If you have a toddler, you know the drill: they want up, then they want down, then they want up again, all within about 30 seconds. Structured carriers are amazing, but pulling one out for every quick errand gets old fast. That is where toddler slings come in, and we have seen them growing in popularity. The Ergobaby Upsie has been getting a lot of attention lately because of its affordable price and Ergobaby’s great reputation.
I have tried 4 different toddler slings, including the Ergobaby Upsie, Mabe Monarch Toddler Sling (review here), Tushbaby Liftoff, and the Wildride toddler sling, and wanted to share my honest review of the Ergobaby Upsie. Ergobaby is a brand that many parents already know and trust for their structured carriers, but does the Upsie live up to the Ergobaby name? Let me break it down for you, and I have a code to save.
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Table of Contents
Ergobaby Upsie Sling Quick Stats
- Price $59.99 (save 15% with STROLLERMOM15)
- Weight Range 17-45 lbs
- Age Range 6 months to 48 months (4 years)
- Material 100% cotton
- Colors Onyx Black, Pearl Grey, Midnight Blue, Natural Beige, Soft Olive, Camel
- Weight of Carrier 1 lb
- Carry Positions Front carry and hip carry
- Warranty ErgoPromise Lifetime Guarantee
Order the Ergobaby Upsie on Ergobaby, Amazon, or Target.
What Are Toddler Slings?
I consider a good baby carrier an essential piece of baby gear, and I talk about my favorite baby carriers on my YouTube channel. But as your baby grows, starts walking, and becomes more independent, they can get frustrated by the restrictiveness of a structured carrier and the hassle of getting in and out.
Toddler slings sit over the parent’s shoulder and have a fabric seat for your toddler on the opposite hip. They help provide support when holding a growing toddler. The simple design allows for super-quick on and off.
One thing to keep in mind is that they are not truly hands-free like many structured baby carriers. But because your toddler has good body control at this point, toddler slings provide just the right amount of support without being bulky or restrictive. They are best used for short carries, quick errands, and those moments when your toddler just wants to be held for a few minutes.
Ergobaby Upsie Sling Features
The Upsie is made of 100% cotton, which feels soft and breathable. It is lightweight at just 1 pound, and it folds up small enough to toss in your diaper bag or stash under your stroller, which is something I love about it.
The sling features a wide bucket seat that provides ergonomic knee-to-knee support in an M position, which is important for healthy hip development. Ergobaby is known for its ergonomic designs, so this is not a surprise. I did find, though, that getting my toddler deep in the seat was a little challenging on the Upsie. This is partly because the sling can be worn on either shoulder, so it takes a little moving around with your child to get a comfortable position.
One of my favorite features is the built-in front pocket. It is big enough for your phone, keys, and a credit card, so you do not necessarily need to bring a separate bag for quick outings. I found this really helpful for trips where you just need the essentials. My toddler also loved putting her little baby doll or duck toys in and out of the pocket.
The shoulder strap is padded and adjustable. One thing that sets the Upsie apart from some competitors is its dual-sided adjustability, which lets you tighten or loosen from both sides for a more balanced fit. I did find one side was easier to adjust over the other, but once I figured that out, I would only loosen one side when taking my baby in and out.
There is also a center logo alignment marker that helps you position the sling correctly, plus a strap lock feature that prevents the strap from loosening while you are wearing it. It’s a small thing, but it made me feel a lot more secure.
The Upsie is CPSC certified and comes with Ergobaby’s ErgoPromise Lifetime Guarantee, which is really nice. If anything goes wrong, Ergobaby stands behind it.
My Honest Review of the Ergobaby Upsie
Pros (Things I Love)
- The price point: At $59.99, the Upsie (plus you can save 15% with my code STROLLERMOM15) is one of the most affordable toddler slings on the market. Compared to options like the Mabe and the Wildride, this is a great entry point.
- Built-in storage: The front pocket is a game-changer for quick outings. I can fit my phone, keys, and a card in there, which means I do not always need to bring my whole diaper bag for a quick errand. Not all toddler slings include storage, so this was a nice bonus.
- The dual-sided adjustability: Being able to tighten from both sides makes the fit feel much more balanced and secure. It also makes it easier to share between caregivers without much fiddling.
- The strap lock: This is a small feature that makes a big difference. Once you have the sling adjusted, the strap lock keeps everything in place. I never felt like the sling was loosening on me while I was wearing it.
- Machine washable: The whole sling is machine washable. Toddlers are messy, and being able to throw this in the wash is so nice.
