How do you "wear" your toddler at WDW?

[Juliet25]

My DD will be 18 mo when we go soon, and I'm wondering what's a good way to carry her around the parks without carrying her around. I used a mai tei (Babyhawk) when she was an infant, and a hotsling when she was a newborn. I haven't "worn" her for many months. However, she hates the stroller, and I know I'll end up carrying her around a lot (which would be preferable to her running around).

So, for moms who babywear at this age, what works best for you and your kiddo?

 

[Lucille1963]

I love my Ergo. Carrying around my toddler is hard work, and I don't do it too often anymore (he's about to be 2), but when I do I'm glad I have it! The super padded straps and all the adjustable straps really help.

I never used my Mei Tai very much as the straps really dug into me. I haven't tried my wrap in quite a while but I loved it when he was tiny.

 

[earthfaries]

We used a sling ~ it just helps support the weight and they sit on your hip like they normally would but helps your back!
Good luck!!

 

[jacksmomma]

I wish I would have taken my mei tai (homemade)when we took DS to WDW at 18 months. I was worried that the carrier would not get used so I left it at home...Big Mistake! My arms were killing me the whole trip. lol

 

[jenharring]

When we went in June our little man was 10 mos and we used bjorn which is a basic front carrier and I believe it can be used as a back carrier too. It was just way to hot to use my moby, though we still took it with us. When we go back in Jan I will be using my moby. He likes to be carried on the hip now or on the back. We also have a Chicco- back carrier which is wonderful. I am would love to use it, but my thing is when we go on the rides will it fit on the ride with us. It is bigger than a regular carrier- used more for long walks and hiking. My sister has a 3 yr old and uses with him when she goes hiking.

 

[tigger51276]

I used a playtex hip carrier when I brought my DD at 7 months and again at 18 months. DD is now almost 6 and they don't make them anymore and I had given mine away. I got lucky and found one on ebay so I will be using that this week at Disney to carry DD15 months around the "World".

 

[Lucille1963]

I'd definitely make a couple of dry runs before your trip. As much as I loved the idea of wearing DS, at 18 months he was 30 pounds. It was great for short trips, but I couldn't have used it all day, especially if it was hot or humid.


We mostly used the Ergo at this age for getting to and from sporting events. It was ideal for crowds until we got to our seats. I tried our Hot Sling with a hip carry once because its more compact but it totally put my back and neck out of whack (yes the strap was positioned correctly on my shoulder, 30lbs is just a lot of weight)

Also remember that someone (possibly you) is going to have to carry all the other stuff. Not to push the stroller idea, you know what works for your family, but I think some type of stroller is nice to have around. Especially if you're out all day.

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

Another sling user, here. Just shifted so my babe was on my hip, with the sling supporting his weight. My kids were vehemently opposed to the stroller, and this worked out best for all of us.

 

[halikatak]

My Mei Tai is too hot so I only use that at home.
I'm bringing my Ergo this time so that DH and I can switch off. There's no way he'll wear my ring sling . I have the backpack that attaches to the Ergo, so I'm pretty excited to try it out!

 

[erin327]

We were there at the end of March, so the weather was warm but not hot. My daughter was 22 months old and about 25 pounds. We brought a bamberoo (mei tai) and a wrap. I used the wrap some the first couple of days for variety and for sleeping. After that I decided that the bamberoo was as comfy for both of us, worked fine for sleeping, and was a little quicker on and off. So from the third day on we used just it. We didn't have a stroller with us and were very glad. It is much easier to get around without one. I am used to wearing her a lot around home though (zoos and such) so I knew I would be fine. I also had another adult along to carry the backpack (which we packed lightly).

 

[tabrizia]

For my two and a half year old we will be using a Beco Butterfly and Calyx, the Calyx is DH's the Butterfly is mine. Both work great with him. I really like soft structured carriers for toddlers, I just find them easier.

 

[Charitycase20]

We will be renting a stroller for our trip for both kids but you better believe that the APLX will be in the bag too, Zach doesn't like strollers much and I find it much easier to throw him on my back than to hold him in my arms!! But you could do the same with your Babyhawk, I still use mine for excursions because I can get it tighter on my back than my APLX. OT - I know but we took a zoo trip to DC last month, no stroller! I wore Zach in the APLX, when Gracie got tired of walking, DH wore her in the O&A! She'll be 4 in January!! We love Babywearing!

 

[MyDizneyBoyz]

I love the hip hammock and my chunei - anything that takes the weight off your shoulders and arms and transfers it to your hips and torso will be much more comfortable for heavier kids. Most people aren't familiar with chuneis as they're Korean but I swear by mine - it looks a lot like a vest and your little one sits behind you in a piggy back fashion with their tush in a "pouch" built into the fabric and all their weight is disrtibuted across your torso and almost none on your shoulders so it's very comfy for larger kids.

As for the hip hammock, they do still make them and they're a great option. I think even Walmart carries them now.

Keep in mind that you're still carrying a good deal of extra weight so you will get tired faster (my knees start to complain when I carry my 2 year old for too long). Take a walk around the block with a few different options and see what works best for you.