Tushbaby Carrier Review: Is Tushbaby Worth it?

If you’ve seen me out and about with my kids in the last three years, chances are you’ve spotted me wearing my Tushbaby. Seriously, I’ve taken it everywhere—from house gatherings, park playdates, restaurants, theme parks, and even weddings (yep, you read that right!).

I can’t say enough good things about my Tushbaby hip carrier, and I want to share my experience with you to help you decide if it’s worth it for your family. Your back will thank you, and your little one will feel like royalty on the hip carrier throne!

What is the Tushbaby Hip Carrier?

So, what exactly is a Tushbaby Hip Carrier? Think of it as a cool blend between a fanny pack and a back brace, with a nifty little seat for your child. It’s designed to help alleviate the weight of carrying your little one, making it a lifesaver for busy parents like us that don’t want to break our backs.

Tushbaby Carrier Pros and Cons

The Good Stuff: Why I Love Tushbaby

It Really Shifts the Weight to My Hips

First off, let’s talk about how Tushbaby shifts the weight from your arms and your back to your hips. It’s a similar idea to a back brace when lifting weights or a backpacker’s backpack that has a hip strap.

If you’re like me, you know how heavy a toddler can feel after just a few minutes of carrying them. This carrier allows me to hold my child for longer periods without feeling like my back is about to give out.

I’ve Been Using It for Almost 4 Years and Counting

One of the best things about Tushbaby is that it grows with your child. I started using it when my first baby was just a few months old. Here I am, still using it with her as a 3.5-year-old toddler, and I’m using it for my 1-year-old too!

I predict that I’ll use it for another 3-4 years until about 4 or 5 years old. The weight limit is 45 lbs, and both my kids are on the light side. My toddler is 28 lbs at 3 years old, and my baby is 18 lbs at 1 year old.

So Versatile for Every Occasion

I use Tushbaby in so many different situations because it’s so quick to strap on and put your child on. I use it for grocery shopping, quick coffee runs, or even when I’m just trying to get stuff done around the house. It’s so convenient for those “I want to be carried” moments, especially with my walking toddler who constantly changes her mind.

Storage Like a Mini Diaper Bag

Another perk? The storage! I can fit my phone, keys, a milk bottle, hand sanitizer on the sides of the hip carrier, and even a diaper and wipes in the seat of the carrier. It’s like having a mini diaper bag right on my hip, which is amazing for short trips.

Breastfeeding Made Easy—Just Like a Portable Pillow

If you’re a breastfeeding mom, you’ll appreciate this: Tushbaby has been a lifesaver for nursing in public. It’s similar to having a portable Brest Friend or Boppy nursing pillow. I can sit up straight with good posture while I discreetly feed my baby at restaurants or while walking around.

Great for Everyone in the Family

What I love most about Tushbaby is that it’s not just beneficial for me. It’s a fantastic option for dads, grandparents, uncles, and aunts too! When family members want to hold your little one for a while, they often struggle with the weight, especially if they’re not used to carrying kids for long periods.

Tushbaby allows them to enjoy that close bonding time without breaking their backs. Whether it’s a fun aunt taking a stroll in the park, grandma helping out around the house, or an eager uncle wanting to join the fun, Tushbaby makes it a win-win for everyone involved.

Quick to Strap On—No Fuss!

And when you’re in a rush? Tushbaby is way faster to put on than an ergonomic baby carrier. Perfect for those quick trips where you just need to grab something and go (like your daily coffee pick-me-up).

The Not-So-Good Stuff: What I Don’t Love About Tushbaby

Sometimes It Can Be Uncomfortable If Strapped On Incorrectly

Sometimes, I find that the hip carrier isn’t comfortable, but that’s usually my fault for not strapping it tight enough. It should feel like a back brace, so when it’s not, I strap it on again higher on my torso and tighten both the velcro around my waist and pull the strap down, making sure it sits on my waist above my hips, and then it immediately feels comfortable and does its job distributing weight again.

