The Hippychick Hipseat has been developed to allow adults to carry their children on their hip without the usual strains on the back.

A common cause of backpain is that arising from sticking your hip out to accomodate your ever heavier child who always wants to be carried just when you don't have a pushchair with you! The Hippychick Hipseat is a wide belt of strong fabric secured with a wide band of Velcro and with a safety clip fastening strap to ensure the Velcro remains securely fastened and doesn't get pulled apart. Protruding from this belt at one side (you can wear it on either hip) is a firm shelf for the child to sit on that supports their increasingly heavy weight from underneath. Instead of twisting the spine, the back is able to stay straight and the child is tucked into the chest on whichever side is more comfortable for the wearer. Endorsed by osteopaths, chiropractors and physios.

I found this belt very useful however it is the sort of thing you would need to plan to use in advance as opposed to using for impulse carries as it takes a moment or two to put on tightly and secure the clip - you can't for example pop it on and then drive somewhere in the car as the shelf bit sticks out too much (we did try!).

Generally this seat seems very popular with toddlers particularly those that have not been used to being carried in a sling as it is not at all enclosed and they are held at your height giving good eye contact, so their visibility and interaction is good, as well as feeling secure: your baby/child is held by your arm at all times

The seat is suitable for children from 6 months old up (when they can sit confidently with their back and head straight) to at least 3 years, it is feather-light, fully washable and has pockets for accessories and valuables. Fits up to 42" waist. If pregnant consult a doctor prior to use. Always keep one hand on your child.