Last Updated on 7 December 2023 by Colette
Today I overheard someone commenting to their friend that they’d never seen someone carrying a child of Amy’s age in a carrier before and wondered why on earth you would . . . I didn’t hear the rest of the conversation as the line I was waiting in moved on, however it got me to thinking . . .
Dear Curious (let’s assume you’re Curious and not Judgmental),
I believe you were questioning the need for my 18 month old daughter to be carried to school on my back today so I thought I’d give you a few reasons . . .
1. On the way to school this morning the wheel fell off Amy’s trike. By pure chance the mother of another child in Chloe’s class happened to be walking past and very kindly offered to walk the big two to school for me with her daughter meaning I could limp the trike home without too much drama. The trike needed a new piece fitting by my husband so wasn’t ready to be used again at lunch time.
2. Her pushchair was in the car which was parked right down the street, the sling happened to be in the cupboard and when I’m trying to make sure I get to school on time I’m all about convenience.
3. Although Amy does enjoy walking, at 18 months the school run is just a bit too far for her to manage there and back – besides which she doesn’t exactly rush and I don’t think Chloe would have taken to kindly to being the last child sat on the carpet while her little sister dilly dallied along inspecting the pavement, a cat or whatever else caught her attention along the way.
4. Carrying my 18 month old child on my back does mean I burn considerably more calories than pushing her pram and that’s always a bonus in my book.
5. Sometimes a pram just isn’t practical. Wearing Amy on my back means we can go to places that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to – for example walking on uneven paths, places with lots of stairs or even somewhere really busy where a pushchair might be in the way. It also means that I know she can’t wander off if I’m trying to sort something out with the bigger two.
6. She likes it. I don’t think I really need to explain this reason but I will. Whilst up on my back she can see all sorts of things which aren’t normally in her line of view. She spends lots of time peeping over my shoulder and giggling. She’s clearly comfortable up there and has been known to pop her head on my shoulder and fall asleep.
7. I like it. Again not something I should have to explain but I will. Mostly Amy now sits in a forward facing pushchair and I miss being able to see her face and chat to her. Whilst carrying her I’m able to talk to her more easily about what we’re doing – particularly if she’s in a front carry position. If she’s on my back she can hear my voice easily and responds or laughs. We are close and it’s lovely.
So actually the reason I carry my little girl on my back is that I love it and she loves it. And until she doesn’t I shall carry on thanks.
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Great post!! Loved it. I'm a Dad but can truly relate to your experience. It is just the convenience side of thing and as Parents, more often than not, we will always tend to do the things which we know makes our Kids happy so if it involves being on a carrier on your back, so be it)
Thanks for your comment 🙂 Dave enjoys carrying Amy on his back just as much as I do – and then she gets to be even higher up! x
Fantastic. I carried TT till I fell pregnant with Wee Bun, and it's so lovely whatever age they are. You carry on!
I must admit I was really surprised that it was something anyone felt the need to comment on. As a friend of mine said yesterday, it's really not different to giving my child a piggy back – in fact it's easier and safer!
No.8 because it's none of your business 😉 I love back carries its a godsend when you have 3 children
Yes – that was basically what I wanted to say the whole way through and was very much what I was thinking with "I shouldn't have to explain this but I will" – you're right, a back carry gives you the extra hand you need when you've got three children!!
I love your post there are so many positives about BW! I am on various BW Groups and the amount of People tell stories about other Peoples comments when they Baby wear their Baby/Toddler is shocking. I thank god didn't get anything too negative said to me so far except one dad at school jokingly asking if i even owe a pushchair (if only he knew!!).
I was really surprised. I'm assuming she didn't think I could hear her. Its such an odd thing to comment on to my mind.
I've enjoyed carrying Toby until recently (it's a bit tricky with a baby bump) and it's definitely more practical than a pushchair a lot of the time…and like you I like the closeness of it, and Toby does too! He's 22 months now but I'm sure we'll still be carrying him for a while yet!
I babywore until my little boy was one and I really wanted to continue but I just couldn't get the hang of back carries and it kept sending my back into spasms. I loved it though, I miss it! I don't get why people can't just keep their opinions to themselves! x
I must admit it took me a bit of doing to get confident with getting Amy into a back carry but she helps a bit now thankfully. I still only do it sat on the sofa though.
She looks so happy on your back, rock on! Mich x
I've not done masses of babywearing with my first two but it's definitely going to happen with baby three. How would she have felt if you were carrying her on your shoulders? Using a carrier makes it so much safer!
It's really handy with three – you'll love it x
Lovely post, although you shouldn't have to explain yourself! I wore both my two at a similar age and it's a lovely way to chat to them and let them see the world around them!
It does give them a different view of things doesn't it – she loves it.
She looks happy! Who cares what others think 🙂 If you're both happy then make the most of it before she's too heavy!! x
Until I got pregnant earlier this year, I still wore my son in our preschool mei tai and he turned 4 a few weeks ago. He sometimes still gets tired walking to and from school to collect his big bro especially when he's been at preschool too. If I tried carrying him in my arms they'd drop off and if I made him walk it'd take all day and just stress everyone out 😀 We usually get comments saying how snuggly and comfy he looks 🙂
Carrying them in your arms is exhausting isn't it – at least baby wearing is more comfortable and secure!
Great post! I never wore my kids on my back it looks so much easier though! I guess the buggy was always there as you say, convenience in situations! She looks so happy and yes, so do you. x #dearsoandso
It just gives me that extra pair of hands you so often need with three kids to keep an eye on – and she loves it 😀
I carried toddler Luka and Bella too and never realised it could be frowned upon. Why the hell should you explain yourself? Would this person feel the same had she been in a pram I wonder? x
It made me wonder if they thought she was older than she is because of all her hair. I've certainly never had anyone comment before.
I think some people will always question things they have no experience of. I couldn't get to grips with a back carry but front carried T for as long as I possibly could – I really miss it now x