Toddler carrying suggestions please

[chocolatemartini]

I'm looking for a new sling for my 18 mo.

I'd like something that's easy & quick to use, and small when folded so I can carry it in my bag/ buggy when not in use.

Considering the toddler Tula but I think it's a bit bulky to fit in my bag

Have considered a ring sling but have never used one so can't imagine it being comfy taking all DS's weight on one shoulder with none of it on my hips. I like how small they fold though

Ditto short wrap

Love the Neobulle meitai but a bit concerned this will take too long to get him in and out of

Any suggestions?

For an 18mo, a MT is great as the weight is distribtuted so well. But it does take a couple of minutes to put on which isn't ideal if they are up and down - you don't have to carry it when not in use though as you can just tighten it to you.

I used a ring sling when ds was under a year, and then when he was 3 if I just needed it to support cuddles rather than so much carrying. But the rest of the time it was MT all the way

Which mt did you use? Looking for one that's not too padded because it will be in my bag at least 50% of the time and padding makes them stiffer to fold and bulkier.

I had a toddlerhawk, then a dreamcarrier half buckle when he was really big

How much padding does the toddler hawk have? Must admit I'm a bit in love with the Neobulle it looks so comfy and is massively adjustable which would be handy if I have any more dcs

The Manduca folds pretty small for a SSC and has an adjustable back length as they grow.

A connecta (in toddler size) specifically a solar weave connecta as there is hardly any padding and it folds up really small but is still lovely and comfortable!

Connectas fold very small and I've heard good things about them. I have a toddler ABC and I'm very happy with it, might not go small enough for you though. I can fit it in a big shoulder bag with nappies, change of clothes and packed lunch.

Thanks will look at connectas now...

Connectas do fold up tiny but personally I don't find the waistband wide or supportive enough. We use ours for short carries only. I do know people who adore theirs, I suspect it may depend on your body shape.

Dh has ordered the Neobulle

May still need something else though. Bit tempted to try a rs but should prob borrow one first. Anyone here carried a large 1 yo in one?

I've carried a large nearly-4-year-old in a RS. For significant distances I prefer a two shoulder carrier but they can be good for quicker ups and downs. There is a knack to getting them right though - and if you don't they're not comfy at all. I'd recommend one made from a woven wrap for support. Are you near a sling library or meet where you could try one, and/or have someone show you how to use one properly?

Yes I am near various sling meets and a sling library. I never get round to going, I know I should! I'd love to learn to use my woven wrap in more ways too.