Carrying toddlers - how does it work?
Carrying babies - this has now become so much more common, and even accepted by those who were once not so sure.
But somehow as soon as your child’s first birthday comes around or when your once baby starts to walk, the first comments come: How long do you plan to carry him? Your child has to learn to walk! You are spoiling her!
Up to what age can I carry my child?
The good news first: there is no maximum age up to which you can carry your child. While every carried baby becomes a walker over time, that doesn't mean that children (or we adults) can't enjoy being carried in a sling or a carrier from time to time.
For example, after a big, new discovery, toddlers always seek the protection of their caregiver and demand physical contact to fill their bonding tank or rest their tired little legs. Carrying a toddler in your arms is not only exhausting and ergonomically uncomfortable as time goes on and they get bigger, it also means that we only have one hand free. It's easier to meet this need for closeness in a carrier or sling.
Overall, the rule of thumb is: carry as long as you and your child feel comfortable. You are not spoiling your child - on the contrary, you are giving him exactly what he needs – comfortably for both of you.
Advantages of carrying toddlers:
Carrying your child in your arms over time while they just keep getting heavier is not only exhausting and ergonomically uncomfortable, but also means we only have one free hand.
If, instead, you carry your toddler in a carrier or sling, you benefit in many ways:
- due to the ergonomically-informed carrying method, back pain doesn't have a chance
- You have your hands free for household chores or other activities
- children still benefit from protection, closeness and security even in toddlerhood
- quickly refills both of your bonding tanks after a long day apart from each other
- you are mobile and flexible on the road without using a buggy
How do I carry my toddler in a carrier or sling?
If you want to carry your toddler in a DIDYMOS baby sling, we recommend multi-layer tying methods on the back, such as the “Double Hammock”. This way, even heavy toddlers can be carried comfortably for a longer period of time.
You can learn how to tie the Double Hammock in our tutorial.
If you prefer to carry your toddler in a baby carrier, the DidyGo is particularly suitable for quick ups.
For large and heavy or older toddlers, or even pre-schoolers, we have also developed our DidyKlick 4u Toddler carrier. It is suitable for children up to a weight of 25 kg.