I used the HAB for my DD from birth to around 18 mths. Didn't use it much after 10 mths when she found her legs! I found the advantage of the HAB was that when she was tiny she would face inwards and be wrapped so closely it was like being in the womb. When she was a bit older I'd face her outwards and that's the only position we ever used from then on. She loved both. The outwards facing one is much like the other carriers you mentioned and didn't 'hug' her much.