New to HAB - help!!!

[jemima]

Hi all

I am new to the world of HABs and just have a few questions for all the HAB users out there.

(Just to set the scene I have a newborn).

When wearing the HAB does the pocket sit tight over the baby or is it slightly loose?

How high up should the baby sit on your chest?

I sometimes think that she looks really uncomfortable in it as her head/neck looks to be at an odd angle - sort of bent right over.

Do you put both front straps over the babys head to keep her in place or should only one strap sit over her head area?

I know my descriptions arent all the great LOL so I hope you kind of get what I am saying!!

TIA
Jem

[Naomi]

Hi Jemima, it took me a while to get used to the HAB and the position that felt right for us, i must have watched the dvd 100 times LOL

I used to have the pocket tight so that baby felt secure and as if he was being cuddled the whole time, if we were out in public i would have both straps over his head because people would stop me and want to chat for ages otherwise.
I used to make sure his head was just above my boobs

I hope this helps

[~Saram~]

Hi, it is best to keep it firm and the best way to do it is to pull down on the straps over your shoulder. You can adjust how high they sit by adjusting how high up you tie the knot (does that make sense) I like DD to sit high as when she sits low her legs get in the way.

I know what you mean about the weird head angle I would generally tuck her head under one strap to keep it upright but the great thing with the HAB is that you can pull and adjust as you need to. if you check out mamatoto I think it is or mamatogo you can see some great illustrations and ideas for wrapping

[jemima]

Thanks heaps Naomi and Sarah - your tips are very helpful. I guess practice makes perfect so I will keep watching the DVD as well as putting the HAB on and taking it off many times LOL.

Take care
Jem

[Cherie]

I still find that the pocket is ever so slightly loose when I've got Jambin in the HAB, and it's been tht way since he was a newborn. The underneath crossover straps are always very firm and snug though, so I've never worried too much about it.

I position him so that his head is above my boobs - usually the top of his head is an inch or two below my chin. Any higher and I tend to bump his soft spot with my chin.

Jambin's head used to lol backwards too - I used to either put one of the straps over his head (I never did both, he always tilts to one side, so one strap was enough), or I'd hold his head with my hand to stop it bouncing around if I was walking. I find now that he's older (nearly 4 months) his head doesn't need support from either the strap or my hand. If your baby is uncomfy, they'll let you know!! If they're sleeping peacefully, then I always think they're probably not too uncomfy

HTH

[Danni]

great ideas here. Everytime I use it, I reckon Mason is in a different position, but he never seems to mind!

At the moment, his feet sit right in front of my thighs so everytime i walk his feet/legs start swinging! Should I put him higher?

[lyric]

It took us a while to get the right position too. I always find that higher is better, more secure and more comfortable, so I aim to have her head up at my collar bone, almost shoulder height. I watched the DVD a lot too, and that's how high she has the baby in the heart-to-heart carry.

Remember the fabric will relax a bit too as you are wearing it, so if you start off as high and tight as you can, it will loosen up a bit anyway.

[Michelle71]

I wear Oscar high on my chest so the weight is mainly on my upper back. Any lower and the weight is taken by my lower back and I can't use it for as long. The pocket is usually firm but as he has got a little bigger it has been a little looser. I have one side supporting his head if it is turned to the side or my hand if he is facing me. I cover with both sides when he is asleep outside or if I am using it as a settling tool and want the dark.