Even little legs get tired! But hey, don't worry - it's never too late to start carrying your toddler in a carrier or sling! With everything going on in a toddler's world, so much to absorb, learn, and cope with, the downtime and connection they achieve when carried in a carrier is profound. Sometimes they get overtired and overstimulated and just need a 20 minute nap/rest, and carrying them in a toddler carrier or preschool carrier is one way to manage it (it's like you needing a seat and a cup of tea when you're overtired and overstimulated). I mean, we all know a toddler can be heavy, yes, but let's be honest - it's much easier carrying them in a carrier on your back than trying to carry them in your arms - flipping from one arm to the next, until you eventually give up and put them down. And then they start crying. Ultimately, they'll be a happier child for that little reconnect and that's what's most important! For product recs and ideas, read our latest review of the best toddler carriers for 2024.
The best toddler carriers, preschool carriers and slings for your toddler, preschooler or older child. Just because they are bigger and heavier, doesn't mean you have to stop carrying your toddler. Sure, they can be heavy (honestly, my 3rd baby was like a sack of cement when he was 2), but with a toddler carrier, you can easily take it with you and have them all squared away in the sling in 10 seconds. They can doze or nap, you can look after other children or get something to eat. Everyone's a winner! Compare that to carrying them in your arms, uncomfortably swapping from arm to arm every few minutes. And then having to put them down because they're too heavy. And then they start to cry. No-one wants that.
What's the Difference Between a Baby Carrier and a Toddler Carrier Sling?
Toddler carriers and preschool carriers are just bigger, often somewhat more robust versions of baby carriers, but are just as safe, comfortable, ergonomic and beautiful as baby carriers for newborns and babies, and will allow you to carry your child when they need up or when you want to hike or trek distances or terrain that would be too far or difficult to manage for little legs, or too rough for buggies.
Toddler carriers come in lots of different shapes and sizes, and are often called by different names - toddler backpack, baby backpack, child carrier pack, baby carrier packs - you get the idea. But they all do essentially the same thing, although carriers like the Deuter Kid Comfort, the Kid Comfort Active , or the Phil & Teds Escape are framed carriers, which whilst popular with dads and will allow your toddler to sleep, are often big and bulky, difficult to travel with and make it difficult to carry extra gear (given that this type of carrier is so big to begin with).
What is a Toddler Carrier?
A toddler carrier is just a bigger version of smaller baby carriers, but are designed to carry toddlers and older children as safely and as comfortably as possible, while they relax next to you. They may not want to be carried for long, and it may only be because they're a bit tired or have walked too far, but a toddler carrier will allow you to meet this need and help them whilst still having your hands free to get on with everyday life, or to go on hikes and adventures to places that you ordinarily wouldn't be able to go if you had a toddler in a buggy in tow. All the carriers are unisex, so with a bit of adjustment you can share the carrier with your partner.
What is a Preschool Carrier?
A preschool carrier is bigger again and will often do up to 5 or 6 years. They tend to be exceptionally high quality with reinforced stitching and extra padding to help you carry your big kid as safely and as comfortably as possible. The LennyLamb Preschool Carrier is a great example - it's supportive for you and comfortable for them, but still made from 100% cotton woven wrap fabrics.
Is There a Carrier for a 2 Year Old?
Yes! There are lots of carriers for 2 year olds. Just because they are older doesn't mean you have to stop carrying them, or indeed that they don't want to be carried. From the Ergo Baby Onmi, to the LennyLamb Preschool Carrier, to the Isara The One and the Boba X, there are lots of carriers that are comfortable to wear, ergonomic and supportive for your toddler, but won't leave you with back ache or shoulder strain.
What Age do Child Carriers Go Up To?
Most front baby carriers are usable from birth and then up to at least 12 months of age. From around 6 months, most children are ready to progress to the back carrying position. Most carriers allow you to carry up until around 2 years of age, but some like the Isara The One, the LennyLamb Preschool Carrier and the Little Frog Swift Toddler Carrier allow you to carry until your child is 3, 4, 5 or even 6 years old.
Now, we all know that as our little ones get bigger and bigger of course we carry them less. Yet there are still so many occasions when your big kid is just too tired to finish that hike or that weekly shopping trip. Sometimes they’re over-tired, overstimulated and just plain done, and that's when they need up. Heck, sometimes you're over-tired, overstimulated and just plain done, and all you want is a seat and a cup of tea. Same kind of thing.
There are some kids that need to be carried - kids with more complex or additional needs, for example. These carriers give you and them the freedom to get out to places you may not otherwise be able to reach. It gives you a way to carry them that’s easier on your body and keeps your hands free for other tasks that need handled at the same time.
Can You Hike With Regular Baby Carriers?
Yes, you can hike with a regular baby carrier! You don't need one of those big framed carriers for carrying your toddler on your back - they're too big, too bulky, look really uncomfortable, and you don't need to go to the expense of buying a framed carrier that will just allow you to carry your child on your back on a hike. A regular toddler carrier, indeed one that you have perhaps used since your baby was smaller, and one that you can use on a normal day-to-day basis around the house, is much better - it's comfortable, supportive, ergonomic, soft, easy to transport or carry when you aren't carrying your toddler, and you won't have to go to any extra expense.
How Do You Carry Toddlers on a Hike?
Forget carrying your toddler in your arms, or up on your shoulders - the most comfortable way to carry a toddler hiking is on your back in a toddler carrier. They'll be happy and comfortable, they can still see what's going on around them and where they're going, and if they want to nap they can; even heavy toddlers are comfortable carried on your back. But you'll still be able to trek where you want to trek, you won't be slowed down by tired little legs, and you'll have your hands free to carry other things, hold your partner's hand, or have something to eat and drink!