If you’re trying to carry a toddler who clings to you like Velcro or a baby who cries the second you strap them into a traditional carrier, you might be looking for another option. That’s what led me to try the Tushbaby.
I kept seeing it pop up online (and even on Shark Tank), and I was curious. It’s a hip seat carrier that promises to make quick ups and downs easier, especially for bigger babies and toddlers. I’ve been using it for the past year and a half with my toddler and baby, starting around three months old.
If you’re considering getting one, you can save by clicking this link and using the code THESTROLLERMOM.
If you’re new here, I’m Emily, AKA The Stroller Mom. I review strollers, baby carriers, and other baby gear from a mom’s perspective. Every product I review is tested with my kids to uncover the details parents care about most. I have tested over 30 different baby carriers (most of which I have bought myself, including the Tushavbaby), like the Tula Explore, the best Waterproof Baby Carriers, and even the Mabe and the Wildbird Arial carrier.
In this post, I’m sharing what it’s actually been like to use it, what works, what doesn’t, and who I think it’s best for.
This post contains affiliate links. You don’t get charged any extra, but my family receives a small commission when you shop through one of my links. Thank you for supporting our work—we’re so grateful! Please do not use photos on this blog without permission!
The Tushbaby saved my husband’s and my backs at Disney! Check it out here:
Table of Contents
Tushbaby Hip Carrier Quick Summary
If you’re short on time, here’s what you need to know about the Tushbaby Hip Carrier and Snug Attachment:
Pros:
- Easy to use!
- Offers 4 carrying positions
- It’s great for toddlers who constantly want to get up and down
- Perfect for Disney lines!
- Great Storage
- The snug attachment is cozy and supportive
- High-quality materials (depending on which one you get)
Cons:
- I wish the Snug Attachment were included and not sold separately!
- It is not a hand-free carrier (unless you buy the snug attachment), you must have one arm around your child at all times.
- Too large to keep in your diaper bag
- Pricey when you start buying accessories like the sung attachment or waist extender.
Price
The Tushbaby Hip Carrier ranges in price depending on the material, from $85 to $130 for the hip seat. If you want to add the Snug Attachment for more support or use with a younger baby, you have to purchase that separately, and it costs $85.
You can save 15% (or more depending on whether it is Mother’s Day or Black Friday) with my link and code: THESTROLLERMOM.
Here are all the add-ons you can get for your Tushbaby:
- The Snug Attachment
- The Waist Band Extender
- The Pod
- The Crossbody Strap
- They Tushbaby Doll Carrier for your toddler <3
Weight Limit & Specs
I have used this carrier with my baby starting around 3 months, my 2-year-old, and my 4-year-old, and it worked well with each of my kids! While you can use this carrier to provide support starting from birth, I personally think it is better suited for 3 months+ once your baby has better head support.
Here are the stats:
- Fits newborns to 36 months, and up to 45 lbs
- Add The Snug attachment (pictured above) for use starting at 12 lbs
- Fits 23-44 inch waist (add up to 23 more inches with our Waistband Extender)
- Waistband 47″L x 6″H. Seat 6″L x 7.5″W (at base/widest part)
- Weights under 1 lb
- 4 carry positions without The Snug and 6 carry positions with it (more about this below)
- 5 Storage pockets + a hideable bottle holder on the original, and 3 pockets on the Lite
- Wipe down for an easy clean (most are not machine washable)
- Snug Attachment, Pod, and Crossbody Strap sold separately
- You get a 1 year warranty
Carrying Positions
With the Snug Attachment, you have 6 ways you can carry your baby:
- On your Hip
- Front-Facing In
- Front-Facing out
- Side lying or as a Feeding Support – Best for Newborns
- With Snug Attachment Facing Out – Use for babies 6 months+
- With Snug Attachment Facing in – Use for babies 12 lbs+ and 4 months+
Material and Aesthetics
Depending on which Tushbaby Hip Carrier you get, it will be made of polyester, cotton blend, vegan leather, or velvet.
