I know some people don't like the HAB and I actually like the look of the Close Carrier, too. I don't think it was available when I had DD.

I loved the simplicity of the HAB (it's basically just one long piece of fabric and it is really easy to make your own quite cheaply). For me, it only took 1 try to get the hang of the wrapping. It comes with great DVD instructions. And once you get it, it's really quick. But with any carrier, I would suggest familiarising yourself with how to put it on and how to put baby in befor you have a hysterically crying baby on your hands.

The Close Carrier definitely seems easier to put on while out and about. It's a really clever design. The HAB drags on the floor while you wrap it. So not ideal while in a car park. So I usually just used to put it on before leaving the house and then when getting to the destination, I'd put DD in it.

From the looks of it, baby is in the exact same position in both carriers. It just comes down to what you prefer for yourself. I'm really biased towards the Hug A Bub as it saved my sanity when i had DD. But if I had had a Close Carrier for her, I think I would be just as biased towards that
Actually, I was thinking the other days that it is such a shamee that I won't be carrying a newborn in a Hug A Bub ever again unless I save it for DD to use for her children