Hip pouch baby carrier

Abstract

A hip pouch storage device that converts easily to a secure baby carrier. The hip pouch has a first end, a second end, a top surface, an inner surface and an outer surface. The hip pouch includes an adjustable length waist strap that attaches to the first and second ends of the hip pouch. The hip pouch includes a first pocket located on the inner surface of the pouch. A support sling that has an inner surface, an outer surface, a first side, a second side, a lower attachment point and first and second upper attachment points is provided. The support sling is fixedly attached to the interior surface of the first pocket and includes an adjustable length neck strap attached to the first and second upper attachment points of the support sling. A neck pad may be provided to fit slidably upon the neck strap. In use, the hip pouch is attached to the wearer about the waist with the waist strap and the support sling is extended from the first pocket and the neck strap placed over the wearer's head about the neck. A baby is constrained within the support sling with a leg located on either side of the support sling. The baby rests on the top surface of the hip pouch. A variation of the invention further includes a leg and back strap extending from the first side of the support sling adjacent the lower attachment point, across the outer surface of the sling and back to the second side of the sling. This arrangement provides a pair of leg openings to further secure the baby within the support sling. The support sling may be fabricated from mesh material. A second pocket may be provided on the outer surface of the hip pouch to contain a collapsible beverage container sling. This beverage container sling is fixedly attached to the interior surface of the second pocket. The hip pouch provides additional interior storage space and may have additional external storage pockets attached.