The Snug attachment is made with 60% rayon, 35% polyester, and 5% spandex.
I bought the black and gold hip carrier, which is made of polyester, and recently received the olive, which is made with vegan leather. I have found both look and feel high-end.
Comfort and Usability
There is no such thing as a perfect carrier. While the Tushbaby hip seat provides extra support when worn correctly (high on your natural waist), your body also has to build muscles to use this carrier for long periods. I did still experience some back pain, especially when using it with my toddler. BUT it still provides more support than if I were carrying her without it, and I did find the more I wore her, the easier it got.
I wish the Snug Attachment was included because being hands-free is one of the biggest benefits of baby wearing, and you cannot truly be hands-free without it. That said, several friends of mine say this carrier has been a game changer with their 90th percentile babies and toddlers!
Who Should Choose the Tushbaby?
This is an excellent carrier for moms who are looking for extra support on the go for a toddler or hip baby. It’s great for Velcro toddlers, Disney lines, hip babies, babies who do not like traditional carriers, or moms who want a diaper bag and carrier in one.
I have enjoyed using the Tushbaby more than I thought I would and have found it very helpful for my middle daughter, who always wants to be held during dinner time prep.
Additional Considerations and Frequently Asked Questions
What you need to know:
What is the difference between the Tushbaby vs Tushbaby Lite?
The Tushbaby Lite is a more compact version with only 3 pockets compared to 5 on the original. It also has a slimmer profile.
Is the Tushbaby carrier Hip-Healthy?
Yes, the Tushbaby is hip-heathy. This is what Tushbaby says on their site:
The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is supportive and designed with you and your baby in mind. Per the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, the Tushbaby Carrier encourages healthy hip growth and supports a straight spine for your baby by placing their hips in the proper “M” shaped position. This is supported through the plush wide seat base, which keeps your baby’s legs supported and lifted rather than dangling or hanging.
When does Tushbaby go on sale?
Tushbaby has a few sales each year: Around Mother’s Day and Black Friday. Typically, my code THESTROLLERMOM gives you a deeper discount than the code on the Tushbaby site.
What size does Tushbaby fit?
This carrier works for babies from newborn to 36 months and up to 45 lbs. I used it with my 4-year-old, who was under the weight limit, and I agree that it is better for children 3 and under.
With the waistband extender, this carrier can work for any parent with a waist size from 23 inches up to 67 inches.
Can you wash your Tushbaby?
It is recommended to spot treat and wipe down most Tushbaby hip carriers. Only the hip carriers that are made with 100% polyester can be machine washed.
I own two different materials (black and gold and olive leatherette, and both were easy enough to clean with a damp cloth or a diaper wipe).
You can machine wash cold on a delicate cycle and lay flat to dry The Snug Attachment.
Can you use Tushbaby with newborn?
Yes, when used with baby side lying or as a feeding support. You cannot use the snug attachment until your baby is 4 months.
Can you use Tushbaby while Pregnant?
Generally no, because of where the Tushbaby sits on your hips, you are not able to use it while pregnant. Some moms are able to wear it early in pregnancy, but it is recommended that you speak with your provider. Like all things pregnancy! 😉
Is the Tushbaby good for a hot climate?
The Tushbaby is one of the best carriers for hot climates because it has no fabric wrapped around your body (unless you use The Snug Attachment). This makes it ideal for hot days, while still providing support when you need it most.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best baby carriers are the ones that safely provide good support for you and your baby, and those that you enjoy using. The Tushbaby is a fantastic toddler carrier, especially for places like the Zoo or Disney. I also have many friends who have babies who want to be on their hip at all times, and it has been a game changer for them in providing extra support. I love how easy it is to put on, the extra storage and high-quality materials, and how cozy the snug attachment feels when I need extra support and hands-free.
If this post helped, please consider shopping through my links (and save when you do)— it’s a small way to support my blog while keeping honest reviews like this coming. Thank you, and happy babywearing!
