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Is the Tushbaby Hip Carrier Worth It? These Are the Reddit Reviews.

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The Tushbaby is designed as a hip seat to help parents carry babies and toddlers more comfortably, aiming to reduce arm and back strain.


The Good

  • Comfort and Relief: “Loved using my Tushbaby for my toddler (three years old now!) & I’m already using it for my 3-month-old — so much better for my back.” (5 upvotes)
  • Long-Term Use: “I got it when my little one was 4 months old. He’s 16 months now and we still use it all the time. I think we can get a couple more years out of it.” (10 upvotes)
  • Versatility: “I use the Tushbaby (and own a lot of other carriers) and think it’s worth it… The key is to make it reaaaallly tight, almost like a back brace.” (12 upvotes)
  • Great for Outings: “The Tushbaby is amazing for things like the library, the zoo, Disney, or anywhere a kid wants to be up and down constantly.” (5 upvotes)
  • Helpful for Back Issues: “I love it. As an old fart with a bad back it makes life so much easier.” (6 upvotes)


The Not So Good

  • Not Pregnancy-Friendly: “I love my Tushbaby, but I don’t think it would work with a pregnant belly.” (5 upvotes)
  • Limited Duration: “I have a Tushbaby and like it a lot, but it’s not great for extended use — you can’t really get an M shape in their hips.” (8 upvotes)
  • Not Hands-Free: “Tushbaby is a good option for quick ups and downs. It’s not hands-free — you still use your muscles and the kid has to counteract your movement.” (5 upvotes)
  • For Older Babies Only: “I wouldn’t use a hip seat with a baby that small. Baby needs to sit up from lying down — better yet pull to stand — before using these.” (7 upvotes) “I 100% would not use it until baby can sit unsupported. It’s amazing for older babies and toddlers, but for 6 months and under, get a sling or structured carrier.” (5 upvotes)


Comparison to Alternatives

Ring Slings

  • More Comfortable: “Ring sling is going to be way more comfortable than a hip carry assist like Tushbaby.” (5 upvotes)
  • Pregnancy-Friendly: “Try a ring sling — it works with a pregnant belly and you can be hands-free.” (13 upvotes)
  • Quick In-and-Out: “There’s a learning curve, but ring slings are great for quick in-and-outs.” (9 upvotes)

Other Carriers

  • Soft Structured Carriers: “My vote is for a soft structured carrier like Happy Baby. With practice, you can put them on by yourself.” (7 upvotes)
  • Woven Wraps: “I recommend a long woven wrap — you can pre-tie a hip carry or switch to a back carry quickly.” (7 upvotes)
  • Meh Dai / Half Buckles: “A mehdai is very versatile — front, hip, or back carry depending on need.” (13 upvotes)


Tips and Tricks

  • Wear It Tight: “The key is to make it really tight — like a back brace — for proper support.” (12 upvotes)
  • Limit to Short Sessions: “I use it for 15 minutes max, then switch to a regular carrier.” (5 upvotes)
  • Best for Toddlers: “So perfect for a walking baby who wants to be carried, put down, carried again… like my wild child.” (6 upvotes)


The Verdict

Reddit users generally agree that the Tushbaby is great for quick ups and downs with babies who can sit independently but not for long-term, hands-free use. It shines in outings like shopping trips, zoos, or travel where toddlers frequently alternate between walking and being carried.


Its limitations are clear: not ergonomic for extended wear, not infant-appropriate, and often bulky or hip-straining. The Snug attachment is widely criticized. For parents seeking a quick carry assist, especially second-hand or on sale, the Tushbaby can be a solid investment. For longer or hands-free carrying, users strongly recommend alternatives such as ring slings, woven wraps, or structured carriers.


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