Parenting
Best Baby Hip Slings For Safety And Coziness
Transporting your little one on your hip is a common practice, but not always beneficial for our bodies, which is why a baby hip sling is a brilliant choice to alleviate strain on your back. Furthermore, the constant task of securing a baby or toddler in and out of a baby carrier can be quite laborious, whereas a hip sling offers the freedom they desire and the support you require.
For older babies and toddlers who enjoy the independence of walking but tire quickly and need to be carried part of the way, you may find yourself contorting your back to support them when they become tired, only for them to request to walk again shortly after. Sarah Campus, a female personal trainer, Nutrition Coach, mother of three and founder of holistic wellness platform LDN MUMS FITNESS, states, “Lifting and carrying a baby or toddler on a daily basis can lead to back strain. When you lift a toddler, the pressure on your spinal discs increases to three to ten times the weight of your child and causes strain on your back. Twisting your spine may occur if you do not hold your child in the correct position. It is recommended to maintain a wide stance, stabilize your hips as much as possible, and avoid protruding one hip as it can lead to spinal twisting.”
Alternatively, if your little one prefers to sit in the stroller and constantly get in and out along the way, which can be frustrating and prolong your journey. By using a hip sling, you can effortlessly lift them up for a rest before gently setting them down.
A baby hip sling can also prove helpful around the house because while you are multitasking, your little one may still want to be held. Though you will still need to keep an eye on them when using a hip sling, it will aid in safeguarding your back while maneuvering around the house with your little companion.
In essence, a hip sling resembles a broad, substantial belt with an attached seat, typically cushioned for comfort. It should feature an adaptable waistband for easy donning and doffing. Protruding your hip to carry a child can result in spinal twisting, but wearing a hip sling should prevent this, making it more comfortable and secure for your little one as well.
Available in various colors and with optional attributes such as compartments for keys and phones, hip slings are becoming increasingly popular with parents both at home and on the go.
The methodology behind selecting the finest hip slings
Our Mother&Baby awards are widely recognized in the industry for being among the most esteemed accolades for baby and parenting products, and annually, we enlist numerous independent mom reviewers to assess the latest products available.
Reviewers in the awards are tasked with rating the product they are evaluating based on four criteria: usability, design, quality, and value for money. Each product is evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10, considering these criteria, and the cumulative score determines the products that secure the coveted bronze, silver, and gold placements in that product category.
Discover more about our evaluation process and the factors we take into consideration during testing.
Superior baby hip slings for 2024
Best all-around baby hip sling
Suitable for carrying infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years, the Hippychick Hipseat presents a chic alternative for parents seeking to alleviate back discomfort while maintaining close proximity to their little one. Fashioned in an attractive denim-style fabric, it boasts a cushioned seat with a non-slip pad for enhanced comfort for your child. By utilizing this cozy hip sling, you can preserve spinal alignment by supporting your child’s weight from underneath, a design backed by osteopaths, chiropractors, and physiotherapists. One reviewer praised it as a, “fantastic product, provides excellent back support, making it much simpler to carry the baby around. It suits smaller waist sizes as well.”
Whether for outings or at home, it offers a convenient solution for quick transitions, and it maintains your child’s proximity to you, even when they yearn for independence (but tire out from walking now and then). Featuring a broad waistband, it is comfortable to wear and simple to adjust, although it is not recommended for prolonged carrying periods. Optional accessories such as an extension belt and travel pouch are available for purchase. A mother reviewer shared, “I first encountered Hippychick seats at a National Trust property. I really appreciate it, it’s sturdy and significantly reduces the strain on your arms when carrying the baby. I’ve also used it at home when she refuses to be put down and I need to prepare dinner. It’s ideal for short distances outdoors, but I find it less comfortable for extended use. Nonetheless, it has been incredibly useful.”
