Is it worth buying a new sling/carrier for my toddler???

Question

I have a 20 month old daughter who currently weighs around 23 pounds. I have a pouch sling, which for the first year of her life was barely used. However, in the past few months/weeks, she has really taken to it. It is good up to 35 pounds, but it is starting to get very uncomfortable.

I am an extremely small person, and have the sling as tight as it can go. But, when my daughter is not in the pouch, it still hangs down a few inches past my hip. Which means I still have to use an arm to hold her with, so it's not much different than just balancing her on my hip.

Today she brought the sling to me 3 different times, just to be carried around the house in. Would it be worth it to invest in a different type of carrier, one that would allow my arms to be free, but her to still be secure? She has only ever been held in the hip-carry position, so I'm not sure if she would like the front or back positions.....heck, I'm not even sure if you can put a toddler in a front or back carry position....LOL.

If anyone has any advice, or has experience wearing a larger baby, then I would really appreciate it.

* Also, just to add, I'm not really fond of the ring slings. Tried one once, but it just felt uncomfortable and like baby wasn't secure. Of course, I could have just been wearing it wrong, as well.

Answer 1

We have a convertible front/back carrier that will hold a baby up to 40lbs. It's pretty comfortable, if you adjust it correctly. The shoulder straps are heavily padded, and there's a strap that goes around your waist for back support. It's an off-brand (Infantino, I believe), so it didn't cost an arm and a leg, either, although it seems to be made very well. You can face them either in or out when you wear them in the front, so your daughter might appreciate the facing out position. My 6-month old is already almost 20lbs, and I can wear her in it without too much discomfort. Good luck!

Answer 2

I just invested in an Ergo carrier. I know they are expensive but the resale value is good and I plan to have more than one baby.  I love it!! It does front, back, and hip carry  and is completely secure and hands free. I strap my 5 month old(17lb) son on my back and do house work without him in my way or fussing.

The other plus is my husband will also use it because it's so easy.

Answer 3

you could try a front or back pack. i have a sling but i never use it. i also have a front pack and i will it all the time. it is so nice because i can still do stuff and pack her around the house.  

Answer 4

It sounds like you just need more practice with babywearing.  It gets easier.  It's easier when you start at birth and gradually build up your strength, but it's never too late to start!

I recommend a mei tai or another two-shoulder carrier for you.  I switched from the ring sling to the mei tai when my girls got too heavy for just one shoulder.  It sounds like distributing the weight might help you.  You can use the mei tai for the side carry, but it really shines on the back carry!

Mei tais are very easy to make, as are pouch slings.  I made two for my kids, and my mom makes ring slings from time to time.  I forget where I found the directions, but there are all kinds of websites with directions and measurements.

At any rate, your sling is way too low.  If you want to continue using the pouch sling, you would be wise to invest in a sling that fits you properly.  You'll save your back by keeping your baby up higher, and you need both hands free.  Another trick is to get good at the hip carry.  Make sure baby is very secure--butt below the knees, legs far apart, sling supporting her from knees to upper back.  Then, slip your arm out from behind her and slide the fabric back a little bit.

Answer 5

Maybe try a Hip Hammock.  Playtex makes one.  I own a children's resale store and we had one that a parent bought for a trip to carry one of her kids on her hip (they were 1 1/2 yrs and 3 yrs).  She loved it!!  And it is good up to 35 lbs and it should allow your hands to be more free.  When looking for it I also found a company that only makes their own hip hammocks.  

$35 isn't too bad for a new carrier.  I would get it and am considering it for my 19 month old.  She has days where that would come in SO handy.  Also check your local resale and consignment shops.  We sold the Hip Hammock for $10.  It was in new condition, just no box.  Hope this helps!!

Answer 6

she is getting ready to be two you really don't need a sling in my opinion.if she can walk let her walk or get an umbrella stroller because having a 23 pound kid being supported by your arms and back is going to be uncomfortable no matter the size of the carrier.i really like umbrella strollers because they are compact and work well and don't clutter the house like a normal size one cause i know kids walk slow but you also don't want to carry em. hope that helps could u help me out

Answer 7

Have you considered a hiking carrier?

http://www.childcarriers.com/Shop-by-Act...

I bought one of these off of ebay for 15 bucks (including shipping).  The sling became uncomfortable for me at around 18 months, but my toddler still liked to be worn.  So I got one of these.  They distribute the weight comfortably, are just as soothing to a toddler as a sling, and I could comfortably wear it for hours as I vacuumed, cooked, walked around the mall, etc.  They can hold a child up to 40 lbs!

I highly reccomend.  They have good resale, also.  You can buy a good one off of ebay for $50 and probably resell it after a year for about the same.

Also, I found w/ the sling you were often not completely "hands free", but with this carrier you 100% are!

Answer 8

Do your back a favor and use a stroller at this point.