If you’ve tried traditional baby carriers but suffered with backache or shoulder aches then follow me as I moved to a baby carrier as my babies grew out of their baby wrap and I’ll describe what you need to know about choosing the right hip seat carrier for your baby.
I personally wore my children in wraps and carriers from the moment they were born. There’s something that I loved about having my little ones closed to me and the practicality of being able to go out with them sleeping on my chest.
While traditional baby wraps and seat carriers are great for when babies are little and sleep in them for a long time, it comes a time when your baby becomes a toddler and all they want to do is move around and explore the world. They constantly want to be put down and then picked up again and, let’s be honest, they start being really heavy!!
That’s when I found my carriers where not really useful anymore. My babies didn’t like spending too much time in them and, when they did, my shoulders and back were really starting to hurt. And the same was happening when I was carrying them on my hip without a carrier.
The first time I tried a hip seat carrier with my first born I was quite sceptical. I thought having that baby belt around my waist was going to annoy me more than anything, but I was amazed by how much it relieved my shoulders and back pains! I loved it so much I invested on another one for my second baby and used it since she was around 4 months old.
The Different Designs Available
There are two main different designs of hip seat carriers: one that includes just a hip seat, and one that looks more like an actual baby carrier, with shoulder straps and an enclosed seat.
A Waist Carrier for Babies
A waist carrier, like the one from Tushbaby, is the simplest of the two designs, with just a hip seat for baby to sit in, and a waist belt that goes around your hips to hold it in place.
These type of carry belt for baby is usually cheaper than the other design (perfect if you are on a budget) and obviously smaller. However, the main disadvantage is that you are never completely hands free, and always need to make sure you are holding baby with at least one hand.
You can usually use this type of baby seat carrier in 4 different carrying positions:
- Feeding / Breastfeeding: with your baby in a cradle hole position and the waist carrier either supporting your arm holding baby’s head, or supporting baby’s bottom.
- Side Carrying: with baby sitting on your side
- Front Facing: with baby sitting in front of you, but facing away from you
- Face-To-Face: with baby sitting in front of your and facing you
Some designs, like the Honch Hip Seat Carrier, have an extra shoulder strap that help keep the baby waist carrier in place.
Related: Baby on a Budget – Top Tips on How to Save Money with a New Baby
A Carrier with Shoulder Straps
This type of baby carrier, like the MiaMily Hipster Plus Baby Carrier, is way more similar to the traditional baby carriers you are used to seeing around. However, they are made up of a baby seat at your waist’s height that makes the carrier chunkier around your hip.
This is a particularly nice feature to have if you want to use the full carrier for when baby is still little and not really able to support their neck and head first, and then transition to just the hip baby belt carrier when they get older. Or you might enjoy the carrier when going for a walk, but prefer just the baby waist carrier when at home and constantly picking your baby up and putting them down.
This type of baby carrier can also usually be used in multiple carrying positions:
- With baby in front: either front facing or face-to-face, with or without the enclosure
- With baby on your back: only with the enclosure
- With baby on your side: with only the waist carrier and no enclosure
Is a Baby Carrier with a Hip Seat Safe?
Many parents are worried that some models can be bad for a baby’s hips. This is because there is ample evidence that carrying a baby in a position that keeps little baby’s legs together for long periods of time can cause hip dysplasia or even lead to dislocations.
However, the hip seat carrier allows the baby to sit in the position recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, so it’s perfectly safe for baby. This is called the M-position, where baby’s thighs go around the parent’s torso and the hips bend so that the knees are slightly higher than the buttocks with the thighs supported.
Hip seat carriers are actually better for babies than ‘normal’ models, as they allow the baby to maintain this healthy position no matter whether they are facing inward or outwards. With traditional carriers, the M-position is usually lots when turning baby to look away from the parent and, for this reason, the International Hip Dysplasia Institute discourages an outward-facing position until 6 months of age.