Positives
- Cushioned seat with anti-slip material
- Broad, adaptable waistband
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for prolonged wear
Age group: | 6 months – 3 years |
Max load: | 20kg |
Machine wash instructions: | Can be machine washed |
Fabric: | Cotton |
Weight of item: | 340g |
- Broad, adaptable waistband
- Trendy denim-like material
- Cushioned seat
- Non-slip mat
- Additional add-ons available for purchase
Top Pick for New Moms Post C-section
The Momcozy hip holder comes with a broad waist strap containing an EVA massaging pad that eases stomach pressure, making it perfect for mothers who have undergone a cesarean section. The chair evenly spreads your little one’s weight, offering protection for your back and shoulders. The 30-degree inclined seat not only brings the baby closer to you but also ensures your baby’s legs are positioned in the recommend ‘M’ stance by pediatricians, relieving strain on your hips.
This seat is suitable from birth up to 36 months or 45 pounds, and it provides various seating options such as inward-facing, outward-facing, side-carrying, and feeding positions. It is excellent for utilizing around the house during chores, or when out for a day trip or vacation, or simply while doing your weekly shopping.
We admire its integrated storage spaces for wipes and personal items, while remaining incredibly lightweight. One customer mentioned that she “appreciates the freedom it offers and the ease of placing her daughter down or into a swing, changing positions quickly and effortlessly. There are plenty of storage compartments and pockets as well.” Another customer commented that it “is meticulously crafted, utilizing high-quality fabrics and an ergonomic design with supportive inner filling that provides a natural and comfortable feel. It’s also versatile in how it can be adjusted, and I believe it fulfills its purpose admirably. Since I hadn’t encountered anything similar before, I found it to be quite innovative and definitely worth the investment.”
However, one customer did mention that “the only downside for me is that it is almost too large. I would have preferred a smaller size for a snug fit.”
Advantages
- Compartments for storing personal belongings
- Chair tilts at a 30-degree angle for closeness
- Various seating positions for your child
Disadvantages
- Some users found it slightly oversized
Age range: | From birth to 36 months |
Dimensions: | 30 x 22.6 x 16 cm |
Maximum weight: | 45 pounds |
Material: | Polyester |
Washing instructions: | Machine washable |
- Designed so the child sits in the ‘M’ position
- Tilted seat for closeness
- Wide, stretchable waistband
- Multitude of seating positions
- Storage compartments
Top waist carrier with safety harness
Featuring a safety strap for extra peace of mind, this carrier allows you to conveniently transport your little one on your waist without straining your back. It guarantees your infant’s comfort in a natural sitting posture, with the versatility for inward or outward facing and a 30-degree angled seat for proximity.
This carrier boasts a spacious pocket for your essentials, such as wipes and diapers, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. According to a satisfied user named Tania, “This carrier is a blessing when carrying my grandson. It provides great support when he drifts off to sleep. Since my grandson only naps in my arms, this carrier helps by cradling him and saving my arms and back from strain.”
Reviewers appreciate the breathable mesh fabric on the waistband that prevents excessive sweating. They also commend its ergonomic design that supports the baby’s lower body, hips, and spine while allowing you to hold your baby close securely. One reviewer shared, “This carrier is excellent! Perfect for my 8 kg baby. Easy to put on and comfortable. I can carry my baby without feeling the weight as the carrier provides a secure seat. Baby’s leg position is safe.”
However, a reviewer noted that the “only downside is the limited waistband adjustability, which makes it challenging for my husband to use.”
Advantages
- Breathable mesh fabric for ventilation
- Spacious storage pocket for essentials
Disadvantages
- Limited adjustability of the waistband
Age group: | Not specified |
Maximum load: | 35 lbs |
Material: | Cotton |
Dimensions: | 34 x 33.4 x 14.4 cm |
Cleaning instructions: | Machine washable |
- Spacious storage pocket
- Breathable mesh fabric for ventilation
- Angled seat for closeness
- Convertible positioning for the baby
Best versatile hip carrier
This convenient hip carrier also serves as a baby carrier and offers 6 different carrying options for your little one. It’s suitable from birth up to 36 months or 33 pounds. The product has earned recognition from The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) as a ‘healthy hip’ choice.
Featuring a breathable sponge cushion to improve air circulation and an adjustable shoulder strap buckle for extra support when using it as a baby carrier. A satisfied user mentioned, “Putting it on and wearing it is a breeze, both the baby and I find it cozy and secure. Not cumbersome at all. The detachable seat is a feature we’ll appreciate in the future. The handy side pocket is a nice touch. The design and color are lovely. Impressive quality and value.”
