FOOD SPOILS. BABIES DON’T. HOLD THEM. WEAR THEM. KEEP THEM CLOSE.
It was a thought that often crept up on me; would I be able to babywear? It’s something that I shouldn’t have had to worry about, but there it was. I’ve shared about baby wearing a couple times here, but today I want to share about this just in case there’s another soon-to-be parent who may have this thought running through their mind to. Don’t let being plus-size stop you from using a baby carrier!
As must as being self-conscious could have held me back from babywearing. I couldn’t let it. There’s something special about wearing your child near and being able to kiss the top of their head so easily. It calms them down instantly, sometimes even causing them to drift to sleep in minutes. I had to put the thoughts and fears of my lumps, rolls, and bumps aside. Babywearing was something I wanted to do but also had to do when our second daughter arrived so that I could have my hands free to chase after my oldest.
Being comfortable in the carrier I’m wearing helped to make a difference. If I was comfortable in it than my mind didn’t wander to all the potential negative thoughts about how I may look while using a carrier. Instead, my thoughts were with my child and I was able to be in the moment. Enjoying our time together.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SHANNON LEE facebook | instagram
FIND A CARRIER YOU LOVE
One thing I did learn quickly is that there are lots of options available when it comes to babywearing. I’ve used structured carriers and wraps. Being plus-size meant I had to take a few extra steps in finding ones that worked for me, but I did it. I wanted to be able to babywear with confidence.
The main thing for me was trying on the carriers and wraps and discovering what the fit was like. Was there extra length in the wraps or straps of the carrier that would allow for room as my child grew or if I had a sweater on? Was I comfy? Would the baby be comfy? Take the time to go and try on carriers, you’ll be surprised at how many options you actually have when you are plus-size. One brand I’ve come to love, thanks to my friends introducing me to it, is Tula.
Recently my babywearing journey has changed. I’ve entered the toddler phase of wearing. Having a carrier that works with a toddler is great for many reasons. I love that if we’re out somewhere as a family and she’s getting tired because her little legs can’t keep up, I can pop her into the carrier and have her with me on my front or on my back. She’s still able to enjoy the outing with us. It brings some safety with it to when we are out, keeping her always near to me and I have my hands free to hold onto the hand of my kindergartener as we are walking. I can’t tell you how much peace of mind this gives me.
WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT THE TULA TODDLER CARRIER
The Toddler Carrier allows for the ergonomic M-position and has the tallest and widest panel of all the Tula carriers. Why does this matter? Because your child has grown and needs to continue to have great support while in a carrier. You can use the Toddler Carrier beginning at 25lbs and goes up to 60lbs for use. I love that my child can sit snuggly and in a supportive position. My toddler loves that she is in a permanent cuddle position while in it.
As I mentioned above, you can do a front or a back carry with this. Which means you can have your child close and easy to see or on your back where they feel like they are getting a piggyback ride, but you don’t have to hold them there with your arms! I like being able to do a back carry when we go for little hikes in our area too. I find it very comfortable.
The waist belt on the Tula is one of the longest I’ve come across. This meant there was no need to go out and purchase an extender to make the belt long enough for me to wear. It fit perfectly with length to spare! Plus, it’s cushioned with the padded belt areas just where I need it to be. There’s even more padding on the shoulder straps that help with the keeping everyone happy when the carrier is in use.
BABYWEARING IS LIKE WEARING A HUG
Perhaps your like me and find yourself a bit apprehensive about babywearing. I want to encourage you to go out and try on some different ones. Find a Tula and give it a try yourself! In the end, your kids are not going to be thinking about how you look in it, they’re going to be enjoying being near you in the carrier. I’m so thankful I didn’t let being plus-size hold me back from trying babywearing when my daughters were little, and it’s definitely not stopping me now with using a Toddler Carrier.
I am loving that I can still carry my child using the Tula Toddler Carrier. Did you babywear with your child if so, up to what age did you use a carrier til?
Disclosure: I received the Baby Tula Toddler Carrier featured in this post in order to facilitate my review and this post.
All opinions are my completely my own. Plus I want others to find the joy in babywearing.
How great of you to ease the minds of anyone else that may have doubts. I am now baby wearing my 6 month old, I never did it with my other two but am absolutely loving it. It’s such a great way to make sure I am getting some bonding time with him in between running after the other two!
I love babywearing! And what adorable pictures of your cute family out in nature together!
I love baby wearing (or toddler wearing now in our case).
