"Mommy, Come Up, Pease"

Wearing my little V was such a precious time.  Sadly, I thought the phase was over; I had lent out my sling for months then just last week, packed it up tight with the hopes that another baby would be held snuggly next to my heart, in it, someday.  Not more than two days later, Miss V decided that she wanted to be carried, again, regularly.  On our walks, “mommy, want to come up”, she’d say.  At the store, “mom, up, come up”, she’d plead.  To my delight, she was at peace being held again.

At this stage of independence I am warmed by her desired to be so close again.  Her changed attachment need is warmly welcomed after all the “do it self” (herself) jargon she added to her vocabulary.  My husband and I fell in love with the Baby Ktan, a double ring sling that rests on both shoulders for support without wrapping.  We found it versatile and cozy as it grows with her. 

This new carry me stage has led me to discover some new options to try and here you’ll see some wonderful options.  If you have any favorites for a toddler of 2 or older, please share with me in your comments.

Image above:  http://www.pixiekid.com/shop/images/meitai/Mei-Tai-Fauna-Zoo-2.jpg  What a fun print!I just love the color and happiness about it.

Mei Tai, or Asian Baby Carriers
These carriers are oblong fabric carriers with long straps to tie the little tyke to your body.  You can buy them for as little as $25 and easily transportable. It could fit in your coat pocket.  A toddler can be worn in a Mei Tai on your back, facing inwards on your front (called the cuddle carry) or hip carry. The back and hip carries are better for walking or hiking; and the cuddle carry is more suited to a toddler nap on the go. I’d suggest padded straps.

Moby WrapsThese are long, wide pieces of fabric that you tie around your body to become straps and pouches to hold your little one. Wider fabric makes for more comfortable straps but they have a learning curve. Master it and try the front, back and cuddle carry.

Soft Carriers
These are a bit more expensive than Mei Tai or Moby carriers, but are easy to use. They come with adjustable straps.  You just slip it on, slip them in and go. Front, back and cuddle carrying positions.  Ergo carriers are some of my friends’ favorites.

Backpack Carriers
Very comfortable to wear, but bulky, heavy duty, not so portable carriers suited for hiking and walking.  They can have significant weight and hard to put on solo but try using a chair to attach them to yourself.  Your little tyke will be high; some toddlers like this superior position and others not so much so make sure to try it out before you leave the store.