How long do you wear your babies?

[ps4624]

My DD is almost 11 months old. We've been sportin' the New Native since birth and I love it. Recently, she's begun to stand up in it and I wonder if I need to look into a different type of sling or if she is outgrowing the concept. Has anyone else run into this?

[lifeguard]

I haven't used the new native but I have found that as ds has grown we've naturally found different carriers worked better. We used the ring sling exclusively during the newborn period & still use it now but as a back-up as now we love the ergo. It's nice having options.

[skueppers]

I used a sling regularly with my first child until she was at least 18 months old, and used the Ergo often until she was about 3. With my son, I used the Ergo more as he got older, but still used the sling sometimes.

He stopped wanting to be worn at all around the time he turned 2, but that's highly individual -- lots of kids are happy to be in it much longer. I still take it with me on long outings where I think the kids might get tired, even though neither of them really wants to be in it anymore. I find this is actually quite a helpful strategy, because if they're not completely exhausted, they'd rather walk! Since I have the Ergo with me, I have an alternative to offer them that isn't horrible for me.

[Drummer's Wife]

I still occasionally wear my almost 3 yr old (his b-day is in March). He is 37 heavy lbs, though. But with an Ergo, it's still tolerable. I have actually started selling off some of my stash :..( b/c he much prefers to walk.

Anyhow, I would recommend a woven wrap, a mei tai, or a soft-structured carrier at 11 mos. Back carries at that age might be the most comfortable. I agree with options - at least 2 different kind of carriers (I had/still have quite a few). Some are better for certain ages/stages, and others for various babywearing situations.

[medicmama]

My dd is 30# and 3.5 years and I still wear her in a ergo,ring sling,or wrap.

Maybe you can find a Babywearing group near you and try some things out.

[azmomtoone]

Originally Posted by skueppers

With my son, I used the Ergo more as he got older, but still used the sling sometimes.

He stopped wanting to be worn at all around the time he turned 2, but that's highly individual -- lots of kids are happy to be in it much longer. I still take it with me on long outings where I think the kids might get tired, even though neither of them really wants to be in it anymore. I find this is actually quite a helpful strategy, because if they're not completely exhausted, they'd rather walk! Since I have the Ergo with me, I have an alternative to offer them that isn't horrible for me.

I about could have written this exact post!!

OP - my ds started to "stand" in the sling about that age too, and I stopped using it because I was afraid he would fall out. (He'd straighten his legs out and there'd be almost nothing left under him). We used a soft wrap almost exclusively when DS was tiny, then switched to the sling, then the Ergo as he got older. (Got the Ergo at 3 mos, and used it then whenever I planned to wear him for a long time, but the sling was much quicker & simpler for short trips, grocery shopping and whatnot). Once he started standing like that I put the sling up and started using the Ergo.
DS is 37 mos now, 36 lbs, and we still use the Ergo occasionally. Like the PP said - he walks most of the time but if we're going to be walking for a long while (out hiking, or spending a day out walking around doing "touristy" stuff, or whatever) then I'll take the Ergo. Last time I wore him was in November just before he turned 3, and DH wore him just a couple weeks ago. I'm sure we both will again.

[almadianna]

my first is threeand we still wear it.she asks for it.

however, ring slings are not popular with her anymore. we use MTs, SSCs,and wraps.

[meco]

I find the type of carrier needed can change over time and as the baby goes through different developmental stages. She might prefer to be on your front or back and have a different view of the world. Also, there is a period where most babes want a lot of time out of arms and time to explore, and they become less of a fan of a carrier as they test out their new skills and abilities.

I used a woven wrap until my son was 5 (naps and pedestrians). I could still use it, but there's really not a need. It's a fantastic carrier with a lot of versatility. I stopped using a ring sling around 18 months. My babe just moved around too much. I did love using a pouch around this time (I had a Mom and Me Pea in the Pod that was awesome). I think because it was less likely to slip with the movement of a toddler.

You might consider a wrap or a mei tai. I find them to be more versatile through the ages and stages. I got the most use out of a carrier like that when my child was older. You might also like a soft structured carrier like an ERGO.