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frequently asked questions
| How easy is the hug-a-bub® to put on?
| Does it put pressure on my baby’s spine like other front pouches?
| How often should I wear my baby?
| When can my baby face outward?
| What can I do if my baby feels restricted?
| How do I take my baby out?
| Is it suitable for my premie?
| Up to what age / weight can I carry my baby in a hug-a-bub®?
| What kind of head support does it offer?
| Is a hug-a-bub® washable?
| Will the hug-a-bub® fade?
| Does hug-a-bub® meet safety standards?
| Isn’t it too hot in summer?
How easy is the hug-a-bub® to put on?
While the hug-a-bub® may look complicated to use, it is actually as simple as tying your shoelaces. It does take a little extra time to put on than a side sling; but those few extra seconds pay off with hours of comfortable baby carrying. We liken the hug-a-bub® to a hiking boot. It may take longer to put on than a sandal but you wouldn’t want to be wearing sandals walking up a mountain!
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Does it put pressure on my baby’s spine like other front pouches?
In many other ‘pouches’, a baby sits upright with all their body weight on their soft and developing spine, which may cause compression of the vertebrae. Unlike a front pouch, the hug-a-bub® does not place your baby’s coccyx in a load bearing position. Instead, your baby’s weight is drawn in towards your torso, eliminating pressure on their vertebrae. The hug-a-bub® has been thoroughly tested and is recommended by Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Physiotherapists.
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How often should I wear my baby?
Around the world, in many countries, babies are carried constantly while their mothers continue about their normal daily routines with no detriment to the baby. They report that it makes their babies happier and their lives easier. Research shows that babies benefit physically, intellectually and emotionally from being held. Let your baby be your guide, he will let you know when he wants up and when he wants down. There is no such thing as holding a baby too much as long as you are both happy to do so.
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When can my baby face outward?
As soon as babies are able to hold their head up themselves (usually around 3-4 months) you can place them in the face outward position ('on the go'). Some babies are so interested in the world around them that they love this position. Others may enjoy it for short periods of time when out and about but prefer to have visual contact with mum or dad.
The hug-a-bub® is always tied the same way, the only difference is that you need to tie it a little more firmly for this position, as your baby’s weight moves slightly away from you, stretching the fabric more than usual.
The koala cuddle position is a great alternative to ’on the go’ for older babies. It allows their upper body to be free to twist and turn, to look at what ever takes their fancy, while still having visual access to you. If they fall asleep, you can tuck their arms back under the straps.
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What can I do if my baby feels restricted?
If your baby feels restricted, try leaving one or both arms out of the straps at first. Wait until your baby relaxes before using the head support and wherever possible go for a short walk to settle them into it. For older babies try either the face out position or the Koala cuddle (face in, arms free)
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How do I take my baby out?
You simply part the front wraps that are over your baby’s body, place your hands under their armpits and lift them directly upwards. The baby is always taken out of the hug-a-bub® before you take it off. The hug-a-bub can be left on until the next time you want to put them in again.
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Is it suitable for my premie?
The hug-a-bub® is perfect for premature infants because it is tied to fit your baby, no matter how tiny or large! In a hug-a-bub® a ‘premie’ baby can be carried either upright with their head supported against the parents chest or in a laying position (called 'peapod') with absolutely no risk of the baby falling out. The hug-a-bub® can be worn under a shirt to provide skin-to skin contact as recommended with Kangaroo care. The hug-a-bub® is currently being used in Neo-natal Intensive Care Units throughout Australia.
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Up to what age / weight can I carry my baby in a hug-a-bub®?
There is no weight or age limit for the hug-a-bub because our carrier draws your child’s weight into your body rather than dragging from your shoulders. While it is still comfortable to carry a 2 year old child in a hug-a-bub® it was designed to allow parents to carry children for longer episodes of time. Most babies over the age of 1 and a 1/2 years no longer desire to be carried as much, so wearing periods tend to be shorter and less frequent. While the hug-a-bub® is most useful from birth until around 1 year, it remains comfortable for use way beyond this age. Keep your hug-a-bub® handy though for the times when your older child may be ill and clingy, wanting to be held a lot. You will be amazed how comfortable it can be even with a 3 year old.
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What kind of head support does it offer?
hug-a-bub® is the only carrier we know of that actually supports a baby’s head against your body in the same way as your hand cradles their head when you are carrying them close. Most carriers do not support the head but simply stop it from being able to drop backwards. The hug-a-bub® offers complete support for newborn or sleeping baby’s head and neck using the soft, wide shoulder wraps.
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Is a hug-a-bub® washable?
The hug-a-bub® is made from 100% cotton and can be treated in the same way you would a T-shirt. It can be thrown in the wash and dryer regularly. Colours will fade less when dried out of direct sunlight.
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Will the hug-a-bub® fade?
hug-a-bub® fabrics are colourfast and can be washed in the washing machine as mentioned above. However with all 100% cotton t-shirt fabrics, fading will occur on darker colours from the sun and daylight. To achieve a higher fade resistant cloth we must use a fabric with synthetic fibres. We believe, as health professionals do, it is more important to have natural fibres against your baby’s skin that it is to have a fabric that will fade less. We hope that you agree. If fading is not desirable for you, we suggest you select a lighter colour where fading will be considerably less.
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Does hug-a-bub® meet safety standards?
hug-a-bub® has been tested and approved by strict EU Safety Standards. Although there are no official safety standards currently available for baby carriers at this time, hug-a-bub is applauded by physiotherapists, childcare professionals, midwives, occupational therapists and is used in special care nurseries in hospitals. When worn correctly a baby cannot fall out of a hug-a-bub® and there are no clips and buckles to break, pinch or chaff babies’ sensitive skin.
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Isn’t it too hot in summer?
On hot days most of us do not relish the idea of having a hot sweaty baby wrapped to our body, but the hug-a-bub is deceptively comfortable even in summer. The fabric is no different to a T-shirt. It breathes and can be adjusted to cover less of your body and allow for air flow. During hot summer months you may find you use your hug-a-bub® more frequently indoors, in the mornings and evenings. We recommend the wearing of cool, natural fibre clothing for both you and your baby.
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