- Portability: This sling is incredibly easy to throw in your diaper bag or stroller basket. It barely takes up any space and is always ready when you need it.
Cons (What Could Be Better)
- Comfort for longer carries: Like most toddler slings, the Upsie is a one-shoulder carrier, which means the weight distribution is not as even as a structured carrier. For short carries and quick errands, it is fine. But if you are carrying a heavier toddler for an extended period, your shoulder will start to feel it. Ergobaby recommends alternating sides, which helps. My husband and I both liked it for short trips, though, and my 2-year-old really liked it!
- Not truly hands-free: You need to keep one hand on your toddler for safety. This is standard for toddler slings, but it is worth mentioning if you are coming from a structured carrier and expecting the same hands-free experience.
- Seat size: Compared to the Mabe Monarch Toddler Sling, I found the Upsie’s seat harder to get a deep seat for my toddler, especially when she was little. It still provides good support, but the Mabe had a slightly larger seat that I preferred for my toddler. This may vary depending on the size of your child.
- Learning curve with the strap lock: While the strap lock is a great safety feature, it does add an extra step when putting the sling on and taking it off. It took me a few tries to get the hang of threading the strap through quickly. Once you figure it out, it is not an issue, but do not expect to be an expert on the first try.
- Color options are neutral: The Upsie comes in six colors, but they are all fairly neutral. If you are looking for fun prints or patterns like the Mabe Monarch or Wildride offers, you will not find them here. That said, the neutral tones are versatile and look nice. Personally, love that it’s 100% cotton!
Ergobaby Upsie vs. Mabe Monarch Toddler Sling
Since these are two popular toddler slings right now, here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Ergobaby Upsie | Mabe Monarch Toddler Sling |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 Save 15% with STROLLERMOM15 | $89 Save 10% with My Link |
| Weight Range | 17–45 lbs | 16–45 lbs |
| Age Range | 6–48 months | 9 months – 45 lbs |
| Material | 100% cotton | 88% cotton, 12% linen |
| Storage Pocket | ✔ Built-in | ✘ Accessory bag sold separately |
| Machine Washable | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Colors / Prints | 6 neutral colors | 7 colors & prints |
The Upsie wins on price and built-in storage. The Mabe Monarch Toddler Sling wins on seat size and print variety. Both are machine washable and work well for quick toddler carries.
Is the Ergobaby Upsie Right for You?
The Ergobaby Upsie is a great option if you want an affordable baby and toddler sling at a reasonable price. The more I used it, the more I liked it. It is best for parents who need a grab-and-go carrier for short outings, quick errands, and those moments when your toddler just wants to be held. The built-in pocket, strap lock, and lightweight design make it super practical for everyday use.
If you already own a structured carrier but want something smaller and faster for quick pick-ups, the Upsie is a solid addition to your baby gear lineup. The price point also makes it easy to justify as a secondary carrier.
If you have a younger baby (6-12 months), I would probably look at the Wildbird Sling (save 10% with link) instead of this because it allows you to be hands-free, but if you have a baby/toddler who is closer to 35 lbs, I think the Upsie is a great option.
A toddler sling is one of those products you can technically get by without, but if you are constantly having to hold your toddler for short periods of time, this is a great diaper bag carrier for your toddler that does provide some added support, and I found my toddler really liked it.
If the Upsie sounds like a good fit for your family, you can find it at Ergobaby (Code STROLLERMOM15), Amazon, or Target.
Ergobaby Upsie FAQs
Is the Ergobaby Upsie hands-free?
No. Like most toddler slings, you will want to keep one hand on your toddler for safety. It provides some support and takes some strain off your arms compared to holding your child without any carrier, but it is not the same as a fully buckled structured carrier.
What age is the Ergobaby Upsie for?
It is designed for babies and toddlers from 6 months (17 lbs) up to 4 years (45 lbs). Your child needs to have full head and neck control and be able to sit upright independently before using the Upsie. I found it was better once my baby was bigger.
Can both parents share the Ergobaby Upsie?
Yes! My husband and I both used this with our 2-year-old. The dual-sided adjustability makes it easy to switch between caregivers. The total circumference adjusts from 18.5 inches at the smallest to 44.5 inches at the largest, so it fits a wide range of body types.
Is the Ergobaby Upsie machine washable?
Yes, it is machine washable. Ergobaby recommends a cold, gentle cycle and air drying.
Does the Ergobaby Upsie have storage?
Yes, it has a built-in front pocket that fits your phone, keys, and a few essentials. This is one feature that sets it apart from competitors like the Mabe Monarch, which requires a separately purchased accessory bag.