Pros and Cons of Hip Seat Carriers for Parents
The Advantages
The main advantage of a baby waist carrier for parents is the reduced back pain or shoulder pain that they would otherwise experience with traditional device. This is because you are supporting the baby’s weight away from your back and shoulders.
Also, your baby’s weight won’t pull you forward or backwards like a normal front or back carrier. Instead, a hip seat carrier will help you stand upright, which will only help with the back pains.
Another advantage is that, when you are using just the baby carrier, you can easily swap between the left and right side, which helps even things up and avoid lower back pains. I personally always really struggled to wear my baby on the left side without a waist carrier!
Other pros to consider are:
- The ability to carry your baby in many different positions and the fact that it can grow with your from a newborn to a toddler age
- The amount of storage, either on the side of the waist belt, that is usually non-existing in traditional models
The Disadvantages
That said, a baby carrier with a heap seat is not perfect and they do come with some disadvantages.
First and foremost, they are not completely hands free: you always need to make sure that you are holding them with one hand! For this reason, I like the idea of a model with the shoulder straps, so that you can place baby in an enclosed carrier when you are in need of both hands.
They can also be a bit more uncomfortable compared to traditional carriers for the first 12 weeks or so postpartum if you had a c-section. This is because the seat can put more pressure on the incision.
Finally, because their weight and strain is directed to your hip and legs instead of the back and shoulder, they are not the best solution to help protect against injuries or problems.
At what age can I carry my baby in a hip seat carrier?
Baby hip seat carriers are not really designed for newborns. Even though they can be used in the breastfeeding position and most models will say that they are suitable from birth, they can’t really be used to actually carry newborns.
This can only happen when your child is able to support their neck and head independently, which usually happens when babies reach the 4 or 6 months of age. However, it really depends on your child’s development! When your child is ready to seat by themselves without the help of an adult, then they can sit in a hip seat carrier or any other baby chairs for sitting up.
You can then keep using the product until about 2-3 years of age. Most products have a weight limit of over 40 lbs (18 Kgs). However, to be honest, I found that when baby was getting too big (way before 18 kgs), not even the waist stool could help much and I stopped picking my kids up so much! I would say using one until the age of 2.5 (depending on baby’s weight) is more realistic.
Related:
10 of the Best Baby Hip Seat Carriers
Here’s my list of the best baby carriers with a hip seat and I’ve compared some of the market leaders such as Tushbaby vs Babymust to help you make the right decision when buying.
1) Tushbaby Belt Carrier
The Tushbaby hip seat carrier is a classical waist carrier with just the hip seat and the belt that goes around your waist, as well the 4 different carrying positions. The reason why it’s at the top of my list is because of its superior quality.
It is made in the US with high quality materials and is safety certified, containing no cancer causing chemicals. It has a whole lot of storage, with a big pocket under the seat, a side pocket, a bottle holder and loops to attach things like baby toys or your pacifier clip.
The belt going around your waist is also very thick compared to other similar models, making it more comfortable to wear when baby’s weight pushes down. And, while the standard waistband goes up to 44 inches (1.1 meters) in length, you can buy an extension that goes up to 71 inches (1.8 meters).
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Lots of storage ✅Very good quality ✅Waistband extender for waists over 44 inches (1.1 meter) ✅Choice of 4 different colors | ❌Not as versatile as other products that turn into actual baby carriers ❌Too large for tiny people (under 100 lbs) |
2) Chicco Sidekick Waist Carrier
The is quite similar to the Tushbaby one above (but about $30 cheaper): they are both waist carriers made of good quality materials and the Chicco brand is always a guarantee with regards to good quality and durability.
There is a good size pocket on the size and the reviews for this product are all very good. The main disadvantage is the fact that it is not machine washable: it needs to be washed by hand. Which can be quite annoying considering how much babies spit and dribble, etc.
The belt fits 23”-46” waists (0.6-1.2 m), and there isn’t an extender option like for the Tushbaby hip seat carrier.
Note: Chicco also sells the , which consists of the version with the shoulder straps as well. This is double the price as the , but way more versatile!
