Feeling judged for using a sling with their toddler

[Prach]

I use a sling to take my 14 month old daughter to nursery 3 times a week (20 minute walk each way), and also when we go swimming (easier than using the pushchair).

I've noticed people have started to comment on my daughter being in the sling, and at nursery today a staff member said my daughter was too big to be carried in the sling now. I'm getting this sense of being judged, but I'm not sure what for?!

Our sling is very comfortable (Becco Gemini) and my daughter really enjoys the times we do use it. She has been walking for a couple of months and spends the majority of her days being active, so I've no concerns on that front.

Does anyone else carry their toddler in a sling? Have you experienced feeling judged?

I would have thought that from a manual handling point of view a sling would be much better for both of you than balancing your toddler on one hip.

Yep - I get weird looks all the time.
My DCs are 4 and 2, and I’m pregnant with DC3. I only recently stopped carrying my 4yo on my back in a toddler Tula, and still carry the 2 year old most days.
It’s all they’ve ever known. They practically lived in a sling for the entire first year of their lives, and I can count on one hand the amount of times the youngest has been in a buggy.
Do what works for you and your kid!!

Some 14 month olds aren't even walking yet (my eldest wasn't), so yanbu

Are you sure people aren't just suprised and impressed by your strength?! I would be - I'm already finding my 6 month old DS2 very heavy.

I’d honestly just assume they mean she must be getting heavy for you to carry, it doesn’t sound like they’re actually criticising or judging.

How odd! 14 months is definitely not 'too big'. Mine had only just started walking at 14 months and certainly couldn't have walked any distance. I used the sling for nursery at the same age to save having to fold down and stow away the pram in the morning rush! Carry on as you are OP snd ignore them

I'm in awe you can carry a toddler in a sling lol my back wouldn't take it. If it works for you then keep using it.

I regularly carry my 15kg 3 1/2 year old, though prefer a wrap or mei dei as they are more mouldable.
He likes it and I like it. It's one of the few places he will fall asleep when tired.

I have a Beco Gemini as well and carry 17 month in it all the time on my front. Also occasionally do a back carry with 3 year old in it.

Maybe they are just used to crappy Baby Bjorns and don't realise better slings can be used for far longer.

I noticed a lady with a toddler in a sling this morning and thought how nice it was. Can’t see why anyone would criticize you for it.. people can be strange!

Very strange.

It's actually normal around the world to carry babies and toddlers in slings. It's weird Western culture that means we push them in prams then pushchairs.

I realised the other day it was better to to continue carry my rather large 8 month old in a carrier or sling for as long as possible as it means I can always fit on buses as I'm not fighting for the buggy space and don't have to get of for wheelchairs.

Almost 15 month old and we use our Ergobaby every single day and we have no plans to stop. I'll still carry her on my front too and she's massive and can walk.

ScreamScreamIceCream exactly!!!
Also those arse-backwards shops (I’m looking at you Boots and H&M ) who put all their baby items on the top floor - no waiting for lifts to try and get a buggy upstairs! Just straight up the stairs you go

So stupid of them. It isn't realistic for a small toddler to walk really long distances, and nobody would judge you for putting her in a car seat and driving her there!

I find this really sad; I can't imagine getting anywhere fast with my toddler!

⬆️ I mean I find people thinking that slings are not appropriate for toddler really sad and I am happily using a sling with mine!