Assisted Carry Options: What You Need to Know

Quick Specs at a Glance

Keep Closer — Shop Keep Closer (code LETSTALK15)

Neko Up & Up/Down — Shop Neko

Qookie — Shop Qookie (code CASSIDY-10)

Tushbaby Hip Seat — Shop Tushbaby (code LETSTALK15)

Hippie Joey — Shop Hippie Joey (code LETSTALK10)

Mini Monkey Sling (Mesh) — Shop Mini Monkey

Coshen — Shop Coshen (code LETSTALK20)

Keep Closer Sling

The Keep Closer Sling (code LETSTALK15) is probably the most stylish and packable of this bunch. It’s got integrated padding, which I really appreciate — no separate piece sliding around — and comes in fun prints that make it feel more like an accessory than a piece of gear.

For me, this is the sling I toss in my bag when I know I’ll have a toddler who wants “up” every ten minutes but also wants to get down and run. It’s super lightweight and folds up smaller than almost anything else. The trade-off is coverage — there’s just not much to it, which is fine for older babies and toddlers with strong trunk control, but not ideal for little ones who still need more support. I love it for travel days or when I just want something easy that doesn’t take up space.

Neko Up & Up / Up & Down

The Neko Up & Up/Down is kind of the “middle ground” option. It’s officially rated for babies about 6 months (≈ 8 kg / 17 lbs) up through 36 months (22 kg / 48 lbs). What makes it stand out is the wider padded section — it really does give more comfort than the slim slings. It’s also adjustable both for the caregiver and the child, which makes it easy to share between parents or grandparents.

I’ve found that it’s quite a bit taller in panel height than something like the Coshen or Keep Closer, which is nice in the baby stage. But, as I mentioned before, it won’t quite reach mid-back on a tall toddler. That doesn’t mean it won’t work — just keep in mind that it’s an assisted carry- especially  when the panel height doesn’t come up to under the armpits. To me, this one feels like a great compromise: more comfortable, still fairly compact, and easy to fold away when you’re done.

Qookie

The Qookie (code CASSIDY-10) has become one of my favorites because it’s so adjustable and comfortable. The updated version improved a couple issues I had with the original. It spreads out across your shoulder and adds a bit of padding, which makes such a difference on longer carries. It’s designed for babies starting around 6kg kg (about 11 lbs) up to 20 kg (≈ 45 lbs), but I personally think it really hits its stride once your baby is sitting and you’re using it with a solid 6-month-old or older.

What I love most is the versatility. I can adjust it to fit me, and then pass it to another caregiver without worrying about sizing. It’s a little more structured than the super minimal slings, which means it’s more comfortable, but it also means there’s a bit more of a learning curve to get the fit just right. Once you dial it in, though, it’s one of the most supportive assisted-carry slings I’ve used.

Tushbaby Hip Seat

The Tushbaby (code LETSTALK15) is in a category of its own. Instead of fabric over your shoulder, it’s a structured seat that wraps around your waist and lets your baby or toddler sit right on your hip. It’s officially approved for 8–45 lbs, so it covers a wide age and weight range.

I love this one when my shoulders are feeling sore, because all the weight sits on your hips instead. Plus, the storage is a total game-changer — there are pockets for snacks, diapers, keys, even your phone. The downside is that it’s bulkier, and it’s not truly hands-free since your arm still supports your child. But if you deal with shoulder or neck pain and still want a quick way to carry your toddler, this is a fantastic option. For those suffering pelvic floor disfunction, this could increase issues, especially if worn directly in front.

Hippie Joey

The Hippie Joey (code LETSTALK10) is the softest and most newborn-friendly option of the bunch. It’s stretchy, cozy, and sized to your body — which means it fits like a glove. Because it’s a personal size, it’s not something you can easily pass back and forth between caregivers, but the comfort is unmatched.

I love this for those early newborn days when you’re mostly at home, snuggling on the couch, and just want a little help supporting your baby on your chest. As your baby grows, it still works beautifully as an assisted-carry sling. And when you’re not using it, it doubles as a scarf, which is both practical and kind of fun. The trade-off is that it’s less structured, so not ideal for long toddler carries, but it’s unbeatable for softness and closeness.

Mini Monkey Sling (Mesh)

The Mini Monkey Sling is the most unique because it’s made of mesh and is water-friendly. That makes it perfect for warm weather, beach trips, or pool days. It’s designed for babies from newborn up to around 2 years (≈ 15 kg / 33 lbs).

I love how portable it is — it weighs practically nothing and dries quickly if it gets wet. It also adjusts for different caregivers, so you can pass it around easily. The trade-off is comfort: it doesn’t offer much padding or weight distribution, so while it’s great for quick ups with younger babies and small toddlers, it’s not what I’d grab for a long walk or with a heavier toddler. For me, this is the summer/travel sling I keep in my bag just in case.

Coshen

The Coshen Sling (code LETSTALK20) is one of the simplest assisted-carry options I’ve tried. It’s made from organic cotton and is incredibly lightweight — only about 250 grams — which means it disappears into your diaper bag until you need it. Officially, it’s designed for little ones from around 9 months up through age 4 (max 20 kg / 44 lbs), though in my experience it really shines with older babies and toddlers who just want quick ups.

Because it doesn’t offer a ton of weight distribution, it’s not my first choice for long walks or carrying a heavy toddler for extended stretches. But for errands, park runs, or when my toddler melts down in the middle of the kitchen and just needs a ride on my hip? It’s perfect. The little bit of shoulder padding helps, but you’ll still feel most of the weight. I think of this one as the “grab-and-go” option — minimal, practical, and always there when you need it.