Toddlers and big kids need carrying too! Here are my updated (for 2020) top picks for big kid carriers
The neko switch toddler.
This is a new addition to this blog for 2020. And I think I'm in love. This carrier answers the problem of the age where a baby size carrier is too small but a toddler size is too big, because IT'S ADJUSTABLE!!!! It goes from about the size of a standard size tula to a huge 21" which is the size of a preschool carrier. A-MA-ZING. It has a padded waistband and padded shoulder straps. It comes in woven wrap fabric and so some beautiful patters and colours..I really really love it.
Cons: it doesn't offer a crossed strap option. But when you're carrying a toddler it's less of an issue because you're mostly back carrying.
Age range 16 months - 4 years!
Price: £135
This is a new addition to this blog for 2020. And I think I'm in love. This carrier answers the problem of the age where a baby size carrier is too small but a toddler size is too big, because IT'S ADJUSTABLE!!!! It goes from about the size of a standard size tula to a huge 21" which is the size of a preschool carrier. A-MA-ZING. It has a padded waistband and padded shoulder straps. It comes in woven wrap fabric and so some beautiful patters and colours..I really really love it.
Cons: it doesn't offer a crossed strap option. But when you're carrying a toddler it's less of an issue because you're mostly back carrying.
Age range 16 months - 4 years!
Price: £135
Toddler Tula.
PROS: This is the carrier I used with Anna until she was 3.5 years old. 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.
Price: £129 (additional discount if you order through us!)
age range: 18 months - 3/4 years
PROS: This is the carrier I used with Anna until she was 3.5 years old. 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.
Price: £129 (additional discount if you order through us!)
age range: 18 months - 3/4 years
Toddler Beco Gemini Cool
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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).
AGE RANGE: 2-4 years
PRICE: £115
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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).
AGE RANGE: 2-4 years
PRICE: £115
Preschool Tula
PROS: this is exactly the same as the toddler tula, just bigger. by a couple of inches all the way around. This means it will be perfect for big 3 year olds/4 year olds. All the good things of a Tula, easy, pretty comfy.
CONS: with the one we have in the library it came out of the box fairly crunchy. and as with the toddler, no adjustability.
PRICE: £129 (10% discount through us!)
AGE RANGE: 3/4-6years
PROS: this is exactly the same as the toddler tula, just bigger. by a couple of inches all the way around. This means it will be perfect for big 3 year olds/4 year olds. All the good things of a Tula, easy, pretty comfy.
CONS: with the one we have in the library it came out of the box fairly crunchy. and as with the toddler, no adjustability.
PRICE: £129 (10% discount through us!)
AGE RANGE: 3/4-6years
Lenny Lamb Preschool
I really really love this carrier. possibly my favourite, for me.
PROS: it is super chunky but super soft. it is easy to.adjust from 1 years +. It comes in a range of wrap fabric options and it comes up.HUGE so will really last well.
CONS: the only one i have is that when its adjusted small, its a bit bunched and bulky under toddlers bottom. Its fine from around the 2 year adjuster, but smaller there is a bit too much fabric for my liking. but dont let that put you off if you need a toddler-preschool carrier
PRICE: £108-£159 depending on pattern.
AGE RANGE: 3/4 - 6
I really really love this carrier. possibly my favourite, for me.
PROS: it is super chunky but super soft. it is easy to.adjust from 1 years +. It comes in a range of wrap fabric options and it comes up.HUGE so will really last well.
CONS: the only one i have is that when its adjusted small, its a bit bunched and bulky under toddlers bottom. Its fine from around the 2 year adjuster, but smaller there is a bit too much fabric for my liking. but dont let that put you off if you need a toddler-preschool carrier
PRICE: £108-£159 depending on pattern.
AGE RANGE: 3/4 - 6
Pouchlings toddler or preschool size carrier.
Another new entry for 2020 and another I'm a little bit in love with. I've just ordered a custom made preschool size carrier from Pouchlings and I'm super impressed. These are made by a lovely babywearing consultant called Angela who is truly an artist. She has website where you essentially choose the elements of a carrier you'd like and boom...new carrier. I've gone for a deluxe carrier, in preschool size with leg padding, perfect fit adjusters and full buckle straps. She also makes wrap conversion full buckles too, so if you've got a wrap you love but not using it, this could be a good option! And the price point is AMAZING. As well as being made by a small business in the UK, supporting other small businesses (wrap fabric etc)
Cons: only that you'll have to make some decisions! What is it that you'd like in a carrier. But I'm absolutely sure Angela would help you. and the chest clip isn't integral which can be a bit fiddly to get on/you may loose it (like i have).
Please shout if you'd like to try one! These are all carriers in the library.
Another new entry for 2020 and another I'm a little bit in love with. I've just ordered a custom made preschool size carrier from Pouchlings and I'm super impressed. These are made by a lovely babywearing consultant called Angela who is truly an artist. She has website where you essentially choose the elements of a carrier you'd like and boom...new carrier. I've gone for a deluxe carrier, in preschool size with leg padding, perfect fit adjusters and full buckle straps. She also makes wrap conversion full buckles too, so if you've got a wrap you love but not using it, this could be a good option! And the price point is AMAZING. As well as being made by a small business in the UK, supporting other small businesses (wrap fabric etc)
Cons: only that you'll have to make some decisions! What is it that you'd like in a carrier. But I'm absolutely sure Angela would help you. and the chest clip isn't integral which can be a bit fiddly to get on/you may loose it (like i have).
Please shout if you'd like to try one! These are all carriers in the library.
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