After doing some research I decided to buy a Hippychick from ebay for about £20 when my son was about 10 months old as an introduction to babywearing and as I didn't want to be taking the pushchair everywhere.

Initially I thought it was great, it is very easy to put on and to put your baby on but after only about a ten minute walk I found that my leg was hurting slightly and I was getting a bit fed up of carrying him like that (maybe I just walk funny).

I do use it occasionally and it is certainly better than carrying my baby with no help but find that it is quite limited and only useful for very short journeys and where I won't need both hands. I have since bought a baby carrier suitable for toddlers this can be rolled up and used as a hipseat and in that case isn't nearly as good as a Hippychick, however using it as a back (or even front for short journeys) carrier is much more comfortable and useful than the Hippychick as I have both hands free.

One other advantage of the Hippychick over just carrying your baby is that mine seems less inclined to try and throw himself out of my arms onto the floor when we're using it.