Most parents of children between the age of six months and three years can attest to the pronounced backache they often succumb to after carrying their child in their arms for any length of time. Much of this backache is due to the way in which a parent typically holds a child in their arms--off to the side and nestled onto the hip. This can and does cause the natural body alignment to be a bit slanted and spine to twist, which contributes to the extra added stress and pressure on the spine and lower portion of the back. As a way to combat backaches that come from holding a small child, came the innovative idea and product known as the child hip seat.
The child hip seat has gained most of its popularity overseas in regions like the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Resembling a "fanny pack," a child hip seat is more like a lower back support belt that has been fitted with a protruding foam wedge or shelf. The wedge, in essence, is the seat upon which the child you are holding will sit. So instead of the child sitting on your hip, causing you to strain in an attempt to balance the child, the child sits on the wedge, the belt gives support to your lower back and the combination helps you stand straighter, which will alleviate backache.
What to Look for
Child hip seats are a really simple design, and you will want to look for one that will allow you to remove the foam wedge for ease of cleaning. The belt is a standard one-size fits all, but extension belts can be purchased if needed. The wedge, or seat, should be made of lightweight material, because heavy weighted material would defeat the purpose of the product. Quality hip seats will incorporate secure inner and or outer pockets that can be useful for carrying keys, wallet or cellphone, freeing your arms and hands to hold your child. The belt itself should be wide enough to support your back while spreading weight evenly across the waist, and the inner side of the belt should be padded for your comfort. There are child hip seats on the market that are even stain resistant, but either way, you should look for one that is machine washable.
Common Pitfalls
The hip seat may not work for every parent. For example, a parent that is short in stature may still be inclined to slant the contour of their body in an effort to compensate the weight of the child, making this product unnecessary. Some parents may overuse this product and not encourage the child to walk independently, making the child dependent on the parent to constantly hold them.
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