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Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Natalie

I’ve often extolled the virtues of baby wearing. Did you know I also love toddler wearing? It’s how I survived having babies turning into toddlers who were only one year apart. When they were babies, it made life so much easier! You can nurse in a carrier, you can bottle feed in a carrier, you can chase your other kids around with your baby in a carrier, etc. Kid melting down? Carrier to the rescue! Traveling? Take the baby or toddler travel carrier! I’m here to help you find the best toddler carrier for travel (and daily life) for you.

Best Toddler Carriers For Travel

I wore my kids a lot when they were babies and toddlers. My younger child still liked to be worn at age 5. She would probably let me wear here still, expect my back can’t handle it! Your carrier will be a sound investment. Now, let’s look at the best baby carrier for travel, toddler and up!

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Click here for the best toddler carrier for travel.
Click here for the best infant carrier for travel!

 

Why Wear a Toddler in a Toddler Carrier?

I wore my toddlers for many of the same reasons I wore my kids as babies (and here are even more reasons to wear the toddlers). If they were melting down, I put them on my back. Using a carrier would keep them safe and close if we needed to be in a situation were running away could be dangerous. My kids also would take naps in the carrier during long days. My baby and toddler carriers have been handy tools.

I know baby and toddler wearing won’t work for everyone (really, is there anything that does?), however I do want to spread the babywearing love. Toddler carriers have pretty high weight limits, so even big kids can be safely worn.  As always, you know your own body, strengths and weaknesses. Please wear responsibly.

I ended up wearing both my 4 year old and 5 year old (separately) during a recent trip to Guanajuato City. Really, having the travel toddler carrier along saved us during that trip!

Always visually inspect carriers before use to make sure they don’t have holes, rips, or damage.

What Makes it the Best Baby Carrier for Toddler?

The best carrier is the one that fits you and your child comfortably.  It’s also important that your carrier fits the child you are wearing. Make sure your child can comfortably bend her knees. For walking toddlers, the fabric doesn’t need to be exactly knee to knee like it is with babies. It’s important that they have free movement and their legs aren’t over extended. Don’t use a carrier that is too big for your child. Everyone will be uncomfortable.

Are you also looking for travel car seats? Check out  this helpful travel car seat guide. Don’t forgot the travel stroller, those are handy when traveling, too!

If you’re traveling with a little one, also make sure you have a portable bed for toddlers! Check out this kids travel pillow guide so your little ones can be comfortable while flying.

Toddler Carrier Reviews

In addition to the features listed in individual reviews, I recommend mesh panels whenever possible because the bigger the kid, the hotter it is to wear them. Mesh assists in helping keep everyone a bit cooler. Plus, it’s easy to add layers to warm up kids for wintertime wearing.

Beco Toddler Carriers

Beco makes fantastic carriers! The toddler sized version of the Beco carrier offers many of the same features of other Beco carriers, except bigger! It has a wide ergonomic seat and the back panel is much taller so it can support kids who are 18 months and up. The weight limits are 20-60 lbs. It comes with a snap-on hood for sleeping and a zipper clutch. It’s also really soft, supportive, and easy to adjust.  Toddler carriers travel well and can easily be added to your carry on luggage so you have it during layovers. I found this carrier to be really comfortable and easy to use. Beco brand is one of my favorite carrier brands!

Best for: Long term wearing (up to 60 lbs), ease of use, comfortable

LÍLLÉbaby 3 in 1 CarryOn Toddler Carrier – Airflow

LÍLLÉbaby makes great carriers and the Airflow continues that tradition. They recommend babies be at least 12 months and 20 lbs before using this carrier. The upper weight limit is 60 lbs (to give an example, my 6 year old only weights around 50 lbs). It can be used 3 ways: front, back, and hip carries. The Airflow is machine washable (follow all laundering instructions), has adjustable straps, a removable hood, and two pockets. It does feature a wider and taller torso than most carriers, so this might be the perfect option for your tall toddler.

I’ve heard some moms say that LÍLLÉbaby has a slightly higher learning curve, but I haven’t found that to be true when I’ve used them. It may take some adjusting to get the straps comfortable, which is true of most carriers.

