Product Review: Hug-a-bub Baby Carrier

I always knew that one of these would join the family sling library I had promised to create for my children to use as parents. As Kaitlyn was first cab off the rank, she got to choose her beloved green, this time in the form of Pistachio and I opted for my preferred organic in the style with a pocket. We bought it on-line prior to Charlie's birth.

Every time I ran a Slings and Things event at the Breastfeeding Centre, the overwhelming response from mums was start with a Hug-a-Bub for the first four to six months. Even just that few years ago, there were very few optimal carriers in the market bordering on mainstream and these held their place.

So - a lot to live up to!

And it did.

The Hug-a-Bub quickly became the go to carrier in Charlie's first few months.

Without realising it, tucking her head inside the band of fabric became a sleep trigger that works in any wrap or carrier even now she is older!

The cocoon-like environment of the Hug-a-Bub meant Charlie was fully supported and cosy against whoever was wearing her.

 

Learning to use the Hug-a-Bub can be a little daunting - indeed, pregnant Kaitlyn wasn't even sure she would like it! But the DVD tutorial is easy to follow and soon it becomes a simple technique.

Kaitlyn and Melissa turned heads when a baby-switch at the library became a lesson, though the staff member who offered to assist was disappointed when it turned out they didn't need an extra pair of hands to hold the baby!

   

The Hug-a-Bub is definitely a young baby carrier - as Charlie has gotten older and heavier, it isn't as suitable for longer carries. However, recently we loaned it to a friend whose premmie daughter needed some extra skin2skin to get breastfeeding going once she left hospital. The Hugabub is so soft and cosy, it is perfect for this and mums can even wear their baby without a bra or shirt, ideal for kangaroo care too!

Precious cargo

I have found the Hug-a-Bub easy to use and without any strain on my back, neck or shoulders. I quickly worked out the technique and could put it on quickly when I was settling Charlie. I love the way she snuggles against my chest and falls asleep and the first time I cared for her when Kaitlyn was out for a short time, she quickly did so and stayed that way for a full sleep cycle.

Caring for the  Hug-a-Bub is easy and the way it folds up, with the pocket flipping through to become a carry pouch makes it easy to take along outside the house. I love that the product is produced in India by a Fairtrade certified company and that there is an organic cotton option. After 16 years on the market, this Australian product (Hug-a-Bub are based in Byron Bay) has stood the test of time. 

We love our Hug-a-Bub and it has earned a permanent place in our family sling library :)

I am also thrilled that Hug-a-Bub are supporting the babywearing community by donating both a wrap and ring sling to our Mornington Peninsula Babywearing Group. Trying different carriers at sling-meets is important for parents to not only find out which best suits their needs but also to be sure they are wearing it safely and correctly. 

And for those wanting to buy their own, they have also offered readers a special offer:

Simply enter this code GDU20 when you place any single-product order over $99 and get a 20% discount! (Does not apply to bundle orders) http://www.hugabub.com/