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Storage on the side ✅Good quality ✅Relatively cheap | ❌Not as versatile as other products that turn into actual baby carriers ❌Not machine washable |
3) ErgoBaby Hip Seat Carrier
The ErgoBaby Hip Seat Carrier is the first actual carrier with shoulder straps in this list. Again, it’s quite a well known brand, and the quality is very good.
Overall, it’s a very comfortable design for both mom and baby, with the option of different carrying positions as the enclosure can come off to be just a baby waist carrier, so it’s very versatile. You can either carry your baby on the front (with of without the enclosure), on the side (with just the baby seat), or on the back (with the enclosure), as well as in the breastfeeding position.
The enclosure also comes with a flap on top that goes over baby’s head for sun and wind protection.
The main cons are the very small storage pocket on the side compared to other brands and the belt buckle that can be a bit hard to reach at the back. It’s also one of the most expensive carriers in this list.
You can buy this carrier from the ErgoBaby website.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Very versatile with multiple carrying positions ✅Good quality | ❌Little storage ❌Strap buckle hard to reach at the back ❌Expensive |
4) MiaMily Hipster Plus Hip Seat Carrier
The MiaMily Hipster Plus Baby Carrier was designed in Switzerland and is very similar to the Ergobaby above, including the very similar price. This is also a good quality and comfortable hip carrier with shoulder straps and the enclosure comes off from the seat if needed so you can use the carrier in all the same different positions.
One thing I love about this brand is that it can come in many different combinations. While theMiaMily Hipster Plus is my favorite, you also have these choices:
- MiaMily Hip Seat this includes just the waist carrier
- No products found. this is an enclosure with a single shoulder strap that you can attach to the Hipster Plus instead of the double strap. This makes carrying baby on your side so much easier!
- No products found. this is such a nice one to have on top of your carrier, particularly for when baby is teething, and a feature that is missing in most of the other hip baby carriers.
- MiaMily Hipster Infant Insert this extra accessory provides proper support to baby’s head, neck, and spine when still very little.
The only cons are the price (one of the most expensive baby carriers with hip seat) and the buckle of the hip belt, which is hard to reach at the back, so the carrier is quite hard to put on by yourself.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Very versatile with multiple carrying positions ✅Good quality ✅Lots of storage ✅4 different colors ✅Lots of extra accessories | ❌Expensive ❌Strap buckle hard to reach at the back |
5) Sunnors Hip Seat Carrier
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This No products found. is one of the cheapest toddler hip carriers on this list and, while it’s a good product, the quality is not as good as some other of the products listed above. Many reviews mention that the product can get uncomfortable after a prolonged used, and it is definitely not designed for left-handed people, as when the baby is on the right, the storage pocket ends up being at the back with the zip being too hard to reach!
The main advantage is the price, as for its price it’s a very good buy. Also, the belt is one of the longest, going up to 49.2 inches (1.25 meters), so good for plus sizes.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Very cheap ✅Long belt ✅Good size storage pocket | ❌Not as versatile as other products that turn into actual baby carriers ❌Very hard to use if you are left-handed ❌Can be uncomfortable after prolonged use |
6) Bebamour Baby Carrier
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The No products found. is an awesome choice if you are looking for something good at an even better price. The carrier has go lots of storage, with a side pocket and one under the seat, and you can use it in multiple different positions like with the ones above.
I also like the fact that it comes in multiple colors: it’s one of the few hip baby carriers that comes in 8 different colors. Plus it comes with a head hood to protect baby’s head from the sun and wind, and 2 removable baby bibs.
One important thing to keep in mind though is the length of the belt: the product description says it goes up to 46.5 inches (1.18 meters), however multiple women that wear a size 12 or up have complained that it’s too small for them.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Very cheap ✅Lots of storage ✅Lots of different colors available ✅Very versatile with multiple carrying positions ✅2 removable baby bibs | ❌Too small for a size 12 up |
7) Angelbaby Waist Carrier
The Angelbaby Carrier is a good baby belt carrier if you are looking for just the hip seat. It’s very affordable and comfortable to wear, with a nice side pocket for storage.
