HowdaHUG® - Sensory And Portable Seat For Kids By Howda Designz

HowdaHUG is a sensory and portable chair for kids. It "feels like a hug" when you sit in a HowdaHUG chair. The HowdaHUG is often used as a device to help a child in school. It can be utilized to support the posture, sharpen concentration, foster classroom tolerance, and strengthen the core by allowing proprioceptive and vestibular input. The benefits of HowdaHUG include enhanced concentration, better focus, less fidgeting, increased eye contact, and calm sitting on the floor or in a chair.

HowdaHUG materials are both safe and environmentally friendly. It is made of renewable American Basswood, the lightest of the hardwoods, and 100% cotton canvas. The HowdaHUG seat includes adjusting straps, and by loosening the straps, it may grow with the child. For smooth rocking, the chair is built with an internal cushion in the hinge where the seat meets the floor.

HowdaHUG comes in three different sizes:

• HowdaHUG (Petite) seat is a wonderful "first chair" for young kids and will help develop good posture. It is specifically made to aid children from the ages of 3 - 5+ years in feeling secure in their surroundings.
• HowdaHUG1 (Large) ensures smooth rocking and cradle-like comfort for a calm and peaceful seating experience. It is designed for children aged 7 - 9+ years.
• HowdaHUG2 (Medium) is narrower to accommodate taller and slender kids ages 5 - 7+ years. Stronger HUG feelings can be created by adjusting the straps.

Parents, teachers, and therapists use and recommend HowdaHUG chairs for children with diagnosed and undiagnosed issues including:

• ADHD
• Down syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Autism Spectrum disorders
• Reactive Attachment Disorder
• Sensory processing disorders
• Low tone, Specific learning disabilities, and more

Benefits of HowdaHUG in classroom

1. Lightweight:

• HowdaHUGs weigh 2 lbs, making them lightweight and convenient for small children to carry with them.

2. Versatile:

• HowdaHUGS can be used on various surfaces. They offer a comfortable method to sit on the floor and allow for both rocking and an upright back support.
• They can be used in a wide range of chairs, including the majority of school chairs. Perfect for beach chairs, theatre seats, and bleachers. It has even seen one used to adapt a sled.

3. Portable:

• Everywhere you travel, HowdaHUGS are simple to roll and carry. They can go from one classroom to the next, on field trips, to restaurants, concerts, therapy sessions, or wherever they are needed.
• They have their own carrying handle when rolled. They can be stored flat, taking up very little space in the house, the car, or the school.

4. Medication-free alternative:

• The HUGs allow for children to move while seated. For many kids, doing some exercise helps them concentrate and think through problems more effectively.
• This seating option supports a non-medication approach to meeting the requirements of kids who benefit from movement during the school day.

5. Visually appealing:

• HowdaHUGs come in bright primary colors. The Petite seat is available in all red or all cobalt blue.
• The HUG 1 and HUG2 have a combination of red, blue or purple, and yellow or our new 2018 calming colors, natural, olive green, and cobalt blue.

6. Durable:

• American basswood and durable cotton canvas are the materials used to create our HowdaHUGS Basswood is hardwood. The chairs are made from a blend of materials that makes them both light and strong.
• Additionally, the bottom hinge of the HUG and HUG2 has an additional layer of reinforcing vinyl to allow for the strong rocking that some kids require.

• The manufacturer uses materials that are environmentally safe. The canvas is 100% cotton and may, over time and with heavy usage, wear. The manufacturer do not replace canvas worn from heavy usage.
• The opportunity to return a product for Replacement of canvas, wood or straps is dependent on the review of the seat.

• The manufacturer stands behind their products and the policy of Return for Repair or Replacement under certain circumstances of need.
• If a product is damaged in production or transit it may be returned for replacement.
• The manufacturer uses materials that are environmentally safe. The canvas is 100% cotton and may, over time and with heavy usage, wear.
• The manufacturer do not replace canvas worn from heavy usage.
• The opportunity to return a product for Replacement of canvas, wood or straps is dependent on the review of the seat. Please send a photo or return the product for review. Exchange of sizes possible.

Q. Do the slats come out? And can they be removed?
A.

• No, the slats cannot be removed. The slats are made from 100% American basswood which is always smooth and the lightest of the hardwoods, ideal for supporting weight.
• Please note that the HowdaHUGs for children are environmentally safe seats. The wood is not sealed to keep from using poly urethane.

Q. What is the Red, Yellow and Blue material that goes over the slates made of?
A. The material that goes over the slats is 100% cotton canvas

Q. Can the slats and the canvas of the HowdaHUG or HowdaSeat be cleaned?
A. Yes, here are some options for cleaning the wood slats:

• White vinegar is good for removing fingerprints, grime and general dirt. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar into a spray bottle containing a few ounces of water, then squirt the solution onto the affected area, wiping away with a damp cloth. Wipe the cleaned area with a dry cloth.
• A squirt or two of natural dish soap mixed with lukewarm water in serves as a mild cleaner for the wood. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and wring most of the liquid out so the cloth is only damp. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth.
• Using a small amount of detergent and water, wipe canvas, brush off and let dry, preferably outdoors or in a warm area.
• Note: Do not wrap the HowdaHUG inside plastic bags and leave them outside or in any area where there is moisture. Moisture will gather inside the bag and the seat and canvas may mold. If that happens, use a small amount of bleach, watered down, and dab the seat and leave to dry.

Q. How tight should the straps be?
A. It varies per child. Some children love them pulled tight allowing them to have more hug embrace or to sit in a "cone V" while in circle time. It's amazing how helpful it can be but tightening them should be the teacher doing it, as they straps are purposefully hard to tighten or loosen so there's less fidget activity. They are also D-rings that are made not to release, like the adult seats so, for the same reason.

Q. How is it set up in a chair? (they reported the classroom chair he has is very small, so I think it just doesn�t fit, but wanted to check if there are specific instructions for this).
A. School chairs are all different and some, like this small one you have described, may mean the HUG seat will not fit well. However children who are a little older will be able to adapt the HowdaHUG to their larger chair and it works best if the HUG seat is pulled a little away from the back of the chair so that the child is fully embraced by the slats of the HowdaHUG and not flat against the chair. Also putting a small box or book on the floor for the feet is excellent.

Q. Can the HowdaHUG accommodate my child's growth?
A. Yes, the HowdaHUG features adjustable side straps that can be loosened to provide a more relaxed fit as your child grows.

Q. Is the HowdaHUG suitable for children with sensory processing disorders?
A. Absolutely. The HowdaHUG is recommended by parents, teachers, and therapists for children with diagnosed and undiagnosed sensory issues, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and sensory processing disorders.

Q. Can the HowdaHUG be used on different seating surfaces?
A. Yes, the HowdaHUG is versatile and can be used on various surfaces, including floors, chairs, bleachers, and even sleds.

Q. Is the HowdaHUG portable for use in different settings?
A. Yes, the HowdaHUG is lightweight (approximately 2 lbs) and can be rolled up for easy transport. It comes with a carrying handle, making it convenient to take to school, therapy sessions, restaurants, or any other location.

Q. Can it help build core strength or posture in kids with developmental delays?
A. Yes, since the child is encouraged to sit upright, it promotes better core activation and posture without being rigid or restrictive.

Q. Will it slide or shift around when my child moves?
A. The adjustable straps help keep the seat in place, but on very smooth or uneven surfaces, it might need minor adjustments.

Q. How small does it fold up, and will it fit into a school bag or carry-on?
A. It rolls into a compact, cylinder-like shape, around 3�4 inches thick when rolled, and fits easily into a tote, backpack, or carry-on luggage.