Best Carriers for Toddlers

Finding the best carriers for toddlers can be a hard, but we are here to help with this ultimate guide to the best baby carriers for toddlers!

Toddlers may be older, but they often still need to be carried.

Whether you’re out shopping or your child wants to have a “carry me” phase in life, having carriers for toddlers helps keep your child close with you while still being hands-free.

Toddlers carriers are baby carriers, but they often have higher weight limits so that parents can use them for longer.

Having a carrier for your toddler is so convenient. Going to the zoo or hitting a trail when you don’t want to bring a stroller along becomes much more accessible. Then, when your toddler gets tired, you put them in a carrier on your back.

So simple!

However, most carriers are for infants, so if you want to use it for a toddler, you want to make sure it will carry a heavy child comfortably without overstraining your body. So, let’s look at some of the best carriers for toddlers.

And if you love these best baby carrier for toddlers, then you’ll also love these guides on How Long Can You Carry a Baby in a Carrier, Baby Carriers vs Wraps, and Best Baby Carriers for Petite Moms. Or even our guide on the best baby carriers for big dads!

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List of 5 Best Carrier for Toddlers

What is a Carrier for Toddlers?

A carrier for toddlers is something that helps parents carry their child. They come in many different styles, such as a soft structured carrier or a baby wrap, but all serve the same purpose: to make it easier for parents to carry their toddlers around.

A few different types of carriers are popular among parents of toddlers, so let’s look at them!

BackPack Carrier – Soft Structured Carrier

This carrier straps onto the parent’s back like a backpack, and the child sits in a seat. This is a good option for parents who want to use their hands while they’re carrying their children. It can also be helpful for parents who need to carry a lot of items with them, since the carrier leaves their hands free.

SSCs can be used from birth up to toddlerhood. These are often the preferred choice for parents of toddlers because they distribute your child’s weight better over your entire torso.

Ring Sling Carrier

A ring sling carrier is similar to a baby wrap – covered below – but they have two metal rings that the fabric goes through. The material creates a seat for your baby to sit or even a pouch for young infants to lay.

These carriers are great for breastfeeding mothers and newborns, but they aren’t as popular for toddlers because they weigh more and put extra strain on your shoulders.

Baby Wrap Carrier

This type of carrier wraps around the parent’s body like a bandana, and the child sits in the middle of it. This is a good option for parents who want to carry their children ergonomically. It can also be helpful for parents who wish to wear their child for long periods.

Baby wraps are great for newborns, infants, and toddlers. They have less structure and support than an SSC, but they still distribute the weight of your toddler across your entire torso.

Why Would You Use Baby Carriers for Toddlers?

There are a few reasons parents might want to use baby carriers for toddlers.

The first reason is that it can be helpful for the child’s development. Carriers help keep toddlers close to their parents, which can help them feel safe and secure. Carriers also allow toddlers to have exposure to new things and experiences, which can help them learn and grow.

Another reason parents might want to use carriers for toddlers is because it makes it easier for the parents to carry their toddlers!

Carriers free up the parent’s hands to do other things while they’re carrying their child. They also distribute the child’s weight evenly, making it easier for the parent to walk or jog with their child.

Parents might want to use carriers for toddlers because it’s a more comfortable way for the child to travel. In addition, carriers help keep toddlers in an ergonomic position, which can help prevent them from getting tired or uncomfortable. They also provide warmth and protection from the elements, which can be helpful when it’s cold outside or when the child is exposed to wind or rain.

It’s easy to think of toddlers as “big kids,” but really, they still need all the babying and TLC as their younger counterparts!

Best Carriers For Toddlers

Babywearing has become more and more popular in recent years; babies and toddlers love them and their parents. However, any babywearing parent will tell you that not all carriers are created equal. With so many more options on the market nowadays, finding the best option to hold your bigger child is tricky.

If you’re looking for good-quality toddler carriers, here are our top picks.

1. Lillebaby Carry-On AirFlow Carrier

Our first pick for toddler carriers is the Lillebaby Carry-On Air Carrier. This carrier stands out for many reasons, but one of the key reasons is that it comfortably holds toddlers up to 60lbs. If you have a larger toddler that needs to be held, you’ll love the Lillebaby Airflow. This is one of the only carriers explicitly made for toddlers with a broader and taller torso panel. 