Another reviewer, Alice, shared, “This carrier is a game-changer for me, especially since my back has been aching post-pregnancy. It’s been a lifesaver for outings when I prefer not to use a stroller. It’s comfortable.”It provides great support with various compartments and the color selection is fantastic. Simple to adjust and place your baby inside, plus the exceptional quality is remarkable. “I am delighted with it.” Nevertheless, a few evaluators mentioned that fastening the buckles at the rear is challenging when alone. Additionally, one reviewer also mentioned, “When facing forward, my infant appears to be pushed forward with shoulders slightly back and struggles to find a comfortable position for their arms.”
Pros
- Multiple wearing options including as a baby carrier
- Tagged as a ‘hip healthy’ product
Cons
- Back buckle is challenging to fasten alone
Age range: | Newborn – 36 months |
Dimensions: | 20 x 26 x 24 cm |
Maximum weight: | 33 pounds |
Washing instructions: | Machine washable |
Material: | Polyester and cotton |
- Serves as a baby carrier as well
- 6 methods of wearing
- Promotes hip health
- Comes with storage pockets
Finest economical hip carrier
An ideal carrier for older toddlers up to 3.5 years, we adore its lightness and how convenient it is to store while on the go, allowing you to tuck it away between uses. Crafted from simple-to-clean polyester, it is a handy and low-maintenance item, ensuring comfort for both mothers and babies.
Customers appreciate its dual functionality, enabling baby to either recline or perch in the hip swing carrier. One customer expressed satisfaction with the product’s convenience, stating, “It feels robust and has proven extremely handy for brief outings. It required no assembly and is effortless to manipulate and adapt.”
Conversely, another customer expressed disappointment and felt it lacked quality, though acknowledging, “I should have anticipated that considering the price.”
Overall, it is excellent for older children up to 50 pounds and even infants, but do remember that whether the baby is reclining or seated, you must provide support with one hand on their head or back.
Advantages
- Portable and easy to carry or transport
- Perfect for older toddlers
Disadvantages
- Support needed for your child’s head or back when utilizing the hip swing
Age range: | 5 months to 3.5 years |
Dimensions: | 30 x 30 x 40 cm |
Material: | Cotton and polyester |
Maximum weight: | 50 pounds |
Washing instructions: | Machine washable |
- Portable and lightweight
- Compact
- Perfect for older toddlers
- Machine washable
Best hip swing carrier
For a fashionable look while utilizing a hip carrier, Wildride offers a superb option. With various fabric choices like black zebra, olive cord, feathers, or leopard print, the assortment is exquisite. It ensures optimal comfort for both you and your child, featuring a seat crafted from 100% cotton.
The Wildride may come with a high price tag. One reviewer mentioned, “While the product is practical and user-friendly, the fabric quality seems lacking. I believe its appropriate pricing should fall around £65-70 considering the quality. I doubt it will endure until my second child.” Nonetheless, users appreciate the convenience and especially its utility in situations where bringing a stroller becomes cumbersome. A reviewer expressed, “I must say this product is exceptionally well-crafted to accommodate various heights. My toddler adores being in the sling; it has brought us closer and alleviated my back issues, allowing me to enjoy extended walks with my child comfortably nestled in the sling.”
Overall, if you seek a chic carrier that you can effortlessly carry on outings, the Wildride stands out. A feedback from a reviewer states, “The Wildride toddler carrier boasts a top-notch quality and offers immense comfort for both me and my 13-month-old son. Its aesthetics are also pleasing! I intend to bring this along for our overseas trips as it folds compactly for easy portability, making it perfect for travel.” Another parent added that it’s “ideal for the transitional phase between crawling and walking, providing moderate support but proving highly beneficial.”
Advantages
- Exciting design choices
- Highly portable for outings
- Additional nylon strap for durability
- Straightforward to wear and remove
Disadvantages
- One of the priciest hip swing carriers
- Compatible only up to 20kg
Age range: | 9 months – 4 years |
Maximum weight: | 20kg |
Material: | Cotton and nylon |
- Exciting designs
- Compatible until 4 years old
- Durable nylon strap
- Compact and excellent for travel