If you are planning travel with your baby or toddler in the next few months you need to read this article. When we first connected with Keira we were intrigued to hear how skeptical she was about the HipSurfer to start with and exactly what changed her mind.

Living in Maitland, NSW, with her husband and their two boys, Keira loves being fully present in the moment with her kids but was struggling to find a baby carrier that provided convenience, freedom and comfort.  Naturally, we had to sit down and find out how the HipSurfer became an essential part of her parenting toolkit and made her daily adventures that much easier.

Meet Keira and Teddy

Keira, 29, is mum to two little adventurers. Her youngest, Theodore (Teddy), is just 11 months old, and while he’s not quite walking, he’s always on the move. “Teddy is a very busy boy, but also very, VERY clingy. He always wants to be held and loves the boob,” Keira laughs, describing him as a little explorer who’s always into something. "We call him ‘Inspector Ted’ because he always wants to investigate and know what’s happening. He’s a FOMO baby through and through." It’s no surprise that keeping up with Teddy has its physical tolls—especially with Keira’s petite frame.

Between trips to the local skate park, ice cream dates, and weekends spent at Bunnings, family time for Keira is filled with fun, but also requires a lot of energy. “We love playing in our spacious backyard—whether that’s picnics, riding bikes, or drawing with chalk,” she says. But with a growing, wriggly baby who demands to be held constantly, Keira knew she needed some help.

Discovering the HipSurfer

“I found out about the HipSurfer through word of mouth—my friend bought one and told me about it. I had the tab open for MONTHS! My only regret was not biting the bullet and getting it sooner,” Keira admits. Like many mums, Keira’s body had started to feel the strain of constant carrying. “My arms and hips were so sore, and I could feel my posture suffering. I get sciatica, and the ‘hip popping’ from always holding a baby didn’t help,” she shares.

Keira’s traditional baby carrier worked in the early days, but Teddy was becoming more independent. “He would wiggle into uncomfortable positions and throw off the centre of balance, which would lead to my back hurting,” Keira explains. “He also couldn’t decide if he wanted to be up or down—it was so frustrating with a regular carrier.” The HipSurfer, with its easy up-and-down solution, was the perfect fix for Teddy’s clinginess and Keira’s sore muscles.

The Game-Changer Moment

When Keira first started using the HipSurfer, it was like a lightbulb moment. “Game-changing,” she says emphatically. “I didn’t realise how often I would use it—not just for travelling or getting out and about, but around the house too. The relief on my arms and shoulders was immediate.”

And it wasn’t just Keira who benefitted—Teddy was happier too. “He loves being picked up as much as he likes, and because I wasn’t so sore, we could have longer cuddles without me being in pain.” Keira adds that she started using the HipSurfer when Teddy was around 9 months old, and now, whenever he sees her putting it on, he knows what’s coming. “He kicks his legs in excitement—he’s such a stickybeak, he loves being able to see what I’m doing.”

Top 5 Ways the HipSurfer Has Helped Keira

1. Easy Pick-Up and Put-Down: “Teddy can get up and down as much as he pleases, which is great because he’s always wanting to explore.”

2. Storage: “I love the storage. I don’t need to take much with me when heading into the shops—just the HipSurfer and we’re good to go.”

3. Sharing the Load: “It’s so easy to share with my husband and in-laws—they love how simple it is to put on. No fiddling with buckles or adjusting straps for different sizes.”

4. Less Sweaty on Warmer Days: “Still get hot under the band, but Teddy’s not overheating, and I’m not sweating through my chest. It’s a huge plus!”

5. More Freedom: “I still can’t achieve everything that needs two hands, but I can get a lot more done. Putting on a strappy buckle carrier takes too long and sometimes you just need a little support for a short period of time. It’s just easier keeping him close while he’s so clingy.”

The Best Baby Carrier For Everyday Moments

For Keira, the HipSurfer has become a constant companion. Whether she’s navigating the aisles of the grocery store or helping her husband at his warehouse, the HipSurfer is always by her side. “I’ve even used it for birthday parties, and it’s been a lifesaver on those quick trips to the shops where I just want to get in and out without the hassle,” she shares. It’s also been a huge help when they travel. “Flights, train trips, you name it—it’s just easier.”

Keira also has a few tips for other parents: “Never leave the house without it—you’ll use it so much more than you think. And always keep it stocked up with nappies, wipes, lip balm, and hand sanitiser—you’re ready for anything!”

Best Baby Carrier For Dads and Grandma's

The HipSurfer has quickly become a family favourite in the Spencer household. “My husband finds it very easy to use, and my mother-in-law absolutely loves it. She’s always got a baby on her hip if there’s one to hold, and this has been such a relief for her back and arms,” Keira explains. “She’s an empty nester, so anything that helps her hold her grandbabies close gets her approval.”

What Keira Wants Other Parents to Know

Keira understands why some parents might hesitate to invest in another baby carrier, especially if they already have one. “It’s worth every cent,” she says. “Don’t let having a traditional carrier stop you from getting a HipSurfer—it’s such a different product, and you’ll use it in totally different ways. The HipSurfer will last beyond the baby years and into toddlerhood—and honestly, it’s cheaper than chiro if you’re still on mat leave pay...haha!”

Keira’s story is a testament to how the right tools can make parenting a little bit easier—and a lot more comfortable. If you’re a parent dealing with clingy little ones or simply looking for more freedom in your day-to-day, Keira’s message is clear: “Get the HipSurfer. You won’t regret it.”

For parents who, like Keira, are navigating the ups and downs of raising a busy little one, the HipSurfer could be your next parenting game-changer.

Follow Keira's adventures on Instagram here. Please drop by and share some love.