[kathsmom]

Hi, everyone!

I am a pretty new member to these boards, so please forgive me if this question has been asked before.

My toddler DS is 21 months old and is 28 lbs. He loves to be carried by me, especially when we are around people we don't know or large crowds. He loves the jogging stroller when we take him for walks, but he doesn't like the regular stroller too much when we go to the mall, etc.

It has been tough this week, because I am the teacher of DS's Vacation Bible School class. He wants me to hold him all the time, especially when the other moms come to get their toddlers. I have noticed a pain in my sternum area from holding him. I had this same pain when DD was 3 or 4 years old and I was still holding her and my doctor said that was what was causing it.

Would it be worth my money at this point to purchase a sling for DS? I never had a sling with DD (I had no idea they even existed!). I did borrow a sling from a friend that was from Mom and Me Creations a few months ago to try out. I never could get used to it, but I did like the snaps better than the Kolcraft (or Graco?) ring sling that someone else loaned me.

Any recommendations for any type of sling would be appreciated! TIA for you help!

 

[lilgsmommy]

My 2 yr DS is still using a sling, and he weighs 27lbs....I back carry him most of the time, but when hes sleeping I recline him in front of me or when he wants to be a busy body and help me out he gets hip slung. I cant make your mind up for you, but they really do come in handy.

 

[Artisan]

I will put my 34 lb toddler in a sling when he needs it. (And I'm 8 months pg.) I use an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder (www.kangarookorner.com), because with his hevy weight, I need shoulder padding and leg padding for him (so it doesn't dig into his legs).

 

[crazy_eights]

I just went through this same issue. I used an OTSBH for my last 3 kids, but had to stop at about a year of age b/c they got heavy enough that it started to hurt my back. Due to a number of situations where I really need to carry Noam (now 22 mos old and about 25 lbs.), I started looking for a new sling. I got a Ellaroo and have been using it mostly in the hip cross-carry like this. (Nope, that picture is not me. I could only WISH to be that slim!) The only thing I would add is that it did take Noam a few tries to get used to it. He was kind of scared at first, but I found that if I held him and tied it around him, he had no problem with it, as opposed to trying to put him in it "pre-tied". We had to play with it for a while for him to get used to it. I've got it down to a system where I just make the first cross over on the hip, pick him up and then finish tying the rest.

 

[kathsmom]

Thank you all so much for your advice and suggestions! I will ask my friend to loan me her Mom and Me sling again, and I will have to check out the slings you mentioned. I am glad to know that I am not the only one carrying a toddler!

Thanks again!

 

[sebrinaw]

I was thinking an ABC. Their is a long wait for a Kozy but I have a Freehand Baby Carrier and its wonderful. I can comfortably carry my 35lb 2.5 year old on my back

 

[SheBear]

Hi, Kathsmom! My son is 28 months old, 32+ lbs, and were it not for his baby sister, he would be in the sling ALL.THE.TIME. He loves it! He'll bring it to me during the day, just so he can ride for a few minutes! I slung him throughout my pregnancy (up until about 8.5 months) although I'd encourage him to walk as much as he would (it was more comfortable for me, and I thought he might oughtta get used to not being the one in the sling, LOL!

Anyway, I guess my point is, if your ds likes to be carried, and you like to have your hands free (

), a sling is definitely the way to go! You can find really nice ones that aren't expensive (in the $20-25 range) or you can make your own if you have access to a machine and basic (like, jr high home ec class) sewing skills.

Another thing to consider is that slings have great resale value. Even if you aren't planning to have more children, you would still be able to resell (or gift) your sling once you are finished with it.

T DH was so sweet last night....he popped dd in a pouch and washed dishes while I took a bath! I need to find some nice material to make him a "manly" sling/pouch so that he will carry ds while we are out&about....

 

[annakiss]

I sling my 22 mo at 23 lbs. I just discovered the New Native Carrier and love it!!! It's so easy to get him on my back! Sizing is important.

 

[kathsmom]

Thank you all so much for your responses! Wow! I didn't know so many mamas had toddlers in slings! DH thinks I am crazy to think about getting a sling. Of course, he isn't the one who has to carry DS all the time either!

I will definitely check out the recommendations you have suggested. I am so new to all of this and I feel like I have a learning curve.

Again, thank you so much!

 

[MaMaLi]

I just got a new sling yesterday for my toddler. I figure I only have so much more time to try them all out. My son loves to be in his slings. if you're holding him anyway then you might as well have the help of a sling.

 

[Lisa Lubner]

i carry my two year old daughter on my back... she is over 20 pounds... basically i do it because she HATES the shopping cart and will only tolerate the stroller for a little while... if shes not on my back shes running around and i can't get my stuff done.

 

[isistarah]

I am another Mama who slings their toddler. My youngest is 29 months and still loves it! She is partial to the podeagi/blanket style wrap and abc style. we also use the ellaroo wrap and some others. I enjoy having my toddler 'on me' especially when we are out and about doing stuff where I want to know where she is. Also, 4 yr. thinks its pretty cool as well if he can get a turn!