Product Name: HippyChick Hipster Seat
Price: £25 – £39.95
Available from: Hippychick, Amazon and other baby goods suppliers
Main Claim: has been developed to allow adults to carry their children naturally on their hip without the usual strains on the back (as per Hippychick)
Age Range: 6 months and up (as per Hippychick)
Size: Suitable for a waist size of up to 48 inches or 120cm, extension available. (as per Hippychick)
Available in 7 different colours.
Overall Score: 10/10
Recommended? Yes.
My Length of testing: 6 years +
Overview of Product
Length: Approx. 115cm
Width: Approx. 13cm
Height of Seat Back: Approx 17cm
Height of Seat Front: Approx 12cm
Width of Seat (at widest point): Approx. 20cm
Length of Seat (at longest point): Approx. 13cm.
Length of Strap: Approx. 63cm. (Extension strap is sold separately)
Carrying a toddler on your hip for extended periods is a strain on the body, uncomfortable for you and for the toddler. Hippychick claim that this product has been designed to alleviate this problem; to allow you to hold a toddler on your hip for an extended period without strain on your back and in comfort for your toddler.
This product was recommended to me when I had my first baby 7 years ago. I used it well into both my two boys second year and will use it again for babygirl. Hippychick recommends that it is used for babies 6 months and up (they are then old enough to sit astride and hold up their heads, but with my second baby I have used it as a support for my arm when holding my newborn. Now that he is over 6 months I have it on permanently at home and also when I am out and about and he wants to be carried.
Hippychick claim that the seat enables you to carry a baby/toddler without putting strain on your back and I agree with this 100%, however, I will say that I do suffer from ‘arm fatigue’ from holding him against me if I carry him for an extended period. It is important to note that the seat does allow you to carry them for extended periods, because you are not holding them ‘up and on’ your hip tightly, rather you are cradling them to stop them tipping backwards (or forwards if they are facing out) from the seat/shelf.
Another plus is that baby is sitting higher than if they were on your hip and is more easily able to see your face, and you theirs, and whats going on around them.
My views on Hippychick claims for the Hipster Seat
‘Suitable for a waist size of up to 48 inches or 120cm, extension available.’ I would agree with this, I have not used the extension however.
‘Strong, hardwearing fabric.’ Made of canvas , I have found the product to be extremely hard wearing. I have also not noticed any fading of the fabric. See my photos below for condition of mine, which I have had for 4 years+.
‘Super light.’ It weighs 356 grams, so yes, it is very light.
‘Simple, practical and easy to use.’ I agree with this.
‘Inward facing pockets for safe keeping passports, cash, credit cards, car keys etc.’ It does have an inward facing pocket, but when the foam seat is in place you can’t get much in there.
‘Machine washable.’ I have washed it following the instructions with no problems. I have only washed it once in the 2+ years I have used it. I have found no need to wash it more often.
‘When the child is older you can remove the seat and use it as a bum bag/money belt or simply as a straightforward back support.’ As a bum/bag money belt it would be very durable and easily hold the items Hippychick claims above. However its pretty big and noticeable. Good back support as it is wide and strong.
To sum up, this is a product I have owned for over four years and has now had a good two and a half years use with my babies. I recommend it, and would go as far as saying that it is a must have product. The product is so well wearing and durable that I would have no hesitation in putting it on eBay when my babies are too big for it. Check out the Hippychick web site for the full range of colours.
MamaSim @ How To Parent Today.
Hippychick seat in action
Care Label. Wash @30degrees, Do not Iron or Tumble Dry
Close up of material
Seat Pocket for Foam Insert
Left Hand Strap
Right Hand Strap
Without Foam Insert
Foam Seat Insert
Foam Seat Insert View 2
Foam Seat Insert View 3
*Any information in this review that is directly quoted from the company I will note (as per…..)
Mamasimx
Don’t forget to enjoy your day.
I’ve used a hippychick with my grandchildren and I agree with absolutely everything you say. Fabulous product. When staying with the grandchildren and looking after them I strap it on first thing after getting dressed and don’t take it off until they’re in bed at night. Apart from allowing me to hold the littlies on my hip for extensive periods it really does act as a corset for my back. Love it!
Wow, fantastic Alana. Thank you.
This is a great idea, will tell my wife.
It is a great product Nick. Thanks for the comment.
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