Because of my back and neck issues, I never thought I would be able to babywear. But I love that Tulas are created with us in mind. Even with a fairly large chest and my back problems, babywearing with my third is a dream.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
So many truths to this post I can relate to! I loved to carry all my kids and it is awkward to find a carrier when u r heavier. My bigger husband also wanted to be able to wear it so I had to find one that fit us both. That is not always easy. I’ve never had a toddler carrier but it would have been great. Right now my 11 month old loves to be in her carrier even though it’s not a great one. It’s handy when she is fussy in the stroller but especially when my 3 year old wants to walk or play at the park. I can be right by him and have my hands free while keeping my baby close too. So excited to enter your giveaway!
I love Tula carriers!
Cute pics 🙂
I can so relate to your babywearing journey! You’re such an inspiration. I have gorgeous little red heads like you as well. The youngest is just 5 weeks so your giveaway sure would be an amazing blessing.
Thanks for sharing your life and inspiring me and others x
You always look fabulous but I do appreciate your honesty 🙂
I love these pictures!! The babe looks so comfortable and so do you!!! I would have never guessed since back when I had my kids this wasn’t a trend and the ones available were not the most comfortable, I hope with this pregnancy I’m lucky to go thru this experience!!
So love this post. I love wearing my boys so very much! I love you calling it a hug 🙂 So very true!
A toddler Tula is the first structured carrier I used that I found at all comfy. I have worn all 4 of my kids from birth through toddlerhood (especially during my pregnancies, babywearing was a huge blessing)
I had bad shoulder/back pain when my older 3 were little and holding them in my arms was not possible for more than a few minutes so babywearing was a necessity for me.
Great post and lovely photos! I volunteer as a peer supporter at my local sling library and I love matching people up with their perfect sling or carrier. Babywearing is my favourite! ❤️😘
I was also worried about baby wearing, being plus sized myself. I was worried the carrier wouldn’t fit, or my baby would be too squashed against me. But I haven’t found either of those the reality, and I’m loving wearing my 2 month old.
My son is 25 months old and I still carry him occasionally. I’m pregnant with #2 and can’t wait to start carrying a new squish! I know it’s the best way to survive 2 kiddos
You are beautiful momma! I could never get into Baby wearing but really wanted to be. For my next I’ll try Tula! Feeling inspired by you.
Love baby wearing, and your quote at the beginning!!! Great post mama 🙂
The look on your face with your babe on you back says it sll. You look soo happy your glowing i love it .
#wearallthebabies
I have been finding my 1.5 year old wants to run more instead of being worn, but for long adventures or hikes the backpack style is still so handy!! 😁
Love the beautiful pictures! Both my kids fought to get out of the carriers but I am fefunately trying again this time around!!
I absolutely love baby wearing and would love to master a tandem carry with my 4 month old and 2.5 year old! Have you tried this? Am I nuts ? 😆
I have never tried that! You may be a little nuts 😉
You look great carrying your child! I’d love to try a carrier that allows me to back carry my kids.
I love these amazingly adorable photos and I LOVE Tulas! I’m so glad you didn’t let anything keep you from wearing your kiddo! <3
Thanks for sharing your story! I’ve been debating if I want to get a baby carrier (our first is due in a couple weeks). The more I see, the more I think this is definitely something I want to do. Your photos are lovely!
I love Tulas as well! We still wear our 3 year old, especially when traveling as it keeps my hands free and her safe. She loves it and tells me “Momma, please carry me!!”
You look beautiful. I miss baby carrying. My kids are now 12 and 7. I have tried to pick my 7 year old up to carry but he’s too heavy
I love this post. Mom’s come in all shapes and sizes. This eases the minds of many mom’s. Thank you for a great read!
Thank you so much for this article! It makes me feel better about my baby wearing, I have always been so subconscious!
We still baby/toddler wear our kids. My son is almost 5 at ~49lbs and I still wear him on my back from time to time when we go on certain walks/hikes.
We’re going to have baby #3 mid August and we will for sure baby wear her. We have a baby tula and two toddler tulas. My wife also had a Tula Wrap but has given that away but recently picked up a kangaroo wrap too.
Love baby wearing! I’ve just had to adjust my photography of the kids when I am wearing one of them 😉
This was one of my biggest fears when Livvy was little that being plus size would prevent me from baby wearing. Turns out it was just my boobs. =/ Hah.
I am super glad you posted this! I haven’t had time to research the different carriers, and totally was unaware that Tula made a toddler carrier! I’ve been thinking about getting a toddler sized one for Alayna (who’s 3 now, but still quite small). Now if only they were in a smaller price bracket … Lol
Glad you found a carrier that worked well and you liked. I tried a few carriers out, but never quite got the hang of getting it and baby working together, and neither of my girls enjoyed being in them, so we didn’t really use. Too bad, as it seemed like a nice bonding time, and great to keep hands free.
These pictures are gorgeous!! I love wearing my daughter – she’s three now but I still love that closeness & can’t get enough of it 🙂
Lots to love about babywearing! I don’t have a Tula – yours looks great.