Two options for Big Baby Wearing

(Goblin is 33 months)

When Goblin was smaller we did a lot of baby wearing, although at the time we had no idea that was what it was called. Now Goblin is big. Our buggy and baby backpack both claim they can take kids up to the age of 4 but their max weight is 15kg. We recently discovered that at 17kg (37 lb) Goblin was too heavy for his normal modes of transport and we were in trouble because we were just about to go on a weeks walking holiday in Wales. 

You may ask why we don't just let him walk. 

The problem is that Goblin only has two speeds: Hurtle and nap. 

And he switches between them really fast. 

We checked on line and there aren't many carriers that go above 15kg. The one we ordered is the Patapum Toddler Carrier. It has a max weight of 28kg. It is really easy to put on and it can be adjusted quickly if you and your partner are sharing the load. It comes in a waterproof dry bag that has a clasp to attach to a belt or changing bag. I was really surprised how well it distributes the weight. I was able to carry Goblin for over an hour without getting sore. 

As far as I can see there are only two down sides to the Patapum. 

1. The cost, at £75 it is a pricey carrier for a child who walks most of the time. I wish we had discovered this carrier when he was 16 months old. 
2. The aesthetic, it squishes my boobs when I do up the chest strap. 

Rather stupidly we waited until the week before we went to Wales to order the Patapum. Precious Bundle were incredibly helpful at getting the carrier to us in time despite running out of the original colour and it having to come from Italy. But I didn't know whether it would arrive so I started on option 2 - A home made wrap. 

Here is a little DIY wrap tutorial

(Thank you MaryAnne at Mama Smiles for the measurements) 

Buy 6 m (19.5 feet) of strong woven material (I chose linen because its soft, strong and light).
Fold the material in half and measure 29" depth from the top edge (This is a 25" wrap depth plus 2" hem on either side). Mark the depth with a pen.
From this mark measure 3 feet in from the fold and mark the depth again. This will give you 6 feet of 25" depth at the middle of your wrap.
At the open end of your material (the end that isn't the fold for any non sewers out there) measure a depth of 13" (this is a 9 inch depth at the end of your wrap plus a 2" hem on either side). Mark the depth with a pen. 
Draw a diagonal line from the 13" depth at the end of your material to the 29" depth at the mark 3feet in from the fold. 
Cut along that diagonal line and then straight to the edge along the 3 feet of 29" depth. 
Now fold your hem in one inch, and then fold it over another inch to hide the frayed edge. Do this all the way round the entire wrap pinning as you go. Iron the folded hem. 
Sew the hem on a sewing machine using a straight basic stitch. (I wouldn't advise hand sewing or your child will be fully grown before they get to use it). 
Mark the middle of your wrap (where the fold was) and using a different colour thread sew a line down the middle - this will help you always find the centre when you are putting it on. 

It is as easy as that. Seriously even someone who had never sewn before could do this - its all straight lines.
My new wrap is cool. If Goblin is feeling super snuggly I can wear him on my front but I prefer back wearing. There are many variations on how to tie a wrap. I just looked on YouTube and chose the least annoying video.

The DIY wrap is comfy and super cheap at only £20. I also love the way it gives me Bodecia style boobs - much better aesthetic! However it is much more of a hassle to put on. It has really long tails that will fall in every available puddle if you are trying to do this outside, and it is bulkier than the Patapum to carry round.

I would have to say that if money is not an issue then go for the Patapum. But if you need something cheap and effective the DIY wrap will definitely do the job.

I should mention that this is not a sponsored link, we didn't get the Patapum for free (I wish!). I simply thought it would be good to let others with heavy toddlers know there are options out there.

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