Playtex Hip Hammock Child Carrier Review

Taking the Weight

When my daughter outgrew her front facing carrier, I knew I needed something quick. My daughter loved hanging on me more then walking, crawling or anything else. If she wasn't in my arms or glued to my side you'd think her entire world was ending! I didn't mind shouldering her weight because I knew she'd soon become "miss independent". I also knew the times I could hold her (without breaking my back) would be far and few...They grow so fast. As she grew heavier my front sling simply wouldn't do. Holding my daughter for an extended length of time began to put a strain on my back...I needed a hand.

Free at Last

Most parents appreciate full use of their hands, at least I do, but trying to maneuver with a front facing carrier and a full size baby is nearly impossible. For carrying, I preferred using my hip. The Playtex Hip Hammock Baby & Child Carrier allowed me to do just that. This Playtex carrier is designed to maximize the efficiency of hip carrying, by safely securing your child on your hip. The hammock is designed to carry your child by placing them in an adjustable black hip sling, facing you, as if you were carrying them.

Backaches Be gone
I found the side straddle carrier kept my daughter out of my way, I was able to perform tasks like washing dishes, shopping, things I couldn't easily do with a front carrier. The strain of carrying a twenty something pound infant was immediately lifted from my chest and back. Mind you the hip sling is designed for older infants who can sit upright without assistance. The weight limits on this carrier are 15 - 35 pounds. Older infants are heavier and can be a pain in the neck, and back! I appreciated how the weight was re-distributed to my hips, which is how I carried my daughter most of the time anyways.

Side Carry Wary

The Playtex Hip Hammock is functional, but it's difficult to master. The adjusting, by far, is the hardest part. I practiced using this hip hammock several times with a baby doll, and it's a good thing, because I dropped the sling! There are two straps that need to be properly adjusted in order for the sling to be effective. The belt strap should fit comfortably around your waist and the shoulder strap (that holds the seat canopy) should be properly positioned as well. The shoulder belt has to fit over your head in order for the foam shoulder pad to rest comfortably around your neck. Once the adjustments are made, you shouldn't have to change them until your baby grows. However, if you don't take the time to properly adjust, the shoulder pad will dig into your neck and the waist belt will rub/irritate your skin. I always had a time with this. When securing the hammock your child has to be IN IT, which makes the entire maneuver slightly tricky. Once your child's comfortably "hammocked in", you're not so comfortable because the strap starts twisting...but, it's easy to fix. The Playtex sling is safe for left or right side use and there's plenty of room for plump little babies. The padded "seat" has roomy leg openings and a soft, wide, adjustable back.

Pack it Up

The Playtex Hip Hammock is easy to store, simply roll it up and there's a bungee and button loop to keep it closed. There's a small storage pocket on the front and a key loop. The Playtex Hip Hammock is machine washable but it needs to be hung dry. Overall, it's a decent carrier, it provides freedom to move, and helps carry your children comfortably on your hips. Mine received minimal usage, simply because my daughter started walking shortly after this sling was purchased. Am I glad I bought it? Sort of, I was usually too frustrated with the straps to use it!

***Be advised, if you're considering this hammock for purchase, models manufactured prior to March 2005 were RECALLED due to shoulder harness failure.***