One-Handed Use Can Be Tricky

Though it’s easy for your child to hop on and off, here’s the trade-off: you do need to hold or support your child with one hand while using Tushbaby. I’m pretty surprised with all that I can do with one hand available like grab groceries, vacuum, grab a jacket, pick up a coffee, open doors.

If you want to be hands-free, they do sell a Snug Attachment, but honestly, I still think an ergonomic baby carrier is more comfortable for longer walks.

Navigating Tight Spaces Can Be Challenging

Another thing to consider is that the hard seat sticking out can make it tricky to navigate tight spaces, like when I’m walking through a row of airplane seats. That’s something to keep in mind if you travel a lot.

Not Everyone Will Find It Comfortable

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Tushbaby might not work for everyone. My husband, for instance, doesn’t like it at all. I’ve noticed that it tends to fit better on moms and dads with a bit more hip to work with.

Not the Best Choice for Pregnant Moms

If you’re pregnant, you might want to skip this one. I tried using it when I was pregnant, which I did for a few months, but as I got bigger, I didn’t feel safe strapping it tightly around my belly anymore. Making the strap tighter helps with the weight distribution, but the baby in the belly won’t appreciate that.

How to Use Tushbaby: Carrying Positions

If you decide to give Tushbaby a try, here are three ways to carry your little one:

1. Feeding Position: This is great for breastfeeding support. You can lay your baby’s back or butt on the seat and hold their head with one arm. Personally, the Tushbaby helps helps me by not having to carry the full weight of the baby with 2 arms, which usually causes me to slump or slouch, so I can still sit up straight.
2. Side Carrying Position: Once your baby can sit up on their own, this is a comfortable way to carry them while keeping them close.
3. Forward Facing Position: Once your baby can support their head and back, then you can turn them around to face the world. This is usually at 4-6 months. It’s best when the seat is on your side. When the seat is directly in front of me, I’ve found that carrying a heavier child in front can be uncomfortable while walking, but standing is fine.
4. Dancing Position: This is a little bit funny, but between around 8 months to 1 year and a few months, my baby started like to stand instead of sit, which gave us a fun opportunity to dance whenever the music came on.

Tushbaby vs. Ergobaby Baby Carrier: When to Choose Each

When To Choose the Tushbaby Hip Carrier

• At Restaurants: The Tushbaby is perfect for keeping your little one close while you enjoy a meal. It allows your baby or toddler the flexibility to get on and off, making it easy for them to hop into high chairs or booster seats when they want to sit by themselves.
• At House Gatherings: This carrier is great for mingling with friends and family while keeping your hands free for snacks and conversations. I find the Tushbaby works well whether I’m standing or sitting, making socializing a breeze.
• Park and Playgrounds: The Tushbaby is ideal for those quick trips where your toddler wants to be carried but might also want to explore. It offers the perfect balance of closeness and freedom for your little one.
• Community Events: Whether you’re at a farmer’s market or a local festival, the Tushbaby makes it easy to walk and stand while keeping your child comfy. Plus, when they want to check out an activity or attraction, it allows for quick transitions between carrying and letting them explore.

When to Choose the Ergobaby Baby Carrier

• Long Walks: If you’re planning to walk for 15 minutes or more, the Ergobaby is your best bet. It offers excellent support for both you and your little one, distributing their weight evenly to prevent strain.
• Hikes: For outdoor adventures and a lot of walking, the Ergobaby is designed to tackle longer durations with ease. Its ergonomic design ensures that your child is secure and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the hike without holding your child with 1 arm the whole time.
• Going Through the Airport: Navigating busy terminals and long security lines can be tricky with a bulky carrier like TushBaby. I’ve found that its seat can make it challenging to squeeze through tight spaces, especially in airplane rows. The Ergobaby, on the other hand, wraps around your child more snugly, making it less bulky and easier to maneuver in crowded areas.

Tushbaby FAQs

Let’s wrap it up with some common questions I get:

What age is Tushbaby good for?

Tushbaby is suitable from newborns up to about 3 years. It’s designed to grow with your child, so you can use it for years! My daughter is almost 4 and still loves to “hop on” (though she is 28 lbs, so she’s on the light side).

