Any parent who has had to wrestle a squirming toddler into a complicated, multi-strapped baby pack or who suffers from backaches after carrying their child should take a look at TushBaby. This innovative baby carrier was designed by a mother of two young daughters who had experienced those very problems and was determined to create a carrier that would provide a better experience for both parent and child.
Although Tammy Rant had spent most of her career as a software sales rep, she has always been an entrepreneur at heart. In telling her story on InventorsLaunchpad she recalls as a young girl living in a community with a golf course and how “after it closed at night I would look for lost golf balls and I would come home and wash them and then show up really early in the morning and sell them back to the golfers for cheap.”
Initially, Tammy developed the TushBaby just for her own use, but soon realized that she had created an item of great interest to others. In an August 25, 2018 article on Bontena.com she explained, “I wore it all the time at parks, BBQs, running errands, etc. People came up to me constantly asking where they could buy one, and telling me what a great idea it was. That’s when I realized there was a real need for this product in the world and that it could help lots of other parents and caregivers. I knew I needed to take the next step and make this available to everyone who needs help carrying their kids.”
A Kickstarter campaign was launched on May 8, 2018, with a goal of $10,000. The goal was reached in just 30 hours and by the end of the campaign on June 8, 2018, a total of 1,379 backers had pledged $124,212.
Parents.com described the appeal of TushBaby. “With convenience in mind, Rant took her idea and went above and beyond. The belted seat—which looks just like a fanny pack—has a large storage pocket (perfect for diapers, wipes, bottles, etc.), a phone pocket, a front pocket, and a side zipper pocket as well as a loop for any toy attachments. This all-in-one device not only lessons the weight of your baby but consolidates your purse, diaper bag, and carrier all into one.
Now to the best benefit of them all: back support. Instead of sticking your hip out to hold your baby, this device leaves your spine in an upright position—talk about life-changing. Not only is your back in better shape but the saddle has your baby sitting in the pediatric recommend “M” position which promotes proper hip health for your little one, too. Talk about a win, win.”
Many children want to be picked up, then put down, and then picked up again. Repeat and repeat. One of the best features of the TushBaby is the ease with which this can be accomplished. Unlike the more common child carriers, it is not necessary to unstrap and remove TushBaby or to get the child into the carrier and then out again (and again, and again).
TushBaby is made with washable, high-quality fabric and YKK zippers. It has a plush pad around the abdomen, and the supportive hip seat is lined with squishy memory foam. TushBaby is designed for children up to 3 years old, or 44 pounds, and can be used in four different positions—newborn feeding position, face-to-face, side facing and front facing.
