Starting babywearing at 14 months old - worth it?

[GrumpyHoonMain]

Is it worth starting now and realistically how long would we be able to wear him for? Live near some lovely and muddy walks and would love to be able to leave the pushchair behind but don’t know if I’m just wasting money. He does walk now but isn’t steady or strong enough to do walk the whole way.

I carry my 13 month old DD in a baby carrier a lot, as well as in a backpack carrier. I walk a lot and get annoyed with pushchairs. She can walk but will go in the carrier for most of a walk (I let her potter for the first 20 mins or so). It still works really well for us and she loves it! However, I’ve been doing it since she was a newborn and so I think my back and core muscles have got stronger as she’s got heavier so I can manage her fine. I’d be a bit wary of injuring yourself if you go from nothing to a 14 month old. If you make sure you’re careful I’d definitely say that it’s worth it! Good luck

I love love love my sling for 14 month DD. I find it so much more convenient than a buggy.

I don't find her too heavy at all, but I think it does depend on the sling. I have an Ergobaby360 which works well for me, but I think it does depend on you and the baby's shape.

I think some sling libraries are doing zoom consultations so I'd try that.

I’m still carrying my 4 year old (albeit very occasionally) in a Tula Toddler. I’m gonna really miss carrying him when he’s finally too big/ old/ grownup. I’ve used a sling for him since birth. It’s been utterly lovely. There’s nothing like that snuggly closeness. Also too hilly/ old (narrow or no pavements) to be faffing with a buggy.

@Sandsnake

I carry my 13 month old DD in a baby carrier a lot, as well as in a backpack carrier. I walk a lot and get annoyed with pushchairs. She can walk but will go in the carrier for most of a walk (I let her potter for the first 20 mins or so). It still works really well for us and she loves it! However, I’ve been doing it since she was a newborn and so I think my back and core muscles have got stronger as she’s got heavier so I can manage her fine. I’d be a bit wary of injuring yourself if you go from nothing to a 14 month old. If you make sure you’re careful I’d definitely say that it’s worth it! Good luck

Lol yes back and core strength is something I’m worried about. I thought if I started slowly it might benefit me too. He’s not a heavy baby but I guess every kg adds up during a hike!

@noodlmcdoodl

I’m still carrying my 4 year old (albeit very occasionally) in a Tula Toddler. I’m gonna really miss carrying him when he’s finally too big/ old/ grownup. I’ve used a sling for him since birth. It’s been utterly lovely. There’s nothing like that snuggly closeness. Also too hilly/ old (narrow or no pavements) to be faffing with a buggy.

Thank you! You convinced me. I ordered the ergobaby and will have a try indoors when it arrives before I do anything too strenuous.