Hip Carriers?

[Katienphil]

I am in the market for a hip carrier...can anyone give me feedback on the Playtex Hip Hammock and the Ultra Ez Carrier Deluxe (One Step Ahead). They seem similar....the one from One Step Ahead goes up to 40 lbs and the Hip Hammock goes to 35 lbs.

My daughter is 15 months and is 27.4 lbs. Thanks!!

 

[molly2004]

I have the hip hammock. I never tried the other. I found the hip hammock easy to use and comfortable. The thing about this is that you really do have to keep your child on your hip (like you would if you were carrying him/her), as opposed to slightly in front or back. It may seem obvious to some, but for me, in reality, it was a little difficult to make sure DS stayed perfectly on my hip. My arm got in the way. When he was on my hip, it was very comfortable. If you push him to the front, even a little, it throws off your center of gravity and takes a toll on your back.

For the few times that I've used it, it was very convenient, especially to WDW. However, the material makes it very hot for the child. Keep that in mind. For the price and convenience, I'd buy it again. I'd just take extra care to wear it properly so that your back doesn't get strained.

 

[3littleHalls]

Agreeing. We purchased the HH for our last WDW trip. Our youngest was 19mos at the time. We used it when we were not using the stroller(walking exhibits where the stroller wasn't allowed, lines, etc) Worked good, comfortable for the both of us, easy to put on, have used it many times since.

 

[disneyohana]

Oops sorry I'm on here twice. Didn't know how to edit at first.

 

[disneyohana]

I have the one from One Step Ahead and I love it. Never got to use it at a theme park, but to grocery shop it is great. The new carrier from OSA is supposed to have more breathable fabric to make it cooler for baby.

 

[dreamalittledream]

LOVED my hip hammock at WDW. DD was 9 months and i t made lines and rides so much easier and rolled up to put under the stroller. It really keeps your hands free and the baby safe.

mine got recalled and I had to send it back to be replaced but the new one is fine too.

 

[WAHMto5]

I have the Hip Baby from http://www.walkingrockfarm.com and LOVE it!! Super comfy and well worth the price.
HTH

 

[Katienphil]

Thanks everyone for the tips...I know I'm going to get one....still deciding on which one since everyone seems to like their's so well! I think this will really help in lines and walking attractions...and I could really use it now at the store when she's grumpy and wants to be held!

 

[Ariel'07]

I carried my son around in the RideOn baby carrier (it is a hip carrier). I believe it holds up to 40lbs. I LOVED IT!!! It was great when I went to parks w/ my 2yr old daughter and had to carry my son around in it. I used it from the time he was 6mths until about 18mths old. You can use it up to around 4yrs old I believe.

I found another one that also got very good ratings: The Ella Roo Mei Hip. Looks really comfy!

I never bought the playtex carrier b/c of the recall at the time I was in the market for it. Good Luck in your search!

Christina
Alexa (2/5/03)
Brandon (8/12/04)

 

[alloyd1170]

I have a few Hotslings that can be used for several carries, including the hip. I love it and it doesnt bother my back (my daughter is 10 mos, ~20#s). Two of my slings are lightweight sateen cotton and the other is a hemp. I also have a solarveil one which is great for the outdoors and in the water since it provides some sun protection.

alison

 

[akrake]

i just got the ella roo mei hip from fairuzasball. it works great for my 9 month old but when i tried my 2.5yr old (26lbs) she was a bit too heavy....or maybe just too figgidy.

 

[Lauren-n-Jeff]

I know you specifically mentioned a hip carrier.... But I wanted to throw this one out there... I have a New Generation ERGO baby carrier
I use it mostly to carry my 3 year old (30 lbs) son on my back.... I have found this a million times more comfortable for him and for me than any of those hip carriers that I borrowed from friends. I can get him on and off my back with no trouble at all and the carrier itself distributes his weight so beautifully that I can hardly feel him there (except for when he's poking me in the head or playing with my hair )

I often put him on my back and walk 4 miles to a local playground with no trouble or strain at all.

While it's more expensive than the hip carriers that have been mentioned, I've found that it is well worth the money. You can front carry, back carry, and hip carry (though I feel that the hip carry with this thing is kind of awkward) and you can use it for a pretty big age range!

Just my .02!

~Lauren

 

[DisneyPhD]

I used the onesteapahead one on our last trip (and before that too.) My model is older, from 2002 when I bought it with my 1st DD.

It actually didn't work as well with my 1st DD who wanted to lean out of it more. My youngest is very cuddly and it workes well with her (she is still only 19 pounds though.)

The biggest bonus for me is I can get her in and out very easy and I sometiems just wear it as a bag when she isn't in it (it has a pouch to hold things, or it folds in on itself.) One bonus is it is very small, easy to carry with you and not take up much room.

 

[tinasquirrel]

I'd personally skip those mass-marketed, "hip hugger" versions and just buy a sling. Either a Mai Tai or a Ring Sling. Then you can use it in many different positions, and it's more adjustable, you get a better choice of fabrics and patterns, etc. I have a ring sling made by a Work At Home Mom (WAHM) and it's awesome. Works up to 35 lbs and you can use it with a newborn in various positions, all the way up to a 35lb toddler (I used exclusively in the hip carry position from about 9 months on).

I'd check out www. thebabywearer. com for reviews and information on the different types of slings. There are alot of choices out there and it can be a bit overwhelming. I think you'll get a more versatile and quality product though if you go that route.