The hip seat helps carry baby for shorter periods of time, usually around the house. It has a wide waistband with padded shelf-like seat, which baby sits on while you hold them with an arm. Instead of holding growing baby in your arms or on your hip, you can seat them in the seat with less strain on your arms and back. For a hands-free carry, parents can convert the hip seat into a hip seat carrier -- simply attach the back panel with shoulder straps.
The Ergobaby Alta Hip Seat baby carrier can be used until your baby weighs 45 lbs / 20 kg. There is no restriction on how long you can continue wearing baby in a specific carry position, this is more about your comfort and baby's comfort
Yes, it has an attached hood tucked in a small pocket near the neckline of the carrier. When in use, it provides protection from the wind, privacy for nursing baby, and a shade for sleeping baby.
No, the Hip Seat Carrier is not designed to be used with the infant insert or with babies below the minimum weight of 12 lbs / 5.4 kg (around 4 months).
With the hip seat only, baby can be carried on the hip and in the front – parent facing and outward facing. With the back panel, baby can be carried hands-free on the back and in the front – parent facing and outward facing.
Beginning around 4 months (min 12 lbs / 5.4 kg), when baby has good head and neck control, the Ergobaby Hip Seat with the removable panel and shoulder straps can be used in the front carry – parent facing position. Beginning around 6 months, when baby can sit on their own, baby can be carried in the back carry. They can also be carried with just the hip seat in parent facing, outward facing and hip.
Every baby develops differently. You can start wearing your baby facing out once your baby demonstrates strong head and neck control, with his chin above the carrier panel). Do not use a pillow to prop baby up. If baby gets sleepy or shows signs of overstimulation, turn baby around to face you.
Yes, as with all Ergobaby Carriers you can breastfeed while on the go. This can be done in the facing in carry positions. Just loosen the shoulder straps a bit and slightly lower baby to position on your breast. For safety, stay seated when nursing in a carrier. Always stay vigilant while baby is nursing, and reposition after feeding, so baby’s face is not pressed against your body. Baby should be moved to recommended carrying position immediately after breastfeeding, remove slack from straps, and adjust.
You can wear the Ergobaby Alta Hip Seat carrier with shoulder straps crossed on your back in the front carry position, with baby facing in or facing out. Wearing crossed straps or parallel straps is individual comfort preference. The crossed straps allow you to easily position the shoulder straps where it is most comfortable for you to wear them on your shoulders, which makes it a great feature for parents with narrower or wider shoulders. It is also appreciated by parents with less mobility as you don't need to reach in the back to fasten and tighten the chest strap, as all the buckling and fastening is done on the front.
"The waistband of the Alta Hip Seat is designed with comfort and ease in mind. While the wide waistband provides support for wearer's back, the buckle and belt loops allow for a quick and quiet way to put on and take off the hip seat. To put it on, thread the buckle to the belt loop that fits wearer's waist, wrap the waistband around the waist, and then thread the buckle through the safety elastic loop and buckle.
For more detailed instructions and waistband measurement chart, refer to the instruction manual or the videos. "
The Alta Hip Seat Carrier is made of 100% polyester. The carrier also includes a removable foam seat that is made of EPP (expanded polypropylene). None of the materials include flame retardants.
Yes, the Ergobaby Hip Seat baby carrier is machine washable. Make sure to remove the foam seat base and to fasten all hook and loop fasteners and buckles before washing. Use mild detergent free of bleach, perfumes, dyes, chlorine, or optical brighteners.
