Hug-a-bub Baby Carrier review

The sling was designed by babywearing mums Susanne and Tania to make it more convenient to wear your baby as you go, than to continually stop what you are doing to push the pram or bounce the bouncer.

The wrap-around, soft cotton baby sling, holds your baby close to your heart and the unique wrap method distributes your baby’s weight inwardly throughout your torso rather than dragging from your shoulder muscles. It also reduces compression of your baby’s spine, a concern which is often associated with many front pouch carriers.

What we love

One friend told me hug-a-bubs equal ‘instant sleep’ – music to the ears of a new mum. I used a conventional baby carrier for my first son Finn but for my second baby Noah I got hold of a hug-a-bub, and she was right.

I’m no earth mother so baby wearing slings hadn’t been top of my to-buy list, but the moment I put him into the carrier he dropped straight to sleep and was held so securely that I really could do anything – even bend over and empty the washing machine.

It also meant on the hectic nights I had to get both a newborn and a two and a half year old into bed on my own I could just pop Noah into the hug-a-bub and complete Finn’s bath/book/bedtime routine while he snoozed on my chest.

The weight distribution is really clever – you never get aching shoulders as you do with most baby carriers with shoulder straps. And if you do feel one part of the sling digging in a little you can just spread out the fabric.

What to watch out for

There’s no getting around the fact that it is fiddly to tie. I liked to have it in the buggy every time I took Noah out just in case he got cranky. But the yards of fabric seem to take a long time to get into the right position when Noah let rip in Tescos. Sometimes I even went out with it tied up and ready to go, underneath my coat, just in case. A bulky and uncomfortable solution.

As Noah got older, more sturdy and less sleepy, I traded my hug-a-bub for a conventional carrier again, just for ease of putting on – but I have to say it’s definitely harder on the shoulders.

Who is the Hug-a-bub best for?

Busy new mums who want to give their babies all the comfort and cuddles they demand.

MadeForMums verdict

The Hug-a-bub is a great carrier and a real lifesaver in the early weeks when screaming baby can be instantly calmed by nestling down inside the soft cotton material. It’s a bit of a faff to tie but the colours are cool and once you get the hang of it baby wearing is really great.