What is the weight limit of a child that can sit on the Tushbaby hip carrier?

Tushbaby can support children up to 45 lbs. If you’re looking for some type of comparison, my toddler is 28lbs at 3 years old. My son is about 18 lbs at 1 year old. Though according to my doctor, they’re both on the very light side (under 5% for their age group)! I guess this means I can carry them longer on my Tushbaby!

How does the Tushbaby hip carrier compare to the Ergobaby carrier?

I use the Tushbaby hip carrier on a daily basis more often. Here’s why:

• Super Easy to Use: Tushbaby slips on like a fanny pack, with no complicated straps or learning curve. Perfect for quick trips!
• Comfort That Keeps You Cool: Tushbaby’s design promotes airflow, making it more comfortable in hot weather, whether at home or in tropical climates ((I live in southern California and have also taken the Tushbaby as my only carrier to tropical climates like Thailand and the Philippines)).
• Built-In Storage: Unlike traditional carriers, Tushbaby has built-in storage on the side for essentials like your phone and keys and even storage under the seat which I have put a diaper and a small pack of wipes, eliminating the need for an extra diaper bag.

For more details on when to choose the Tushbaby or the Ergobaby carrier, check out the sections on When to Choose the Tushbaby and When to Choose the Ergobaby.

Tushbaby vs Amazon Knockoffs – What should I buy? Is the Tushbaby worth the extra cost?

I always had the original Tushbaby, but my sister decided to try an Amazon knockoff to save some money. The fit, the fabric, the overall construction—they were just all off and didn’t feel right or ergonomic at all.

She returned the knockoff within a week and invested in the real Tushbaby hip carrier. That was 2.5 years ago, and she’s still using it daily AND planning to use it again for her next baby.

Both she and her husband use it to carry their toddler, and she calls it one of the best baby-item purchases she’s ever made. If you’re a parent, you know there are a lot of things you bought (or even asked for at baby showers) that you never or hardly used!

The original Tushbaby’s quality, durability, and ergonomic design make it worth the investment compared to cheaper alternatives that just don’t deliver the same comfort and support.

Can you use Tushbaby with a newborn?

Yes, I used the Tushbaby when I had a newborn, mostly in a feeding position as a portable nursing pillow. I was able to nurse sitting or standing with the Tushbaby hip carrier strapped on and one hand holding the baby. Though you can use the Tushbaby hip carrier with a newborn, it really excels when babies or toddlers can hold their head up by themselves around 4-6 months and up.

Is the Tushbaby bad for your back?

The unique design helps distribute your child’s weight to your hips, reducing strain on your back and arms. It’s allowed me to personally hold my baby and toddler for a lot longer than I would have normally.

Is Tushbaby TSA approved?

Absolutely! I’ve used TushbBaby while traveling through airports without any issues. Since it’s worn like clothing, it doesn’t count as a personal item or carry-on. However, for navigating tight spaces in airports, I personally prefer using a more compact ergonomic carrier.

Can dads use the Tushbaby?

Yes! Dads, grandpas, grandmas, aunts, uncles. There is even a waistband extender to be more inclusive of more body shapes and sizes.

How do you clean the Tushbaby?

Tushbaby hip carrier is made in many different fabrics, many of which are machine-washable. To clean, just remove the plastic insert, empty the pockets, wash on cold, and lay flat to dry—all other models can simply be wiped clean with a wet cloth.

Final Thoughts: Is the Tushbaby Carrier Worth It?

In my opinion, absolutely yes! Think about how many times you carry your baby and toddler in a year. The Tushbaby hip carrier is a game-changer. It allows me to hold my little ones longer without tiring out my back or arms. If you have multiple kids, it’s even more worth it.

While many baby products only last a few months or a couple of years, I’ve been using Tushbaby for almost four years with my first child and foresee using it for my second for several more years. It’s one of those baby products I reach for almost every day.

So, if you’re considering getting a Tushbaby, I say go for it! You won’t regret having this handy tool in your parenting arsenal. Have you tried Tushbaby? I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences in the comments! Let’s share the love and support each other on this wild parenting journey!