Does anyone wear their toddler (in a sling, carrier, etc)? I wore my boy a lot as a baby in a bjorn, sling, backpack, depending on the situation. But once he got heavier (he's now 15 mos and almost 28 lbs) I stopped doing it. We had gone camping right before he turned 1 and I just about died trying to carry him in the backpack on a hike. And he outgrew the bjorn. So I mostly stopped. I ocassionally still use the ring sling to carry him on my hip but I think it's too small (not enough material) plus it hurts my shoulder, seems to cut into his legs, and doesn't have any padding on it.
I recently read an article in Mothering Magazine that got me all encouraged to do it again, one mom mentioned still carries her 7 yr old daughter (!!) in some sort of wrap. I like the soft carriers, thinking I should get a good one that helps carry him on my back, or should I try another / different sling? Can anyone out there recommend a product? What have you been using and how long do you think you'll continue using it? My son has been in the 90th percent for height/weight so not sure how long I can do it, but the article also said it really helps if you are carrying properly to distribute the weight & prevent back/shoulder pain. Are there any baby / toddler wearing classes around here that can help, and where's a good place to try different products on?
I love my Ergo and wear my 2.5 yo in it on my back and my hip! I know several other moms who have one and love it!
There is a store called Green Bambino (you can find them on Facebook or at their website http://www.green-bambino.com) in OKC that carries quite a few products, including the Ergo Carrier (which is the one I would suggest in your case)... They also have baby wearing classes occasionally. Alternatively, I still wear my 18 month old (who is about as big as your little guy) in my ring sling... I have the Maya with the padding at the shoulder. One thing I've learned is that the heavier he gets, the more important it is for the sling to be properly placed on my shoulder. I pull the sling almost off of my shoulder and onto my arm to distribute the weight properly. Good luck!
-H
I loved the Hip Hammock, designed to go on either hip, leaving hands free. Is very easy on and off and getting into or switching sides while child is in it. Can't remember the brand, but it was pricey ($45) and I recently bought one for a friend on e-bay for 12 bucks. Just look up 'hip hammock'. It was my favortie.
I used a hippy chick for a long time with my son, it is a very natural way of carrying your child, and I used it until he was well into his 2's
Some cities have a babywearing group that meets and has various products to try. I think it is babywearing international. You could also ask a la leche league leader, as they usually encourage babywearing. The LLL groups are easier to find. I quit with my daughter at 2 1/2 and app. 30 lbs for the same reason. I wished I had looked into it more as a lot of the products say up to 40 lbs, I think. I will definitely look into it more for my son.
I can still carry my 33# 4yo son in a ring sling my hubby made. Also a Mai Tai is a life saver as well! I have a friend who teaches a baby wearing class in okc, she may know someone near you who can help you out!
www.babywearingdoula.com
