Tushbaby travel packing: what to bring, and what to leave

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The packing rule I use

The hip seat is for short, repeated carries: up, down, up again. It is not a stroller, and it is not a full day carrier on its own. Pack for that job, and you will love it on a trip. Pack as if it replaces everything, and you will be tired by lunch.

What to pack

• The Hip Carrier itself, with the waistband fitted high and tight before you leave the house, not for the first time at the airport.
• The Snug, if you will need your hands free for bags, tickets, or boarding. The hip seat alone is not hands free, so do not count on one free hand for luggage and a toddler at the same time.
• The waistband extender, if more than one caregiver will wear it, or if you will wear it over winter layers. The extender adds 23 inches, to a total of up to 70 inches.
• Small essentials in the pockets only: phone, keys, cards, and a snack. The 2 in 1 system has five storage pockets, but pockets are not a diaper bag.
• A separate small bag for diapers, bottles, wipes, and a change of clothes. Keep that bag light enough that you can set it down without losing your balance while holding your child.
• A stroller, for long days, naps, and tired legs. I used the hip seat at theme parks and at the grocery store, and I still brought a stroller for the long stretches.

At the airport, in plain terms

Wear the hip seat or pack it where you can reach it fast, because you will want it the moment your child wants up. Keep your hands on your child when using the hip seat alone, and use the Snug when you truly need both hands free.

Be ready to take the carrier off if security asks, just as you would with any belt or bag. Check your airline and your destination rules for strollers and baby gear before you fly, because those rules change and they are not set by Tushbaby.

For cars, queues, and days out

For a car trip, the hip seat is easiest at stops: gas stations, rest stops, and quick errands where a stroller is more trouble than it is worth. For a long queue, the seat gives your arms a break for short waits, but it does not make a long wait easy, so plan breaks and a stroller for the rest of the day.

For rides and attractions, check the ride rules first. My theme parks guide covers this in more detail, and the rule is simple: if a ride says no carriers, follow that rule, even if your child is happy in the seat.

What to leave

• Leave the idea that one carrier covers a whole trip. Bring the stroller too.
• Leave heavy items out of the pockets. A weighed down pocket pulls the waistband out of place.
• Leave the Snug behind only if you are sure you will not need hands free carrying. It folds into the pocket under the hip seat, so it costs almost no space to bring.

Questions about travel packing

Does a Tushbaby replace a stroller on a trip?

No. It is for short, repeated carries. Bring a stroller too for long days, naps, and tired legs.

Should I pack the Snug for travel?

Yes, if you will need your hands free for bags, tickets, or boarding. The hip seat alone is not hands free.

What should go in the carrier pockets when traveling?

Small essentials only, like a phone, keys, cards, and a snack. Pack a separate bag for diapers, bottles, and changes of clothes.

More guides on this site

Read the Hip Carrier review, the Pearl review, the 2 in 1 review, the sizing guide, the theme parks guide, the holiday gift guide, the discount code page, and take the carrier finder quiz.