Best for: Lumbar support, up to 60 lbs

Boba 4G Carrier

The Boba 4G is designed to be used from 7 lbs to 45 lbs (0-48 months). It has an integrated infant insert and can still be used well into toddlerhood. It can be used with front or back carries. However, this cannot be used with baby facing forward. This carrier is made from 100% cotton and also has multiple pockets. It can fit parents with waists between 25 inches and 58 inches. It’s another easy to use option!

Best for: Using from birth up to 45 lbs

 

Baby Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier (Mesh)

The Tula Free-to-Grow carrier can be used from 7 lbs to 45 lbs and it doesn’t need an infant insert. It allows for front and back carries (no forward facing carry) and it’s easy to adjust. While Tula carriers haven’t been my favorite, I’ve included it on the list because they are a good and popular brand. It’s important to know that not every carrier will work for you (as Tulas didn’t work as well for me). It’s also important to know to try different adjustments because that can make a big difference on fit and comfort.

Best for: Mesh option, Using from birth up to 45 lbs

 

Kinderpack Carriers

Kinderpacks come in four sizes: infant, standard, toddler, and preschool.  Each size also comes in regular or plus-sized straps! The toddler size can comfortably fit a child up to 45 lbs (though the site says the weight limits are higher than that and the suggestion is based on the child’s comfort). The preschool size is up to 55 lbs.

Another great feature of Kinderpacks (KPs) is that they are highly adjustable. Sometimes, a small strap adjustment is all you need to get the perfect fit. Additionally, Kinderpacks come in full panel or with kool-knit (mesh). I personally prefer the KPs with the mesh, even in my colder climate (Ohio). They are slightly cooler for those humid, summer days. In the winter, I used a specially designed cover to keep my children warm, if necessary. It’s always been easier for me to add layers for warmth than to suffer in the heat and humidity.

I’ve tandem worn (one child in front and one on my back) using Kinderpacks. It was comfortable. I still have both of my toddler sized KPs, just in case! I used them nearly daily until my daughter was around 4.5 years old. They do still get occasional use. I really wish I’d brought one when we visited Chichen Itza with children, ages 4 and 5 at the time of our trip.

Best for: Comfortable, Multiple size options

 

Traveling with your Toddler Carrier

If you are newer to toddler wearing or are looking at a new carrier, it would be best to practice with the carrier before your trip. Babywearing uses different muscles and it’s worth it to work out and strengthen those muscles in advance.

If you are already wearing your child regularly, you will only need to familiarize yourself with your new carrier and break it in a little for you comfort.

Using your carrier doesn’t mean you need to take four hour hikes. It can be as simple as walking around your neighborhood or wearing while doing some housework.

How long can you carry baby in carrier?

Up to the weight limit on your carrier. Some children can be carried up to age 5 or 6 with ease.

FAQ

Can I use the bathroom while wearing a baby carrier?

Yep. Moms are really adaptable. We get done what needs to get done, even on one hour of sleep. If you need to go to the restroom with a sleeping child on your front or back, it’s do-able.

Can I wear my toddler on my front or back?

Yes! However, keep in mind that with a heavy child, front carries can aggravate old back injuries or potentially cause them. At a certain point, front wearing a heavy child becomes extremely difficult.

Can I wear my toddler if I didn’t wear him or her as a baby?

Absolutely! However, your child is her own person and may protest at first. Your child will need practice as much as you will.

What is the best back carrier for toddler?

Always, the best baby carrier for toddler for wearing your toddler on your back is the one that you are able to use safely. It is also the one that you and your toddler find comfortable. If you have a carrier already that isn’t working for you, try making adjustments to it. Even a small adjustment can make a huge amount of difference in your comfort!

Final Thoughts: Wear All the Toddlers

I love babywearing and I find it makes traveling so much easier. Tandem wearing improved my daily life when life was so much harder than it is now. When moms of babies and toddlers are struggling, I hope that wearing their children can do for them what wearing mine has done for me.

Go forth, travel, and wear all the toddlers!

Do you have feedback on the best toddler carrier for travel? My readers offer the best feedback. Please leave a comment with your thoughts and suggestions. Thank you!

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