Anna who at 4 years old was quite a big and tall kiddo. Anna preferred this carrier because it was softer. When she tried it again the other day she said "I really like being on your back :)) Because of all the adjusters, and options with the straps this carrier is a touch more complicated to get "just right" because you've got more options. So you'll need to give it a bit of time and patience to find the right settings for you and your child.
I love them both and really do think big kid carriers are pretty useful!
Please do get in touch if you'd like to try one out, I have them both in the library.
Chiara x
I really like this carrier a lot. You know I'm a massive fan of an adjustable carrier because simply you get more out of it. Although this carrier says its suitable from 1 years old, I would say it's closer to 1.5/2 years old. Because although it's adjustable its still REALLY BIG! And when it's fully adjusted, as small as it can go, the seat of the panel can feel a bit bunched up under your child's bottom. So slightly bigger is better in my experience with this one. But it is SOOOO soft and cosy and just lovely. I found it comfy every time I used it with Anna who at 4 years old was quite a big and tall kiddo. Anna preferred this carrier because it was softer. When she tried it again the other day she said "I really like being on your back :)) Because of all the adjusters, and options with the straps this carrier is a touch more complicated to get "just right" because you've got more options. So you'll need to give it a bit of time and patience to find the right settings for you and your child.
I love them both and really do think big kid carriers are pretty useful!
Please do get in touch if you'd like to try one out, I have them both in the library.
Chiara x
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