Hip Baby Carriers

Hip carriers generally feature a single shoulder design where the carrier is worn over the wearer’s shoulder and the child is held on the opposite hip. The child can be positioned slightly in front of the hip, slightly behind the hip or right on the wearer’s side depending on the exact structure of the carrier.

Since a child needs to be able to hold up his own head and neck when being worn in a hip carrier, this style of carrier is recommended for use with infants 6 months of age and older as well as toddlers within who are within the maximum weight capacity set by the carrier manufacturer.

The most common hip carry position requires that the child face you when on your hip; however, some carriers allow you to carry a child facing out as long as they have control over their head and neck and are able to sit up unsupported.

Due to the multi-functionality of today’s baby carriers, some hip carriers can be adjusted for front and back carry positions. Those carriers typically allow for the snuggle hold (facing you with legs out) and sumo carry (facing outward with legs out) for infants worn in the front, and can be worn on your back facing inward with their legs hanging out.

Holding a baby on your hip is one of the most natural ways for a parent to carry a child. A hip carrier can make it more comfortable to carry your child on your hip even heavier babies and toddlers. Since hip carriers are typically adjustable, structured carriers they tend to have short learning curves and parents can begin using them almost immediately even if they are babywearing for the first time with an older child.

If a hip carrier doesn’t seem to be the best style of carrier for your babywearing needs, use our article on the many different Baby Carrier Types and our Baby Carrier Buying Guide to help you determine which type of baby carrier will suit your lifestyle.