The length of the belt that goes around the waist can be adjusted up to 49.2 inches (1.25 m), so it’s a good size for dad too. The main disadvantage is the pocket being on the right side so, if you are left-handed, it becomes very hard to use when baby is on your right side. Plus, from a style view, AngelBaby has quite a few different colors available.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Belt long for bigger sizes as well ✅Different color options ✅Affordable | ❌Very hard to use if you are left-handed ❌Not as versatile as other products that turn into actual baby carriers |
8) Talenbeen
I really like the design and colors of the Talenbeen Hip Seat Carrier, not to mention the price. Its best feature that sets it apart is the fact that you can use the carrier (enclosure) even without the stool. So you can either use it as a hip seat carrier, as a normal carrier (for an infant), or just a waist carrier (for a toddler).
It comes in many different colors like a Bedamour, which is always a bonus, and the waist belt is nice and wide with a storage pocket on each side. Pity there is no storage under the seat.
The biggest con is the fact that it only fits more petite women (or men): it is only suitable for waist circumferences 24.8 to 41.73 inches (63 to 106 cm). The belt is actually longer than the Velcro, so many women still wear it without the belt closing off at the front with the Velcro, but it can get a bit uncomfortable.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Very cheap ✅Lots of different colors available ✅Very versatile with multiple carrying positions, including using it as a normal carrier with no hip seat ✅Good storage | ❌Only for waist circumference up to 1.06 meters |
9) Glisoo Waist Carrier
Here’s another belt to carry baby! The Glisoo Baby Waist Carrier comes with either just the hip seat, or with the enclosure to become a baby carrier as well (for an extra $10).
This is the cheapest of the baby carriers with hip seat listed here but also one of the most popular on Amazon, and that’s the main reason why I added it to the list. You can still get something decent for little money . However, the quality is not as good as the other carriers: there are lots of review or parents complaining that it’s not that comfortable or the zips don’t work properly after a while.
As per other waist carriers with just one storage pocket on the right side, it’s not really designed for left-handed people.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Very cheap ✅Option to buy just the waist carrier or the one with the enclosure | ❌Very hard to use if you are left-handed ❌Not the best quality |
10) Sunveno Hip Seat Carrier
Last but not least, there’s the Sunveno Hip Seat Carrier. This baby carrier with seat is definitely the one with the most amount of storage: probably perfect if you like to carry a lot of things around with you! One of the main cons though, is that it can get a little too bulky for some people.
The quality is very good, with one of the longest belt, going up to 51 inches (1.3 meters), and the carrier also includes 2 drool pads, which is always a plus.
This is another baby carrier where you can hold baby in lots of different positions. Plus, you have an extra option to use the waist seat with just the straps (not the enclosure). While using the straps with just the hip seat seems to help lots of people, others find that the straps actually end up straining the shoulders too much.
A main drawback is the design on the sides of the enclosure, with no straps to prevent baby from falling off the sides. While this carrier would be perfect for an older baby or a toddler, I find it to be quite unsafe for a newborn.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Lots of storage ✅Good quality ✅Very versatile with multiple carrying positions ✅Very long belt around the waist ✅2 drool pads included ✅4 different color options | ❌Quite expensive ❌Unsafe for newborns |
Summary
To summarize though, unless you have hip problems, these kind of child carriers are normally good for both you (reducing back and shoulders pain) and your baby (for their hip development). There’s two different types: one with shoulder straps and an enclosure, and one with just the hip seat. Though all the models here can be converted to just a waist carrier.
While all models say that they can be used from birth, this information can be quite misleading! The unit by itself can help you with breastfeeding, but you can’t hold a baby in it until they are a bit older (4-6 months) and able to support their head and neck by themselves. The same goes for the carriers with the shoulder straps: they are not really designed for newborns either.