Hackerlily Blog

Diagram of the black vegan leather HipSurfer hip seat carrier showing the ergonomic seat supporting a baby in an M position, side pocket and hidden storage compartment

Baby Wrap vs Sling vs Hip Seat: What Is the Difference?

Wrap, ring sling, soft-structured carrier, hip seat. They are not competing products. They solve different problems. Here is a straight comparison so you can work out what you actually need.
Things No One Tells You About Carrying a Toddler

Things No One Tells You About Carrying a Toddler

The funny, true things no one warns you about carrying a toddler, from the phantom sway to the one-armed everything, plus how to save your back.
October 28, 2026
The Best Baby Carrier for Grandparents (Carry the Grandkids, Save Your Back)

The Best Baby Carrier for Grandparents (Carry the Grandkids, Save Your Back)

The best baby carrier for grandparents: a simple, supportive way to carry the grandkids without straining older backs, shoulders and knees.
October 23, 2026
The sand velvet HipSurfer hip seat carrier worn as a bum bag with the seat folded down

Is a Hip Seat Carrier Worth It? An Honest Cost Per Use Breakdown

The real maths on whether a hip seat carrier is worth the money, with cost per use worked out three ways, plus an honest list of who should probably skip it.
October 21, 2026
Mum carrying her toddler on the HipSurfer in Purple + Teal

What to Pack for a Day Out With a Baby or Toddler (Without Lugging Everything)

A short, practical packing list for days out with a baby or toddler, for when the pram gets rejected and you'd rather carry less.

October 17, 2026
Theme Parks With a Toddler: How to Survive the Day (and the Queues)

Theme Parks With a Toddler: How to Survive the Day (and the Queues)

A practical guide to doing a theme park day with a toddler: when to go, what to pack, how to handle queues and pram bans, and how to manage the carrying without wrecking your back.
Close up of the HipSurfer wide padded waistband and single buckle in sand velvet

Will a Hip Seat Carrier Fit Me? Waistbands, Body Shape and Honest Sizing Advice

Most hip seat carriers fit a wide range of bodies because they adjust at one waistband. Here is how sizing actually works, what to do if you are petite or plus size, and how to tell if the fit is right.
Range of washable interchangeable HipSurfer covers in different colours and materials

How Do You Clean a Baby Carrier After the Snack, Sunscreen and Nappy Incident?

Carriers cop it. Here is how to clean one properly by material, what to spot clean versus wash, and how to dry it without wrecking the padding.
Mum on holiday carrying her toddler on a HipSurfer hipseat carrier during a day out

How Do You Do a Beach Day With a Baby or Toddler When the Pram Is Useless?

Prams do not work on sand, which means you carry. Here is how to plan a beach day with a baby or toddler so the walk from the car park does not finish you off.
Can Grandparents Use a Hip Seat Carrier? An Honest Guide for Nannas, Poppies and Carers

Can Grandparents Use a Hip Seat Carrier? An Honest Guide for Nannas, Poppies and Carers

Yes, grandparents can use a hip seat carrier. Here is what makes a hipseat easier than a traditional carrier for nannas, poppies and carers, which moments it helps with, and what to check before the first carry.
Toddler Won't Sit in the Pram and Won't Walk? What to Do About Pram Refusal

Toddler Won't Sit in the Pram and Won't Walk? What to Do About Pram Refusal

Pram refusal is normal toddler behaviour, not a sign you did something wrong. Why it happens, what actually helps in the moment, and how to get through an outing when they will not sit and will not walk.
Toddler Won't Sit in the Trolley? How to Actually Get the Shopping Done

Toddler Won't Sit in the Trolley? How to Actually Get the Shopping Done

Trolley refusal is one of the most common toddler standoffs there is. Here is why it happens, what to do instead of arguing in the fruit and veg aisle, and how to carry a toddler through a shop without wrecking your back.