Top 5 Wraps, Slings and Carriers For Babywearing Older Children

Babywearing is usually associated with babies under 1 year of age as well toddlers aged 1-3 years. But all too often we will find that our older children, the independent preschoolers aged 3-4 years and primary school aged children aged 4+ may still want to be worn occasionally for a number of different reasons. With this in mind I, as part of BlackBabywearing Week UK 2020  I have created Top 5 Wraps, Slings and Carriers For Babywearing Older Children.

Preschool Buckle Carrier

If you are looking for a simple, easy to use buckle style carrier that is also compact when folded Integra Preschool Carriers in size 3 comes to mind!

The extensive choice of plain block colours, designs, patterns andor woven collaborations available means there is something for everyone.

I was fortunate to be gifted a Didymos Aurora back in May last year.

It is super lightweight and absolutely perfect for quick ups when my 4 year old, little Eco needs a time in from big emotional outbursts like the picture above or after preschool pick up on a cold winters afternoon below.

His 25kg weight is evenly distributed across the carrier and is very comfortable to wear.

Onbuhimo Carrier

Onbuhimo style carriers are most popular with pregnant babywearers as they is no waistband to fiddle around with.

Didymos Onbuhimo  was my go during the preschool run prior to Covid-19 restrictions .

While little Eco loved scooting, cycling or walking alongside me and Fleur to his setting each day, sometimes his little legs will get tired and would ask to go on my back.

Using a high back carry position with an Onbuhimo in this way is no different to giving an older child a piggyback.

The only difference is I have my hands free and is 1000% more comfortable for both wearer and wearee.

Khanga Cloth

For those of us that practice Traditional Babywearing, using a piece of African cloth is also perfect for keeping your older child close when getting around the house.

Here my good friend Jaya shows us how she carries her now 4 year old Son with a piece of Khanga cloth.

Handwoven Woven Wraps

These divine Handwoven Wraps by Firespiral are not only super stunning to look, they are high quality and is a woven wraps advocates dream.

I usually stay well clear because me and tightening the excessive amount of slack left over does not get on… at all!

That being said wrapping with a shorter wrap (size 4 gifted sample pictured above) is perfect for back carrying both children, especially when using Firespiral Bifrost Rainbow Star Map.

Made with Synergy Weave it is fantastic wrap for  heavier wrappees yet still manageable enough to use with a small baby or petite toddler like my little Fleur.

Eco’s baby Sister is the willing wrapee of above photos taken this afternoon in Firespiral Bifrost Rainbow Star Map .

Woven Ring Slings and Meh Dai

Woven Ring Slings are another perfect choice when looking for something compact and easy to use.

Suitable from birth to preschool and beyond this style of sling is practical for most scenarios including reduced wrapping and adjustment time.

The only downside,  personal gripe of mine, is the length of the tails are notorious for being ultra long!

If you are experienced at neat pretty finishes then you will not be bothered by the length of the tail like I am.

To conclude Mai’s Dai’s are a personal favourite as they offer the speed of a buckle carrier and the snug fit and tension of a woven wrap gives.

A great option when wearing older children as well as smalls like co founder of Black Babywearing Week UK Jozan shows with her youngest child in a Bebe Sachi Meh Dai.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my Top 5 Wraps and Carriers For Babywearing Older Children and our overall content this past week! 

My last article to wrap up Black Babywearing Week 2020 is a Bump Wrapping Video Tutorial with Co founder Dr Ilhan Omar, which will be available to read tomorrow midday.