Top picks for carrying toddlers
Babywearing, carrying, using a sling, it doesn't have to stop at toddlerhood...
Did you know, as a sling library we hire out the most toddler carriers during the summer months? With all the lovely days out, especially if you have older ones too, a toddler sling is so so handy (or actually vital) to have for when big-little legs start getting tired. Or when big-little ones feel overwhelmed on days out. Particularly helpful if your toddler doesn't want to go in a buggy/you don't want to push an empty one around for the day, or you're going off the beaten track.
So here are my top picks for toddler carrying options. These are all slings or carriers we have in the sling library too, so you can try before you buy, or hire one for during the summer holidays.
Babywearing, carrying, using a sling, it doesn't have to stop at toddlerhood...
Did you know, as a sling library we hire out the most toddler carriers during the summer months? With all the lovely days out, especially if you have older ones too, a toddler sling is so so handy (or actually vital) to have for when big-little legs start getting tired. Or when big-little ones feel overwhelmed on days out. Particularly helpful if your toddler doesn't want to go in a buggy/you don't want to push an empty one around for the day, or you're going off the beaten track.
So here are my top picks for toddler carrying options. These are all slings or carriers we have in the sling library too, so you can try before you buy, or hire one for during the summer holidays.
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.
Price: £129 (additional discount if you order through us!)
2. Toddler Integra:
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.
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
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).
PRICE: £115
Get yours from slumber roo
A good* woven ring sling
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).
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: 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 💗
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!
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 💗
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!
RSS Feed