Babywearing: Infancy Through Toddlerhood

For many parents, wearing your newborn in a sling sounds like a reasonable idea. After all, babies can't walk and need to be carried one way or another -- plus they're so warm and cuddly, not to mention light as a feather! But once your little one starts crawling or (gasp!) walking, running and climbing, suddenly you are wondering if your babywearing days are numbered. The truth is, babywearing is just as practical and enjoyable with toddlers. It's just a different type of babywearing.

Instead of a quiet, purring infant snuggled asleep in your sling all day long, you will have a chatty, sometimes whiny, toddler bouncing on your hip for 15 minute intervals, or driving toy cars across your back. With a sling in your purse, your toddler can enjoy the exhilaration of running through the mall or park -- and you can enjoy freedom from a bulky stroller that your child probably isn't too excited about riding in anyway. Then when it's time to navigate busy roads or parking lots, you can easily sling your tot on your hip or back for a quick and safe transport. Even if it's just a two-minute walk to the car, without a sling, carrying a squirmy toddler can feel like an eternity. Trust me.

So when your little baby hits the 25-pound mark, don't give away your once-loved carrier just yet. Fortunately, there's a good chance it'll work just as well for your two- or three-year-old. Whether you have an itty-bitty newborn or a scale-tipping tot, here's some practical advice to help you overcome some of the common babywearing challenges faced at either age.

Tips for Wearing Your Infant

Rule number one: make sure your baby is happy and calm (well-fed, changed and rested!) before trying a new carrier.

Figure out how your baby likes to be held in your arms -- upright, tummy-to-tummy, cradle, etc. -- then try and replicate that position with your carrier.

Practice with a doll first (or a 5-10 pound bag of rice wrapped in a blanket) in front of a mirror.

If your baby starts to fuss before you have finished tying or adjusting the carrier, don't be too quick to take your baby out. Leave the sling on, but stop adjusting it long enough to soothe her then continue when she is calm. Chances are, the more you take her in and out of the carrier, the fussier she will become.

Once your baby is in the carrier, get moving. Dance, sing, walk around the house. Reassure her that being in a carrier is a good thing.

If you can't seem to get the carrier to fit properly or comfortably, ask an experienced baby wearer to help you troubleshoot. A good baby carrier should not cause any discomfort.

Try a variety of slings on before selecting one. Think about how you will be using your carrier -- quick outings, long hikes, nursing, etc.

Experiment with different positions. A baby's preference for how she likes to be carried will change at different ages and developmental stages.

Although your baby may look uncomfortable to you all scrunched up in there, remember they are used to being cocooned like that in the womb. If your baby re is uncomfortable, they will let you know.

Related articles and resources
Babywearing safety with newbornsSemi-Reclined Cradle Position in a Ring SlingHands-free Nursing

Wearing a newborn in a mei tai
Tips for Wearing Your Toddler

Familiarize yourself with the two most common ways to wear a toddler -- on your hip and on your back.

Use a carrier that you can quickly get on and off and that's easy to take your toddler in and out of.

Make sure the carriers you use are durable enough to easily support 25-plus pounds -- woven fabrics are excellent for heavy toddlers, stretchy fabrics are not.

If your toddler is not happy about riding in the sling, explain to her that the sling is a safe place for her to be when she cannot safely walk by herself. Tell her approximately how long she will be in the sling and when she will be able to get down and walk by herself. And as all parents of toddlers know, keep lots of snacks in your pockets!

Have fun -- sing, tell stories or dance a little jig together in the sling. Or even better, let your toddler help you with whatever it is you're doing. Ask her to help pay for groceries (she can hand over the money) or have her tell you when the street light turns green so you can cross the street.

Give her a sling of her own -- an old shawl or small blanket works just fine -- so she can carry her dolls and stuffed animals.

Read books together that show other boys and girls in slings, such as A Ride on Mother's Back by Emery Bernhard and Durga Bernhard.

Additional tips for wearing a toddler
Hip Carry in Ring Sling
Mom and Toddler
Go for a WalkWrap
Back Carry Video
Multi-purpose Toddler Sling