Is Babywearing Just for Babies? Thoughts on Toddler Wearing

Sarah paused, watching her 21-month-old dash energetically across the playground, arms outstretched, laughter echoing through the air. Just a month ago, leaving Sarah’s side for even a moment would trigger intense tears and panic. Now, with the peak of separation anxiety easing, Sarah wondered aloud,

“Should I really upsize our baby carrier?

How much longer will we actually use it?”

Their current carrier, now clearly too small, had a narrow seat that pressed uncomfortably into her toddler’s thighs. Her little one loved having arms free while awake, yet tucked them snugly inside for naps, hinting at the need for something roomier and more supportive. Sarah pondered if toddler wearing was still beneficial—her baby was almost two, after all.

Seeking Support

To find clarity, Sarah attended the local babywearing educator's drop-in hours and asked about different carrying options, unsure if she would really use a carrier much longer. The consultant thoughtfully mentioned several things for her to consider. A larger carrier could help spread her toddler’s weight more comfortably, and she might enjoy exploring the versatility and flexibility of using a woven wrap.

Sarah was pleasantly surprised to discover she had many options to explore.

The consultant also shared how beneficial it was to have a carrier handy on activities like half-day hikes, ready to provide support whenever needed.

Bianca, Creative & Operations Director here at CBWS, remembers how having the right carrying options in her bag helped her be responsive to her preschooler when out and about in New York City.

"I always had a lightweight ring sling or shortie in my bag, it was so easy to pull them out to put him up on my back at a moments notice," she says.

Unique Charm & Practical Magic

The truth is, toddler wearing holds a unique charm and practical magic. Far from just a necessity, it becomes a joyful, collaborative experience as your little one grows more engaged. Incorporating play into babywearing makes it special. Imagine Sarah inviting her toddler into imaginative adventures: counting clouds together, spotting birds, or collecting memories like treasure on everyday errands.

Yet toddler wearing isn't only about fun—it’s also about practicality. With an active toddler on her back, Sarah can accomplish more without constantly relying on tired arms or a cumbersome stroller. Longer outings become possible, without the familiar anxiety of rushing home before nap time or navigating stroller-unfriendly spaces. Her toddler remains secure, comfortable, and engaged, taking in the world with clear views and easily communicating needs or excitements to Sarah.

"When my son was a toddler, we lived in Europe where there were mostly cobblestone streets, lots of narrow stairways and older buildings with cramped quarters," says Elise, a CBWS Team Member. "Trying to haul a stroller around would have been impossible."

"The carrier gave us the freedom to explore together with less stress

- plus he could nap on the go whenever he needed to!"

But Aren't Toddlers Heavy?

However, toddler wearing does come with considerations. Sarah’s body, accustomed to gradually increasing weight since babyhood, might handle the load differently compared to someone starting fresh with toddler wearing. Bodies new to carrying a toddler require gradual adjustment, slowly building comfort and strength over time. Sarah must also be mindful of surroundings—watching out for furniture corners and walls within kicking range, knowing that a sudden push-off from a playful leg might momentarily challenge her balance.

After a 6 month break from babywearing due to a severely broken arm, our founder, Joanna, remembers,

"I had to ease back into carrying very gradually and carefully. My child was nearly double the weight she had been the last time I wore her, and the movements she had enjoyed at 6 months old were very different from what she needed as a one year old!"

Toddler Wearing as a Partnership

Importantly, Sarah learned to make toddler wearing a partnership. Meeting her toddler's eyes, clearly signaling her intention before picking them up, significantly reduced protests. She adapted wearing to her toddler's unique temperament, choosing times and methods that complemented their rhythm rather than working against it.

Toddler wearing, Sarah discovered, was more than just a practical parenting tool. It became a delightful way to nurture closeness, invite imaginative play, and smoothly navigate daily life’s practicalities, all while cherishing these fleeting moments with her rapidly growing little explorer.