This carrier is versatile, and you can wear your toddler three different ways – as a hip carrier, front carrier, or back carrier. The three-way adjustable buckles allow the carrier to grow with your toddler, giving you more room for comfort.

Here are some features we love about the Lillebaby Carry-On.

• A mesh temperature control panel allows for more airflow and prevents your toddler from overheating.
• Lillebaby added extra shoulder padding to help prevent any pain as your toddler gets heavier.
• Added lumbar support on the carrier’s waistband keeps your back from feeling too much strain. 
• This carrier is made with 100% cotton, so not only is it super breathable, but it also is easy to clean. Just toss it in the washing machine, and it comes out good as new!
• It comes with a removable sleeping hood and two pockets for storing small items while you’re on the go.
• Lillebaby offers this carrier in four colors, not as much as other brands.

Pros:

• 60lb weight limit
• Multiple ways to carry your baby
• Lumbar support
• 100% cotton & breathable

Cons:

• Expensive
• You can’t use this with smaller babies under 20lbs

2. Baby Tula Free-to-Grow Carrier

Baby Tula is one of the most popular baby carriers, and their Free-to-Grow model offers an adjustable carrier that takes parents from newborn to toddler with one carrier. Tula created an innovative body panel design with three width and two height settings; it does grow with your child.

Tula allows you to back carry and front carry your toddler in a natural, ergonomic position. As a result, you’ll be able to carry your baby for long periods comfortably – for both of you!

Here are some other features we love about the Tula Free-to-Grow.

• Parents may use this carrier for 7 to 45lbs, perfect for a growing child!
• The padded straps give you shoulder and neck support, and you can quickly adjust the straps to fit your body if sharing the carrier with another parent.
• A wide waistband offers comfort as it distributes your toddler’s weight, and a large front pocket gives you a place to store your keys or phone while on the go.
• It comes with a removable, coordinating hood that gives your toddler’s head support while sleeping and also protects him from the sun.
• Baby Tula crafted their Free-to-Grow carrier from 100% Oeko-Tex Standard 100 fabric. That means not only are the materials safe and natural, but they also are machine washable.

Pros:

• Adjustable
• Up to 45lbs
• Wide waistband
• Removable hood

Cons:

• Not as easy to adjust the straps when the baby is in the carrier
• Less breathable than other carriers

3. Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier

Ergobaby was one of the first soft structured carriers to hit the market nearly 15 years ago, and they have been a force in the babywearing world since. Their Omni 360 is one of their newer designs, and it works for all body types – plus-size, petite, tall, and everything in between.

Ergobaby named this carrier Omni 360 because it gives you 360 degrees of positioning for your baby. You can use it for front-facing, facing out, hip carrying, and back carrying. Of course, with toddlers, hip and back carrying are great options!

Here are some other features that make the Ergobaby Omni 360 a fantastic option.

• This carrier supports babies from 7 pounds up to 45 pounds, giving you a wide range to use with your toddler.
• The Omni is lightweight and breathable because the back panel has a layer of mesh that allows for more airflow around your baby.
• Ergobaby offers a UPF 50+ sun hood that also gives you privacy.
• An ample lumbar back support goes around your waist, helping to spread your baby’s weight across your hips and lower back. The shoulder straps are crossable, preventing too much weight from resting on your shoulder.
• Ergobaby offers their baby carrier in over 15 different colors, so you can find one that works for you. Remember that carriers are an investment, so you want to like the color or pattern.

Pros:

• Multiple ways to carry your baby
• Up to 45lbs
• Lumbar support
• Multiple colors
• Breathable & lightweight

Cons:

• Bulky
• Some parents have trouble closing the back clips

4. Boba X Baby Carrier

Boba is another well-known brand, and their Boba X adjusts to fit babies from 7 to 45 pounds! What makes Boba X stand out is that it micro-adjusts from 8 to 21 inches in width, so as your baby grows, you expand the seat. This means you’ll always have the optimal “M-positioning” with knee to knee support.

At the same time, you can also micro-adjust the body of this carrier. It adjusts from 12 to 16 inches in height, so you’ll always find the right fit for your boy. In addition, the contoured shoulder straps lengthen or shorten with their Perfect Fit Adapters; petite and tall parents can comfortably use the same carrier.

Here are some other features we like about this toddler carrier.

