​​Tots on the Go: Why Toddlerwearing is a Win-Win

Toddlerwearing is the perfect solution to ensure you and your toddler stay connected, comfortable, and ready for anything the day throws your way

As parents, we’re always on the lookout for ways to make life with a toddler just a little bit easier, especially when it comes to juggling the unpredictable nature of their moods, energy levels, and need for attention. Enter toddlerwearing, a simple yet incredibly versatile solution that helps keep both parent and child happy, comfortable, and connected. 

I found this practice a huge benefit with all four of my children. Number one, toddlers are heavy! Utilizing a carrier to hold my children when they inevitably got tired, or fell, or needed connection benefited us both. Toddlerwearing was still an extension of my parenting as my babies grew. This practice did not end once my children were mobile. 

Whether I was heading to a museum, taking a walk in the park, or trying to get through my errands without a meltdown, wearing my toddlers in a baby carrier was a game-changer. Let’s dive into the many benefits of toddlerwearing and how it can help you navigate some of the most common parenting challenges.

In the mall’s chaos, comfort for them both.

1. Reconnecting in Stimulating Environments

Museums, amusement parks, fairs, and even busy grocery stores can be exciting for your toddler, but they can also be overwhelming. The constant stimulation, crowds, and noise can leave your little one feeling frazzled, even if they’re enjoying the sights. This is where a baby carrier comes in handy! By wearing your toddler, you create a cozy, secure space for them to tune out the chaos around them.

When the exhibit got scary, Mom’s back became the safest place in the museum.

My youngest asked to see the heart exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, but was spooked by the large heart replica and the loud pulsing sounds. Immediately she asked to get onto my back for safety.

You can reconnect in these busy environments which provides them with reassurance and emotional grounding. Using a baby carrier with a toddler allows you to maintain a physical connection, offering them a sense of safety amid the chaos. This closeness helps reassure and emotionally ground your child, strengthening your bond even in fast-paced environments.

Think of it as creating a little “safe bubble” in the middle of a bustling world. As Karla Castro from The Babywearing Club shared in her blog post, Babywearing in the Toddler Years:

Toddlers need pick-me-ups too

Some toddlers are ready to leap into independence, while others need more time, comfort, and reassurance as they grow through big life transitions. And just like adults, toddlers benefit from patience, grace, and a soft place to land.

2. When Independent Toddler Energy Runs Low

We all know how much toddlers love to run, climb, and explore the world on their own. Their curiosity is boundless, and they can go for hours before the inevitable “carry me” hits. But what happens when you’re in the middle of a walk, a hike, or a trip to the park, and your toddler suddenly wants to be carried? In the blog post, Toddler Wearing Tips from a Military Mom Abroad, babywearing educator, Elise Hall noted:

He was safe on our bodies in crowded places, up high where he could see and point and comment on what was going on around us.

Toddlerwearing is an incredibly versatile solution that helps keep both parent and child happy, comfortable, and connected

This is the perfect moment to use your carrier. With your toddler securely nestled in the carrier, you can keep going while they recharge. It’s a great way to keep the adventure going without having to cut it short because of exhaustion. Plus, you'll have the added bonus of keeping your hands free for other tasks, like carrying a water bottle, holding an older child’s hand or holding onto the toy your toddler insisted on bringing or the rock they just found.

3. Finding Peace at Holiday Gatherings

Holiday parties, family gatherings, and social events can be wonderful, but they can also be sensory overload for toddlers. The noise, the constant movement, and the change in environment might make your little one seek comfort and connection with you. Enter the baby carrier!

A ring sling created a safe harbor for my toddler when at a busy family celebration

By toddlerwearing during a party, you provide them with a chance to snuggle close to you while still participating in the festivities. It’s a way for them to recharge when there’s been too much excitement or when the environment isn’t exactly toddler-proof (think: breakable decorations, stairs, or other hazards). A carrier can be a quiet retreat that allows you both to catch a break without missing out on the fun. I found putting my toddler in a ring sling and walking around the block outside helped when at a family celebration and she was overstimulated.

4. Naptime on the Go: A Carrier for Errands

One of the biggest perks of toddlerwearing is that it makes running errands so much easier, especially when your toddler is heading into nap territory. Ever been stuck in the middle of a grocery store with a toddler who is refusing to nap? Wearing them in a carrier on your back can be a lifesaver.

Toddlers can drift off to sleep in the carrier as you go about your shopping, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with a cranky, overtired toddler. It’s an ideal way to balance productivity and sleep needs. Plus, when they’re asleep, you don’t have to worry about their safety while you navigate store aisles or cross busy streets.

5. Travel Time Made Easier

Traveling with toddlers, especially on planes, trains, or even in a busy airport, can be a stressful experience. But with a carrier, it’s easier to navigate crowds, carry your child without straining your back, and keep them close during long waits or unexpected delays. Not only will it be more comfortable for both of you, but you also won’t have to worry about keeping track of a stroller or pushing it through tight spaces.

Plus, when it's time to board or deplane, it's a breeze. No more waiting for a gate-check! Your toddler is snug on your back or front, ready for the next leg of your journey.

6. Quick Rescues During Public Tantrums

We’ve all been there—your toddler suddenly decides it’s time for a meltdown in the middle of a busy public space. It can feel like everyone is watching and you have no escape. But with your toddler securely in a carrier, you can quickly calm them down by providing comfort and closeness.

Baby carrier to the rescue in a crowded Army Navy game

The gentle pressure of being in a carrier can help soothe their emotions, and you’ll be able to calm them down faster.Tristan Reeves reflected in her blog post, For the Long Haul: Why Babywearing Doesn’t End with Infancy:

That closeness helps calm their body and mine. It doesn’t fix everything, but it creates space for connection when words just aren’t enough.

7. Bonding Time for Parents and Toddlers

Finally, one of the greatest benefits of toddlerwearing is the chance to strengthen your bond with your child. As they grow more independent, it’s easy for both parent and toddler to drift into their own worlds. Wearing your toddler gives you the opportunity for quiet moments together, where you can both recharge, share cuddles, and enjoy each other’s company. The physical closeness that a carrier offers can create moments of connection that are difficult to achieve otherwise.

Conclusion: Toddlerwearing is a Parent’s Secret Weapon!

Toddlerwearing is more than just a way to keep your little one close, it’s a practical tool that can help you navigate the ups and downs of parenting with a growing toddler. Wearing your toddler in a baby carrier also supports their developing nervous system through constant gentle motion and close contact, echoing the principles of craniosacral therapy. Both practices emphasize alignment, calm, and nurturing the body’s innate ability to self-regulate, which can ease tension and support healthy growth. Whether you’re trying to keep them calm in a busy environment, need a way to let them rest during a walk, or are just trying to survive a day of errands, a carrier provides you with the flexibility to meet your toddler’s needs while also staying active and on-the-go.

So, next time you find yourself in a stimulating setting, running errands, or needing a break from a chaotic party, consider reaching for your carrier. Do you need suggestions for baby carriers, or new techniques to wrap your toddler? Reach out to either Kate or me for a babywearing fit check in person or virtually. Toddlerwearing is the perfect solution to ensure you and your toddler stay connected, comfortable, and ready for anything the day throws your way!

Happy wearing!

Austin and Kate