KiBi carrier waist belt

The history of the padding in the hip belt of KiBi baby carriers

When the KiBi baby carrier was introduced on the market in 2012, it looked a bit different than today. Even some of the padding underwent changes.

Let’s look at them in more detail :)

The original version of the baby carrier had a straightly cut rigid but soft (sufficiently flexible) padding in the hip belt which adapted to the shape of the body.

In summer 2017, the padding was replaced with one that was a bit more rigid yet still sufficiently adaptable. The cut and the division into three parts remained the same.

In April 2019, we started making the new model: the KiBi EVO which features a new and improved cut for the hip belt and a different inner padding material. This was the largest change in the cut of the baby carrier so far and also the main difference between the original version and the new KiBi EVO.

The hip belt is still divided into three parts, but it doesn’t look like it – the individual parts are
right next to each other without the elastic bands that helped the hip belt adapt to various body
shapes.

Starting already from the cut, the padding is ergonomically shaped, soft, pliable and perfectly adaptable. It doesn’t pinch anywhere and will always return to its original shape when bent. The new shape of the hip belt is universal and fits women and men of all sizes. It fits well when carrying in
the front as well as at various heights on the back.

For people who prefer the original lower profile and higher rigidity of the hip belt, we have decided to offer the new EVO model with the solid padding for customers who ask for it.

This is the same padding that was introduced in summer 2017, but in the new cut that makes carrying in the KiBi baby carrier an improved experience.

The default hip belt is the “soft” version, but we can sew a baby carrier with the rigid padding on your request.

You can easily differentiate this model from the classic KiBi EVO by finding the black KiBi Identity
label; the white label on the inner side of the hip belt will read “H EVO xx-xx”.

WAIST BELT FILLING OF MODEL IN

The soft waist belt filling on the IN model differs from its predecessors EVO and EVO 2 by stitching - this stitching makes it feel a little firmer and flatter, and also helps it fit the body figure better.

Lovers of firm fillings probably won't notice the difference in the unstitched and stitched soft waist belt, but for moms who find firm filling uncomfortable, it's definitely a change.

The firm filling of the IN model is not stitched, so you can see at firts sight whether the filling is soft or firm - there is no need to distinguish it with the KiBi x KiBi Identity label. The firm filling designation ("H") on the white label on the inside of the waistbelt remains.

Which filling should I choose?

Everyone is different and it’s difficult to tell remotely which type of hip belt will ultimately provide a better fit for you.

The shapes of human bodies vary just as much as fondness for one type of padding or another. It’s
also entirely possible to change your preferences throughout the carrying period and something that
felt fine at the beginning may not be as comfortable later on.

In general however…

Soft hip belt – the foam has a higher profile and larger air bubbles, making it more breathable, softer and more flexible.

+ pliable

+ perfectly adapts to the body’s curves and different body types

+ very durable; easily adapts when worn, but always returns to its original shape

+ more breathable

+ air bubbles make sure it does not pinch

- some mothers report that when carrying larger and heavier babies, the weight is not distributed evenly enough

Firm hip belt – the foam has a lower profile and not so large bubbles, making it more rigid.

+ generally liked by men

+ very popular with women who suffer from back pain

+ very popular for carrying heavier babies

- often disliked by petite mothers who may find that it digs into their ribs and later, when carrying older babies who sit lower, into their hips

If you’re unsure, pick the soft hip belt which will adapt to anybody. If this is the first time you’re going to carry, you don’t have enough time or the opportunity to try it out, or if there will be more people using the carrier than just you, then we recommend getting the default soft hip belt.

No matter whether you choose the softer or harder padding, the hip belt should not bend significantly while worn. If the hip belt bends, it’s not because of the material but because of how the carrier is configured and where the child sits. This is true for baby carriers of all brands.

Always fasten the hip belt when it’s horizontal and pull it tight to make sure it does not sag under the baby’s weight.

Position the child with her bottom below her knees and near the top of the hip belt. This will make the baby sit on the upper edge of the hip belt with her bottom snugged in the fabric of the backrest and naturally lifted knees.

We wish you a wonderful time with your KiBi baby carrier!