Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Shopping

From everyday essentials to big purchases, swap tips and recommendations. For the best deals without the hassle, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Flip

Original poster

Anyone got/used a Hippychick Hip Seat and how good are they?

16 replies

Galaxy · 23/05/2004 09:52

message withdrawn

OP posts:

expatkat · 23/05/2004 10:06

The jury is still out, for me. It was highly recommended by several mumsnetter & a few friends, so I tried unsuccessfully to find one second hand, then gave in and bought one new. I started using it when dd was 12 months last September, but she squirmed and didn't see the point of it. Now, at 19 months (same age as yr dd), she sits on it quite nicely. That said, I haven't figured out if there is any huge benefit to taking her out in the hippychick rather than the pushchair. I'd heard the hippychick is great for popping round to the shops if you happen to live a few steps away. But what if you actually buy anything? Then you have to carry dd and your shopping. Of course you can also put dd on reins, I suppose, and she can alternate between walking and sitting.

So you can probably tell that I like it well enough but am not sure it's really a necessity. . .

I think you'd get use out of it on a haoliday to France, but I think you also might be like me and wonder if it's actually better than the pushchair in the end.

Ixel · 23/05/2004 10:08

I asked this a while ago, and bought one on the basis of 9 or 10 positive responses. I'm really glad I did, as it's been great. Ds is 6 months, so he was still a bit floppy for it at first, which makes it hard to carry shopping etc, but I guess this gets easier as the child is older. But it does really take the weight off your arm and hip, and is so handy when I cant be bothered taking the buggy everywhere. Check to see if there's any on ebay though, as they are very expensive. Thre were none when I wanted one, but about 5 two weeks later!

mumbojumbo · 23/05/2004 10:58

Hi Galaxy,

I used one with ds1 from about 8 months to 18 months and have just started using it for ds2 who is now 6 months. I find that it helps keep your back straight - and makes carrying a baby/toddler that much more comfortable. I suffered with SPD and any lifting when not "in alignment" was really uncomfortable.

There are a couple on ebay now - e.g.
ebay item which is slightly cheaper than buying it in the shops. John Lewis stock them now, I believe.

oswald · 24/05/2004 13:16

I've got one and I hate it, barely used it, will sell it to you and get it you before Saturday if you want it - you can have it half price. Let me know I know some people love them but I have a hard time finding anything that remotely resembles a waist so that's probably the reason!

Tissy · 24/05/2004 13:58

I love mine! Dd is 2y4m and I still use it regularly. I no longer have a waist, either, but have found that it is most comfortable if you pull in your tummy when putting it on, and then do the waist strap up tightly. You can then breathe again, and when the baby sits on it, it doesn't slip down or dig in (can happen if the belt is too loose).

HTH

Pidge · 24/05/2004 14:02

Used one round a National Trust property where they were on loan because you couldn't get the pushchair round. Both my partner and I tried it but couldn't get comfy, we both felt it was easier just to carry dd (she was then 13 months). We both found the hippy chick itself and the straps cut into us with dd's weight on it.

I have a friend who had one and loved it - but her baby was younger, haven't seen her using it recently.

Original poster

Galaxy · 24/05/2004 14:07

message withdrawn

OP posts:

SoupDragon · 24/05/2004 14:11

Coming in late here - loved the one I borrowed from a friend. I even used it to sprint to the departure gate at Gatwick with a nearly 4 yr old on it!

I also used to drive in it so it was ready to carry DS2 the short distance from car - playgroup or car - DS1s nursery. Great for walks where you can't take a pushchair but you know your child will get tired and demand to be carried.

On another recent thread, someone recommended another version because it had the pockets on the outside of the strap. And it was cheaper I think.

oswald · 24/05/2004 19:23

you're right galaxy I've never been in sales, not really me! I'm not sure how much they are now I imagine about 30 pounds is that right? So then it would be 15 pounds and p&p if that's ok. I think the best thing would be for me to send it to you, if you email me privately with your address and then I will let you know how much p&p was and you can send me a cheque when you get back.

oswald · 24/05/2004 19:24

Forgot to say I live in Shropshire so not very near, will have to be post.

Original poster

Galaxy · 24/05/2004 20:58

message withdrawn

OP posts:

oswald · 25/05/2004 11:10

Galaxy still no address on my email. I recently changed it so have another go and hopefully we'll sort it. I'll try yours in a minute but can hear chaos downstairs while I've sneaked away.

Original poster

Galaxy · 25/05/2004 12:06

message withdrawn

OP posts:

Original poster

Galaxy · 25/05/2004 12:36

message withdrawn

OP posts:

jane313 · 25/05/2004 22:44

I have a very bad back and no waist (I only found out you get extending straps from their website after I bought one locally). I find it good for when I'm carrying him and a pushchair is out of the questions. But its never for a very long time as I wouldn't want to risk my back for more than about 15 minutes. It also makes me remember to do good back things like bending at the knees and sucking in stomach muscles when lifting. I started using it at about 7 months and he likes it a lot.

oswald · 25/05/2004 23:21

galaxy - I have your address now. I didnt know I had elected not to be contacted have to change that asap. It should be with you soon - have a great holiday.

Flip