• You can cross the shoulder straps to spread your baby’s weight over your back.
• Boba includes toddler seat extenders – wings – to give your baby more space in the carrier while still in the appropriate leg position.
• A removable, adjustable hood protects your baby’s head from the sun and gives extra support while he takes a nap.
• Boba includes a pocket for parents to store their phones or keys. You also have a purse strap holder to keep your bag in place – a thoughtful touch!
• This carrier is made with 100% cotton, and it’s machine washable. So, if your toddler spills something or gets mud on your carrier, it’s safe to toss it into the washing machine.

Pros:

• Up to 45lbs
• Adjusts to fit your baby
• Seat extenders for toddler
• 100% cotton
• Machine washable

Cons:

• Not as breathable
• Learning curve to figure out the straps

5. Beco Toddler Carrier

Beco creates several different models of carriers, but if you want a carrier for toddlers, grab their Toddler Carrier. It’s a backpack-style carrier for toddlers between 20 and 60lbs. It features a wider seat to keep your baby in the optimal and most comfortable seating position. It’s one of the few carriers for toddlers with such a high weight limit!

Parents can wear their baby on the front or back with the straps crossed or straight for extra support. Let’s look at a few other features of the Beco Toddler Carrier we love.

• The carrier is machine washable and easy to care for if it gets dirty, which will happen.
• Beco includes a zippered bag and a detachable sleeping hood with the carrier; the bag is big enough to carry your keys, phone, and wallet.
• You’ll find this carrier quite comfortable; it has a high back panel that is soft yet supportive for your growing toddler. It’s the highest of all the carriers designed by Beco and great for extended wearing.
• Beco has a COOL version of this carrier with 3D mesh for enhanced airflow.

Pros:

• Up to 60lbs
• Machine washable
• Detachable sleeping hood
• High back panel

Cons:

• No lumbar support
• Not for infants under 20lbs

Buyers Guide on How to Pick the Best Baby Carrier for Toddler

Now that you know some of the best carriers for toddlers, let’s look at how you can decide which one is best for you and your toddler.

Back Carrying Ability

One of the most important things to look for when picking a carrier for a toddler is the ability to back carry. Unfortunately, not all carriers have this feature, so it’s essential to do your research before buying one.

Back carrying a toddler can be helpful for parents, as it takes some of the weight off of their shoulders and hips. It can also be beneficial for toddlers, as it allows them to see the world from a different perspective.

All parents of toddlers know how important it is to keep their children entertained and interested!

If you’re looking for a carrier that can back carry, then make sure to read reviews online before you buy one. That way, you can be sure that you’re getting a carrier that is both comfortable and safe for your child.

You may also like our guide on the best baby carrier for travel!

Size of Your Toddler

Another thing to keep in mind when picking a toddler carrier is the size of your child. Not all carriers are created equal, and some carriers are only meant for small children.

Another thing to keep in mind when picking a toddler carrier is the weight limits of each carrier. Most carriers have a weight limit of around 35 pounds, but when you get one for a toddler, the ideal weight limit is over 40lbs.

If your child is over the weight limit for a particular carrier, then it might not be safe to use that carrier. Therefore, it’s essential to read the weight limit of each carrier before you buy it, so you know that it will be safe for your child to use.

You may also like this guide on when to stop baby wearing.

Adequate Padding

When carrying a toddler in a carrier, it is vital to have adequate padding to prevent shoulder pain and neck strain. Not all carriers have sufficient padding, unfortunately.

This can be tricky to figure out beforehand, so always look at reviews!

Lightweight

Lightweight carriers are ideal for parents who want to reduce the amount of weight they carry on their bodies. Most carriers weigh between 2-4 pounds, which is significantly less than the weight of a toddler.

However, when you add your child’s weight onto your back, four more pounds feels like a lot after two hours. So, lightweight carriers are often ideal for toddler carrying.

Breathable

When looking for a toddler carrier, parents should also consider the breathability of the carrier. Breathable carriers will help prevent the child from getting too hot and sweaty.

FAQs about Baby Carriers for Toddlers

Final Thoughts on The Best Baby Carriers for Toddlers

Toddlers often need to be carried, and if you want to be hands-free while carrying your toddler, you need one of the best carriers for toddlers. Remember to look for one that works for the weight of your toddler and offers support to help reduce any strain on your body!

And if you’re looking for more great baby guides, then check out these guides on best baby carrier for bad backs, best baby carriers for breastfeeding, Baby Bjorn vs Ergo Baby Carrier, and best plus size baby carriers.