Starting between six to eight months old, most babies will instinctively cling to you if held on your hip. Once your baby has started to do this and can sit up well without assistance, they have developed the muscle strength and physical control necessary for you to use a carrier in the hip-carry position. The hip carry actually helps your baby develop their posture. As they use their legs to brace themselves on you, they develop the muscles that support their spine.
Baby wraps that can be used for hip carrying
Wraps like the Moby Wrap and the Peapod CuddlyWrap can be used as hip carriers once babies are old enough to sit up well on their own. It’s important to make sure that you have the wrap tied tightly around you before putting your baby or toddler into it, and you might want to choose one made from a less-stretchy fabric. Younger babies will need more of the wrap’s fabric around their backs to help support them as they sit on your hip. Wraps are great for the hip carry because they distribute the baby’s weight on your hips and both of your shoulders.
Front-pack baby carriers that also work as hip carriers
A few structured baby carriers, like the Red Castle Sport, the Combi Urban carrier, and the Ergo baby carrier, all allow a hip-carry position.
- The Red Castle Sport uses a strap over one shoulder and a waist belt, both padded, to support the baby’s weight.
- The Combi Urban baby carrier is very lightweight and folds up into a small fanny pack and supports the weight of the baby on one shoulder and a padded waist belt.
- The Ergo baby carrier, able to convert to a front and baby back pack as well, has soft straps over the shoulders and has a wide lower-back support for your comfort. The comfortable high-back baby seat area makes it easy for your baby or toddler to come along for the ride.
Hip carriers
There are several hip-only carriers out there, from very simple to really fancy.
- The KidCarry is a simple waist strap with a small padded plastic seat for your child, and a shoulder strap to help distribute the child’s weight. This hip carrier is better for older babies and you still need to use one arm to support the baby’s back unless they are holding on to you.
- The Parents of Invention Sidekick baby carrier incorporates a hip sling seating position for the baby and a full diaper bag to carry all the necessities. There are seven separate compartments in this carrier making it a great diaper bag too, and uses a waist and shoulder strap to support the baby’s weight.
- For parents who want the best of everything, the leather-trimmed PortaMEe might be the best choice. Incorporating a comfortable baby seat with an ergonomically-designed honeycomb padded shoulder strap and a lumbar support system with a big pocket, it also includes pockets for your cell phone or PDA, keys, and camera that are easy to reach with your baby in the carrier.
