Babywearing in the Toddler Years - Connection, Comfort, and Convenience Beyond the First Year
“When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos.” - L.R. Knost
When most people think about babywearing, they picture tiny newborns curled up against their parent's chest. But what happens when those sweet little babies grow into walking, talking, independent toddlers? Do we put the carriers away and move on? For many parents — myself included — the answer is a resounding no. Babywearing can continue well into toddlerhood and can actually be even more helpful during these unpredictable years. As a mom of five, babywearing my toddlers has been an absolute lifesaver — for them and for me.
Why Toddler Wearing Matters
Even though toddlers are mobile, they haven’t outgrown their need for connection. In fact, toddlerhood can be one of the most emotionally intense stages of development. They’re learning boundaries, experiencing big emotions, and constantly navigating new environments. Babywearing gives them a safe place to retreat to when the world feels overwhelming. It's not about holding them back — it's about supporting them while they grow.
Babywearing at this stage isn’t just convenient — it’s meaningful. That closeness helps reinforce a secure attachment, providing reassurance during a time when they’re trying to become more independent but still crave comfort.
Benefits for Toddlers
Toddlers have boundless energy — until they suddenly don’t. When the crash comes, babywearing offers a soft place to land. Whether it’s during travel, running errands, or attending events, babywearing lets your toddler rest on the go without needing to leave or lug around a stroller.
Wearing your toddler can also be incredibly calming. When they’re teething, sick, or just having a hard day, being close to you helps regulate their emotions and nervous system. It’s a portable comfort zone. Plus, being up at your level allows them to engage in the world in a way that promotes language and social development — they hear your voice, watch your expressions, and feel included in your daily rhythm.
Benefits for Parents
From a parent’s perspective, toddler babywearing is both a convenience and a sanity-saver. It frees up your hands so you can cook, clean, or care for other children while still meeting your toddler’s emotional needs. If you’ve got multiple kids (especially a baby and a toddler), it’s a practical way to keep everyone safe and happy.
It also makes outings easier. No more trying to steer a stroller through narrow aisles or over uneven terrain. And when your toddler’s legs give out in the middle of the zoo or the grocery store? You’ve got a quick solution. Most importantly, it helps maintain that connection as your toddler grows more independent — something both of you might need more than you realize.
My Experience as a Mama of 5
When I was expecting my third baby, my second daughter was still under two years old — and she was very much a velcro baby, constantly needing contact and reassurance. Wearing her while pregnant helped me not only meet her emotional needs, but also gave me a glimpse of what life would look like with two kids under two. It was one of the most valuable tools I had during that transition.
After the baby arrived, she didn’t magically become more independent. In fact, she needed me even more. So much had changed in her little world — Mama had been away for days for the first time ever due to a c-section and the birth of her late-term preemie sibling. Now, Mama was back, but not alone. She had a tiny baby who never left her arms, and suddenly, everything was shared — her lap, her milk, her attention, even her beloved carriers.
That’s where babywearing truly saved us. Carrying her on my back gave her the comfort of being close to me, even when I needed both hands to tend to the baby or help my preschooler. It helped her feel secure and reduced meltdowns, which in turn made our days feel more manageable and far less overwhelming — for both of us.
With my first daughter, things were different. When she became a big sister at 2.5 years old, she was content riding in the stroller — it was a novelty for her, and I only had a stretchy wrap at the time, so our babywearing journey naturally tapered off around 18 months. But my second daughter had her own preferences. She wasn’t very interested in the stroller, especially not the double one. She wanted to be close — and needed to be carried more when it was her turn to adjust to being a big sister.
What I’ve learned is that every child is different. Some toddlers are ready to leap into independence, while others need more time, comfort, and reassurance as they grow through big life transitions. And just like adults, toddlers benefit from patience, grace, and a soft place to land.
Since then, babywearing into toddlerhood (and beyond!) has become second nature. It’s been a no-brainer for me to carry my little ones as long as they wanted to be carried — or as long as I physically could. Over the years, I’ve adapted the types of carriers I use based on the season, my child’s size, and my own comfort. There was a time when I was really into woven wraps, then I fell in love with the onbuhimo. At different times, soft structured carriers have been our go-to. But one thing that’s stayed constant? My love for a good ring sling. The speed, comfort, and versatility are unmatched when it comes to wearing a toddler.
From Sunday mornings at church, to meal prepping in the kitchen, attending weddings, shopping trips, or family travel — you can bet I had a ring sling close by and ready to go. Babywearing has been one of the most grounding and practical parenting tools in my journey, and I honestly can’t imagine toddlerhood without it.
Types of Carriers That Work Well for Toddlers
Not all carriers are created equal when it comes to toddlers. Their growing size and weight mean you need something supportive, ergonomic, and comfortable for both of you.
Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs) – Toddler buckle carriers are great for heavier toddlers and quick ups. They distribute weight evenly and often have padded waistbands and shoulder straps. These are larger than baby sized carriers and a child needs to be wearing size 2T pants regularly in order to fit the wider panel.
Woven Wraps – Extremely versatile and supportive for toddlers, especially when used in multi layer back carries. They do have a learning curve, but many parents find them worth it.
Meh Dais/Bei Dais – A blend of structured and wrap-style carriers. They tie on and adjust to your child’s size, making them a great option for toddlerhood.
Half Buckles – Like the Meh Dai, they are a blend of structured and wrap-style carriers. Instead of a tie waist they have a buckle waist and long wrap like straps. making them a great option for toddlerhood.
Ring Slings – Great for quick ups and short trips, especially around the house. They distribute weight over one shoulder, so they may not be ideal for long carries with heavier toddlers but thicker weaves, floating gathered shoulders and cushy fabrics can help a toddler feel lighter.
Onbuhimo – A waistless, backpack-style carrier that’s fantastic for back carrying. Loved by pregnant parents or those who want less pressure on their midsection. Like ring slings, great for quick ups and short trips. All of your child's weight is on your shoulders so may not be ideal for long carries with heavier kiddos but having cushy shoulder straps with enough padding can make a big difference in comfort for you.
Why Toddlers Still Need to Be Carried
Just because toddlers can walk doesn’t mean they always want to — or should. Long days, busy environments, or emotional overload can make even the most independent toddler crave closeness. Carrying gives them a break, a reset button, and a sense of security. Certain locations and situtations may even be unsafe for a toddler to walk in/through so babywearing offers a safe alternative that keeps them up and secure and keeps you hands free.
Toddler wearing meets both practical and emotional needs. It’s about offering support, comfort, and connection in a way that aligns with your child’s development — not about doing something "for a baby" who is "too old to be worn." Spoiler alert: they’re never too old to want to be close to the people they love.
Final Thoughts
Toddler wearing isn’t just a phase — it’s a powerful parenting tool that grows with your child. Whether you’re navigating meltdowns in a shop, hiking with your little one, or just trying to make it through a busy morning at home with multiple kids, babywearing can make life a little more manageable — and a lot more connected.
If you’ve never worn your toddler before, it’s not too late to start. And if you already do, know that every moment spent wearing your child is a moment that deepens your bond.
Have you tried toddlerwearing? What has it looked like in your family? I’d love to hear your experience — drop a comment below!
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