Most people have the perception that children above 3 years old wouldn't need any more carrying. In a perfect world, it would be ideally so and good for all parents. However, any parents with children older than 3 years old would probably tell you that reality is very different from the ideal. At 3 years old, most children still need more sleep compared to adults. Short naps will continue to be daily affairs until about 5 to 6 years old. Anyone that tells you that a child of this age does not need carrying either doesn't have a child or have someone else carrying them.
Our children will most certainly need less and less carrying as they get older, but before they wean off their naps, the carrier will continue to make it a lot more comfortable and convenient for the parent when the child needs to be carried especially when you are traveling or are out shopping.
At 3 years old, the average weight for your child would be likely around 15kgs. By 6 years old, their average weight can go up to about 20kgs. That IS a lot of weight to carry using just your arms. A good ergonomic carrier can take that weight away from your arms and shoulder and evenly distribute that weight over your hips instead.
As kids between 3 to 6 years old tend to grow taller very fast during this phase, a carrier's panel length and width plays a determining role whether they can be used to carry a child safely in and whether the child will feel comfortable in them. A taller carrier panel ensures the child's back is sufficiently covered so that they do not risk falling out of the carrier when they arch their back especially if they are put in the back carry position. A wider carrier panel gives the child a wider seating area so that their weight is distributed not just on their buttocks but also over part of their upper thighs. This is ergonomically more comfortable for the child.
Certain carriers have also built in additional features which makes them more comfortable for the older child. For example, the Manduca Baby Carrier is designed with a deeper seat for even better sitting posture. The Boba Carrier comes with foot straps for the child to rest their foot while they are in the carrier. The following carrier comparison table summarizes our recommended baby carriers for you:-
