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Michelle says:
My toddler is only 20 months old and already over 30 lbs and almost 36 inches tall. When our family is out together I’m usually wearing our 7 month old and I think it would make our lives much easier if hubby could be wearing the big boy too. What options are out there for carrying larger toddlers? Thanks!
My soft structured carrier babywearing experience is rather limited. I’ve used the Boba and Ergo. My children and I are both rather petite, so my son was well beyond babywearing by the time he was your 20 month old’s size!
This carrier comparison chart indicates that the Boba is a top pick for toddlers, as is the Catbirdbaby Pikkolo with babywearing belt.
There are several other carriers not on the chart, so I’m going to ask you for advice!
What carrier have you used for your large toddler?
I use my Beco Butterfly II for my 2 year old who is about the same size you mentioned. He hates being on my back, so I do a front carry with him all the time this way 😉 My only issue is that his legs are so long and his torso so tall that it can be inconvenient for long periods of time (I can’t see well around him, and his legs are always hitting mine). That might be a non-issue when doing a back carry, but I have always wanted to get a Boba to have the stirrups. He’s definitely tall enough that he’d get good use out of those!
I wore my 30+ pound toddler on my back in the Ergo up until I got pregnant in December and it was fairly comfortable. We also had a Kelty and that was really heavy.
We use a hiking backpack type carrier (the brand name is escaping me now, it was a gift) for my 37 pound 2 year old. It has a metal frame so it seems to hold him better than my Beco at this point. My husband usually does the wearing, but I have done it (though not recently, as I’m expecting again). He was happy in there for over an hour at a local festival last weekend. My guy hates strollers, and hasn’t sat in one for probably 8 months now. Wearing him is the only way to get anywhere safely when it’s busy. Good luck!
I can’t believe that Tula is not on the chart!
Tula and Kinde rpack both have toddler size carrier s.and kp even has a preschool size!
Both are extremely comfy but I would personally choose the tula! The canvas tulas work great but if you csn score a wrap conversion tula (kinda hard to get them because limited amounts are made and they are highly sought after) they areAMAAAAAAAAAAZING!!!!!!
i love carrying my 30 months old in our boba. we have a kelty too, for hours of hiking for DH. it is not comfortable to me though. i much prefer the boba. love the loops for the feet. i carry him daily and love it. i am a skinny person and love the fit.
The Boba carrier was great for my toddler. I think the specs say you can carry a child up to 45 pounds in it but we went a little past that. I tried the Kelty and it was also comfortable but in the end too bulky.