Have you tried the Hip Carry position?
Hip Carries with Ergobaby: The Comfortable Next Step for Babywearing After 6 Months
If you've spent the last few months researching every carrier, comparing reviews and building your perfect babywearing setup, there's a good chance you've already mastered front-facing-in carries. But as your baby grows past six months and starts craving more interaction with the world around them, you might be wondering what comes next. The answer many experienced parents land on is the hip carry and it's worth understanding why before you make your next babywearing purchase
This guide walks through everything you need to know about hip carrying with Ergobaby, including how it compares across the Omni Deluxe, Omni Classic, Upsie Sling, Alta Hip Seat, and Lift Hip Seat — so you can choose the right carrier with the same confidence you've brought to every other baby purchase decision
What Is a Hip Carry, and Why Does It Matter?
A hip carry positions your baby on your hip, supported by the carrier, rather than facing forward against your chest or facing outward away from you. It's a carrying position that has been used by parents around the world for generations, long before structured baby carriers existed and modern carrier design has simply made it more comfortable and ergonomic to replicate
For babies over six months, a hip carry strikes a thoughtful balance. Your baby gets a wide, elevated field of view to take in the world perfect for a stage when curiosity is exploding while still being close enough to lean in, make eye contact, and seek comfort from you whenever they need it. It's often described by parents as the best of both worlds: more visual stimulation than an inward-facing carry, but more connection and reassurance than an outward-facing position
This matters because outward-facing carries, while popular, have long been a topic of debate among babywearing experts. Extended periods facing outward can overstimulate some babies and offer less opportunity for the comforting eye contact and closeness that supports secure attachment. A hip carry sidesteps this entirely, giving your baby an excellent vantage point while keeping that connection fully intact
Have You Tried a Hip Carry?
If you haven't yet experimented with this position, now is the perfect time to start exploring it particularly once your baby has reliable head and neck control and is showing signs of wanting to look around more during carries. Many parents who've relied on an inward-facing carrier for the newborn months find that switching to a hip carry around six months reinvigorates babywearing for both parent and baby. It's an easy, natural progression rather than a completely new skill to learn, especially with the right carrier
Ergobaby Carriers Built for Hip Carrying
Ergobaby offers several carrier options designed with hip carrying in mind, each suited to slightly different needs, lifestyles, and budgets. Here's how they compare.
Omni Deluxe
The Omni Deluxe is Ergobaby's most versatile carrier, designed to grow with your baby from newborn through toddlerhood across multiple carrying positions including a comfortable hip carry. As an ergobaby hip carrier, the Omni Deluxe offers soft, breathable mesh, adjustable seat width to support healthy hip and spine positioning, and lumbar support built into the waistband for parents carrying for extended periods. For parents who want one carrier to handle every stage and every position, the Omni Deluxe is typically the top recommendation
Omni Classic
The Omni Classic shares the same multi-position versatility as the Omni Deluxe but with a classic design and slightly simpler fabric. It's an excellent ergobaby hip seat carrier option for parents who want the reliability of Ergobaby's signature ergonomic seat without some of the premium features of the Deluxe range. Like the Omni Deluxe, it supports hip carrying from around six months once your baby has the head and neck control to safely sit in this position
Upsie Sling
The Upsie Sling takes a different approach entirely. As a soft, ring sling-style carrier, it's designed for quick ins-and-outs and shorter carrying sessions perfect for popping baby on your hip for a trip to the letterbox, a quick errand or settling a fussy baby for a few minutes. While not a structured hip seat carrier in the same way as the Omni range, the Upsie Sling naturally lends itself to a relaxed hip-carrying position and is loved by parents for its simplicity and portability
Alta Hip Seat
The Alta Hip Seat is purpose-built specifically for hip carrying, making it one of the most dedicated ergobaby hip seat carrier options on the market. Rather than a full structured carrier, the Alta features a padded, contoured seat that sits on your hip, supporting your baby's weight while you hold them with one arm and go about your day with the other. It's a fantastic option for toddlers who are too big or wriggly for a full carrier but still want to be up and involved, or for parents looking for a lightweight, low-fuss carrying solution for shorter outings
Lift Hip Seat
