Boba Buddy Review: Is the Toddler Side Sling Right for Your Family?

If you have a toddler who wants to be held but you also need your hands free, a side sling can be a lifesaver. The Boba Buddy is designed specifically for older babies and toddlers who are too big for a typical stretchy wrap but not ready to walk everywhere. In this review, we'll break down the features, comfort, and practicality of the Boba Buddy to help you decide if it's the right choice for your family.

We've spent time testing the Boba Buddy with real toddlers, and we'll be honest about where it shines and where it might fall short. Whether you're considering your first side sling or comparing it to a soft-structured carrier, this guide will give you the details you need.

What Is the Boba Buddy?

The Boba Buddy is a hip seat and sling combo that lets you carry your toddler on your hip with minimal bulk. It's a hybrid design: a padded waist belt with a small seat for your child to sit on, plus a shoulder strap that goes across your body to keep them secure. Unlike a traditional wrap or soft-structured carrier, the Buddy doesn't fully enclose your child—it supports them while they sit on your hip, making it easier to pop them up and down.

This type of carrier is popular with parents of toddlers who are too heavy for a stretchy wrap but still want close contact. The Boba Buddy is designed for children from about 12 months up to 3 years (or up to 40 lbs), which covers the typical toddler stage. It's not a full-coverage carrier like the Boba X Baby Carrier Hemisphere, but it's a more lightweight option for quick trips and hip carries.

• Hip seat design distributes weight across your waist and hips
• Shoulder strap adjusts for a custom fit
• Folds compactly for carrying in a diaper bag

Comfort and Fit: How Does It Feel?

Comfort is the big question with any toddler carrier. The Boba Buddy's hip seat is padded and firm, which helps support your child's weight without digging into your hips. The shoulder strap is padded too, and it distributes weight across your back and shoulder. In our testing, we found that the Buddy is most comfortable for shorter carries—like moving through an airport or walking around a museum—rather than all-day wear.

One thing to note: the Boba Buddy is a one-shoulder design, so all the weight goes onto one side of your body. This can cause fatigue if you wear it for hours, and it's not ideal for long hikes or extended periods. If you need a carrier for all-day adventures, a two-shoulder option like the Boba X Linen Baby Carrier in Pampas Beige might be a better fit. But for quick errands and hip carries, the Buddy is surprisingly comfortable.

The fit is adjustable: the waist belt cinches to your size, and the shoulder strap has a sliding buckle. It works for a range of body types, but it does take a few tries to get the right tension. Once adjusted, it feels secure and doesn't shift around too much.

• Best for short to medium carries, not all-day wear
• Adjustable waist and shoulder straps for a custom fit
• Weight distribution is good for a one-shoulder design but can cause fatigue over time

Ease of Use: Getting Your Toddler In and Out

The Boba Buddy shines when it comes to quick ups and downs. Because it's not a full wrap or a structured carrier with buckles and clips, you can get your toddler seated and secure in about 30 seconds. Just clip the waist belt, sit your child on the hip seat, and pull the shoulder strap over your head. There's a clip that connects the shoulder strap to the waist belt, and it's easy to do one-handed once you get the hang of it.

This is a huge advantage over a stretchy wrap like the Boba Classic Baby Wrap Dusty Pink, which requires a full wrap job and takes a few minutes to tie. If your toddler wants to be picked up and put down constantly—like at the playground or a festival—the Buddy is much more practical. On the downside, the Buddy doesn't provide as much support for sleeping toddlers. There's no head support, so if your child falls asleep, you'll need to support their head with your hand or a nursing cover.

• Quick to put on and take off, ideal for frequent ups and downs
• Less supportive for sleeping toddlers compared to a full carrier
• Great for travel and errands where you need fast access

Boba Buddy vs. Traditional Carriers: Which Should You Choose?

When deciding between the Boba Buddy and a full carrier, think about your primary use case. The Buddy is a side sling that's meant for hip carries, not for front or back carries. It's not a replacement for a soft-structured carrier like the Boba Auri Baby Carrier in Gray, which offers multiple carrying positions and more support for longer wear. The Buddy is also not a wrap—it can't be used for newborns or for hands-free naps in the same way.

If you already own a full carrier and want something lighter for quick trips, the Buddy is a great addition. But if you're buying your first carrier and want maximum versatility, you might be better off with a carrier that does more. That said, the Buddy's simplicity is a big plus for parents who find full carriers intimidating or who just need a quick hip carry solution.

We tested the Buddy alongside the Boba X Baby Carrier Hemisphere, and the difference is clear: the X is more supportive and versatile, but the Buddy is easier to use and more compact. For a toddler who walks most of the time but needs occasional carrying, the Buddy might be all you need.

• Boba Buddy: lightweight, easy, hip carry only
• Full carriers: more positions, more support, bulkier
• Consider your daily routine and how often you'll use it

The Boba Buddy is a well-designed side sling that fills a specific niche: quick, comfortable hip carries for toddlers. It's not a full carrier, but it doesn't try to be. If you want an easy-to-use option for errands and travel, it's worth considering. If you need all-day support or multiple carry positions, a full carrier might be a better investment. For many families, the Buddy is a handy addition to their carrier collection.