Which Tushbaby carrier for a newborn?
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Short answer
For a newborn, start with the Pearl. For breastfeeding support while you sit, the hip carrier can help from 0 to 6 months. Do not buy the 2 in 1 system for a newborn, because it is not suitable for newborns and it starts at 12 lbs.
The newborn timeline
| Stage | Carrier | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 months, feeding | Hip Carrier, as support | Breastfeeding support while you sit. Do not walk while feeding an infant in the hip seat. Keep a hand or arm on your baby. |
| 8 to 20 lbs, facing inward | Pearl Wrap Carrier | Hands free newborn wrap, nursing friendly, froggy and M shaped positions. |
| 12 lbs and up, facing inward | 2 in 1 Convertible Carrier | Hip seat plus Snug hands free attachment. |
| 16 lbs and up, facing outward | 2 in 1 Convertible Carrier | Facing out with the Snug, up to 45 lbs. |
| Once baby can hold head up | Hip Carrier, seated | Face to face, side, and front facing, up to 3 years old or 45 lbs. |
Common newborn mistakes to avoid
- Buying the 2 in 1 system for a newborn, then finding it does not fit yet. Wait until 12 lbs.
- Putting a newborn upright in the hip seat as a seated carrier. Newborn hip seat use is for feeding support, not upright seated carrying.
- Trying to pair the Pearl with the hip seat. The Pearl is standalone. The next step is the 2 in 1 system, not a Pearl plus hip seat combo.
- Skipping the fit check. Baby should be close enough to kiss, chin off chest, nose and mouth visible and free, and back supported.
What to buy first, by situation
If you are pregnant or your baby is under 8 lbs, the Pearl is the first buy, and the hip seat can wait until feeding support and then seated use. If your baby is already 12 lbs and holding their head up, skip the Pearl and go straight to the hip seat, with the Snug if you want hands free. If your baby is close to 20 lbs, do not buy the Pearl, because you will outgrow it fast. Go to the hip seat or the 2 in 1 system instead.
Read the full Pearl review and read the full 2 in 1 review before you decide.