The Lift Hip Seat is Ergobaby's hip seat carrier designed with additional ergonomic features to distribute weight more evenly across your body, reducing strain on your back and shoulders during extended hip carrying sessions. It typically includes a sturdier waist belt and additional structural support compared to more minimalist hip seat designs, making it a strong choice for parents who carry frequently or for longer stretches throughout the day
How to Wear Ergobaby on Hip
Getting the technique right matters for both your comfort and your baby's safety and positioning. Here's a general step-by-step guide for wearing your Ergobaby carrier on your hip:
- Check your baby is ready: Hip carrying is generally suitable once your baby has strong head and neck control, typically from around six months, though always refer to the specific guidance for your carrier model
- Position the seat or carrier on your hip: With a structured hip seat like the Alta or Lift, clip the waist belt securely around your waist and adjust the seat so it sits comfortably against your hipbone
- Lift your baby into position: Support your baby as you lift them onto the hip seat, ensuring their bottom is well-seated and their legs are positioned in an "M" shape — knees slightly higher than hips to support healthy hip development
- Secure any straps or harnesses: If your carrier includes a shoulder strap or harness (as with the Omni range when used in a hip-carrying position), fasten this to provide additional support and free up your hands
- Check positioning regularly: Throughout the carry, periodically check that your baby's hips are well-supported, their airway is clear, and they appear comfortable and well-positioned
- Adjust as needed: Babies grow and wriggle don't be afraid to readjust straps, seat height, or positioning partway through a carry to maintain comfort for you both.
If you're new to hip carrying, it's worth practising over a soft surface first, and referring to the specific instructions included with your Ergobaby carrier, as each model has slightly different setup steps
Why This Matters for Hip Development
One of the most important features to look for in any hip seat or carrier and something Ergobaby prioritises across its entire range is proper hip-healthy positioning. The "M" shaped leg position, where knees sit higher than the hips and thighs are supported along their length, is recommended by hip dysplasia organisations internationally. Ergobaby's structured seats, including the Omni Deluxe, Omni Classic, Alta Hip Seat, and Lift Hip Seat, are all designed with this ergonomic positioning built in, giving parents peace of mind that they're supporting their baby's physical development correctly
Choosing the Right Carrier for Your Hip Carrying Needs
If you want one carrier that does it all newborn through toddler, every carrying position — the Omni Deluxe or Omni Classic are the strongest choices. If you're after something lightweight and purpose-built specifically for hip carrying, the Alta Hip Seat or Lift Hip Seat are excellent dedicated options. And if you simply want something quick, soft and easy for short trips, the Upsie Sling offers wonderful flexibility
Whichever you choose, you're investing in a carrier designed by a trusted, globally recognised brand with decades of ergonomic baby carrying expertise exactly the kind of parent-approved essential worth having in your babywearing collection
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you tried a hip carry?
If you haven't yet, six months onward is the ideal time to introduce it. Many parents find hip carrying becomes their favourite position as their baby grows more curious and interactive, offering a comfortable middle ground between close, inward-facing carries and fully outward-facing positions. It's worth trying with your existing Ergobaby carrier or considering a dedicated hip seat if you find yourself reaching for this position often
How do I wear Ergobaby on my hip?
Secure the carrier or hip seat's waist belt firmly around your waist, lift your baby into the seat ensuring their legs sit in a healthy "M" position with knees above hips, and fasten any additional straps or harnesses for extra support. Always check that your baby is well-seated and their airway remains clear throughout the carry, and refer to your specific Ergobaby model's instructions, as setup can vary slightly between the Omni range, Upsie Sling, Alta Hip Seat, and Lift Hip Seat
At what age can my baby start hip carrying?
Most babies are ready for hip carrying from around six months, once they have developed strong head and neck control. Always check the specific age and weight guidance for your chosen Ergobaby carrier model before introducing this position
Is hip carrying better than outward-facing carrying?
Many babywearing experts consider hip carrying a gentler alternative to outward-facing positions, as it still allows your baby a wide view of their surroundings while keeping them close enough for comforting eye contact and connection with you. It can be a great option for babies who want to see more of the world but still need the reassurance of being near a parent
Ready to explore hip carrying with your little one? Browse the full range of Ergobaby carriers — including the Omni Deluxe, Omni Classic, Upsie Sling, Alta Hip Seat, and Lift Hip Seat
Related Articles
8 Reasons Why You Need a Hip Seat
Front, Hip or Back? When and How to Change Babywearing Positions