5 Reasons I Love To Wear My Big Kid

 So, to share a bit of backstory here--I have been babywearing for 14 years. I began with my youngest sister and picked it up more when my first child was born (sister & daughter are only 4/5 years apart). At that time, I got my first wrap and I tandem wore my sister and my daughter. I actively wore my daughter, Miss Quirky, into her 4th year and sporadically after that. I thought "You don't wear older kids.. How would that work?". Silly me, I just didn't even know any better.

However, my oldest had pain associated with walking for years. After I stopped wearing her, we had to bring a stroller around to theme parks, simply because she would end up in excruciating pain after a couple hours. Little did I know, she had joint issues that were going untreated and she truly was in horrible pain. After my 2nd child, Miss Spunky, was born, I learned more about Big Kid Wearing. So every now and then, I would throw Miss Quirky up in a wrap or even in our toddler Tula, because why not? She could still fit! She loved it, I thought it was cute..good times all around. But, I have seen people publicly insult parents who were wearing their older kids. I've seen people question wearing toddlers. Heck.. I have been questioned as to why I am wearing my toddler still! So I just want to bring up a couple things to explain how Big Kid Wearing is so beneficial.

Less Whining

 I don't know about you, but I cannot stand whining. I will take pestering, screaming, meltdowns in the middle of Target over whining for anything. Ever. If you have a child in speaking age, you know that whiney life is real. Kids get tired. Quick. They don't handle things the same way we do and the reaction to being pushed beyond what they can bear tends to come in the lovely form of whining. So when you've got a long day of errands, you need to get the house clean, or you want a day at Disney...that kid is gonna whine. Cuz they can't handle all the ups and downs of the day (literally). When you're able to throw your 5 year old up in a carrier, that whining comes to an end, my friend. They're chill. It's like a cool piggy-back ride. They can even nap up there, guys. Which brings me to my next point.

 More Chances For Naps

 I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say that naps are a magical gift that should be cherished and
loved and thanked and fed cookies. And there is nothing worse than when your kid doesn't get a proper nap when you've got stuff to do. We can't always be at home at nap time, ready and able to just lay them down and let nature do it's wonderful thing. Sometimes we are out and that kid is starting in on the whines. Toss them onto your back and you've got a warm, cozy place to let that kid cocoon him/herself in and enjoy the sweet slumber that so anxiously awaits them. I cannot tell you how happy I was when my daughter took her first back nap in a carrier! It was the most wonderful feeling.. the dead weight of that child felt like a weight lifted off of me. Freedom and silence, once more! YES!

Hands-Free Freedom 

 Have you had the lovely opportunity to go shopping with a mobile small person? I used to love shopping with Miss Quirky. She was the best shopping buddy. She would always stay by my side, hold hands, pick up a toy just to look at it then quietly return it to it's home. Oooh and ahhh over pretty things with me. The best. Miss Spunky? No. Nope. Not a good shopping buddy. She is like an adrenaline pumped best friend with a shopping addiction who may or may not be on drugs, as well. And drunk (cuz she constantly runs into things and knocks them down.. idk). If I didn't have the knowledge and ability to wear her in a store, I would die. From social anxiety, falling as I try to catch her, or whatever means necessary. The kid does not understand that when I tell her I will destroy her if she runs from me, I am partially serious. She thinks it's a joke. She runs. I don't know if you can tell, but I am not a fast person... I can't run as fast as my 2 year old. It's not funny, kid. But even if you don't have a wild child like mine, it is helpful to be able to carry your shopping bags without worrying about holding onto a child's hand! So strap the kid on your back and have your way at Target.. Starbucks in one hand and a bag full of things you don't need in the other!

Kids Get Tired

 I touched base on this earlier, but it is true. Aside from all the jokes, children seriously have to move a lot to keep up with us! Think about how little their legs are compared to ours and how small their strides are. If you've ever been curious about the numbers, a study was released in the Journey of Sports Science that stated just 3 hours of physical activity for a preschooler results in anywhere from 4,653 to 13,326 steps. Think about that-- we, as adults, are considered active with 10,000 steps per day. These tiny humans are taking roughly that in 3 hours!! I don't know about you, but that would probably make me whiney and cry, too. So give them a break and put them up in a carrier. Their little legs could probably use it.

Closeness

 Your child grows up fast. Really fast. They will do the most growing in their first 5 years of life than
any other time in their existence. As a mother who didn't quite realize time was racing by so quickly, I suggest taking as much moments as you can. Your child won't want to be cuddled forever. They won't want to be worn forever. Some kids even go through phases of not wanting to give hugs and kisses. So if you can get hugs & cuddles all in one swoop of a carry, do it. Being able to have chats with your child while you wear them around is pretty fantastic. The carrier naps are kinda great, too. Enjoy your baby, even tho they seem less baby-ish. You both will enjoy the bonding time and share some incredible memories together.


So there are my thoughts on the matter. If people want to say something to you about wearing your "big" kid, send 'em my way, cuz I've got plenty to say. Also, if you're looking for a great big kid carrier that is super comfortable and easy to use, head to Kindercarry and check out their Preschool sizes!

Do you wear your big kid? What has been your favorite part of it? Share in the comments!