As a first time mom, finding a baby carrier that both supported my baby and all my needs was a challenge. With an opportunity to try the Tushbaby Hip Carrier, I was excited to see if I finally found the solution.
Naturally I have used various wrap and strap carriers but as my son hit about six months old I started struggling. He became more mobile and was always wanting to look around and be up and down.
And while that is great, I was faced with the issue of how to carry this wiggle worm while also remaining productive. All the wraps and carriers I tried at that point only gave the option of strapping him close to my body which restricted his movement. The transitioning in and out of those also consumed so much time and energy as he would only tolerate being in one for a short time.
Okay, so, just go without a carrier, right? Sure, if you are a piggy wrangler with super muscles to contain your velcro and also energetic baby. Anytime I tried holding him while trying to get things done around the house or go shopping was unrealistic.
Until he could reliably sit independently this meant the stroller for all shopping and typical carriers for housework. Yet, in my role as a stepmom to a middle schooler and running our household, frequent switches in and out of the van and from task to task meant this was so laborious.
I’m sure you can picture it – load up to drive to the store, haul out stroller, shop, reload into the van, go to the next stop, repeat, repeat, repeat ad nauseam. Add the wiggly baby and a sister who wants to hold him on and off and I was extra exhausted.
The Tushbaby Hip Carrier Experience
Enter the Tushbaby Hip Carrier. When I was first introduced to this product I was super skeptical. In my mind I was thinking how helpful can this really be if I still have to keep an arm around my baby?
In this way, I vastly over estimated how much of my energy went into balancing my son on my hip as I went about my day. The first day I wore the Tushbaby hip carrier I was blown away.
Instead of using my brute strength to hold, shift, and contain my energetic son, I simply got to enjoy having him close. The beauty of this was unreal at first. Yes, I kept an arm on him at all times but without needing to support and shift his weight around, I could do so much more.
The one handed tasks I had been sweating to complete became easy! And even better, my son could turn and twist and wriggle on the seat without wearing me out.
While wearing this hip carrier out and about, I can’t tell you the number of people who have admired it and asked where to find one. They are always amazed at the structure and storage capacity when I tell them more about it.
With so much to say about my experience with the Tushbaby Hip Carrier I’ll try to break it down into a pros and cons list. Then, my personal note will elaborate with more points that I feel were user specific for me.
Pros
Body Friendly
Regardless of your age, the design means you can carry a baby with much less physical strain. I love the wide, padded waistband and weight distribution of this design. The tension I tend to carry in my upper back, neck, and shoulders are eased when I carry my son with the Tushbaby Hip Carrier.
Super Baby Friendly
The seat and positioning options aren’t just for mom’s convenience. I can tell my son feels secure but also free to move when I use this hip carrier. Not only can he face inward and outward, he can also feed or relax against me while on this carrier.
Convenient and Easy to Use
Because of the open design of this Tushbaby hip carrier, my son can be up and down and up and down without any hassle. This is incredibly helpful when my step daughter is with us and frequently switches between holding him or passing him back to me. Also, when he gets too antsy I don’t have to wrestle any straps or buckles to free him.
A Make that Makes Sense
If there is a feature you would want in a baby carrier, this Tushbaby Hip Carrier has it. The type of pockets and the storage capacity are unreal. I can put an outfit, diapers, slim pack of wipes, burp cloth, bottle, toys, personal items, and more in this carrier. Thinking you’ve stuffed it to the brim? Check again, you’ll find another spot to tote more along.
Surpassing Quality
Over the numerous hours I have used this hip carrier I have seen no wear on it yet. The structure of the seat, strap and buckle, overall material, and sturdiness seem to be made to last a long time. I anticipate being able to use this for numerous children and possibly even passing it on in good shape to someone else.
Mood Boosting
This may seem an odd positive point to make but this carrier can make an emotional difference. What I love so much is that it restores ease to some daily functions. I have also found more self-confidence and capability as a mom as tasks have become easier to navigate while using the Tushbaby hip carrier.
Cons
Stiff and Bulky
Although part of this design requires the stability and structure to perform a lot of work for you, it is still a hunk. I found it awkward to fold or stow away neatly, especially one handed. I don’t feel the extra storage adds to the bulk but I find it uncomfortable to tote with me if I’m not wearing it. For me, this trade-off is worth it because of the benefits it provides.
Cost
Yes, the Tushbaby Hip Carrier costs a slight notch more than similar designs. I can’t speak to other hip carrier designs but if I wanted a long-lasting, deeply functional piece, the extra $15-$20 would be well worth it. You would just have to decide for yourself if that additional cost is worth the squeeze to you (it probably will be).
Waistband Dynamics
The waistband velcro is fantastic and having the belt that buckles is added support. However, it can take some experimentation to get the right tightness. When I haven’t wrapped the waistband snug enough then tighten the belt, the tension does not hold well.
The padding is great and comfortable but if I need to rotate the carrier around my body it drags and twists my clothes along with it. I find myself adjusting this carrier more than others I have used.
A Personal Note on the Tushbaby Hip Carrier
As someone with a chronic inflammatory condition as well as intermittent balance issues, the Tushbaby Hip Carrier has been a valuable tool. Everyone’s needs are different but this truly met mine in an amazing way.
Compared to other carriers or simply carrying my son this offered me some flexibility of function I did not have before. The ability to carry and reposition my son with more ease meant smoother task transitions and less expended energy.
Now, I imagine most people do not have this issue but due to my fluctuating inflammation I did experience some hip pain and stiffness with prolonged use. If I knew I would have to keep him on my hip for more than say one hour I would not use it. Also, at home, I would carry him on it in various intervals to reduce the likelihood of that pain occurring.
Because of the wide support band and intentionally supportive design of the Tushbaby Hip Carrier, I think this issue will not affect most people.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been considering trying out a hip carrier for your baby, this Tushbaby one just might be the perfect fit. To carry all I need and keep an active baby close without straining my body, I would choose this every day.
Naturally along this journey of motherhood we each find systems that work best for us. I hope that this shared experience will provide insight on what carriers can truly offer us. And, I’m curious to know if the Tushbaby Hip Carrier would make a world of difference for you, like it did for me.
Check out the Tushbaby Hip Carrier here!
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