Thoughts on recent Huckleberry app charges?

[BabyJackson]

I've been using the Huckleberry app to track my 3 month old DD sleep, which is wild and unpredictable, since she was 2 months old. It has been a life safer as a FTM because I'm so tired and anxious most of the time it just helps to have a log of what I've done to take care of her.

It has helped with keeping track on how much sleep she ACTUALLY gets too, rather than what my tired mind thinks she had... The sweet spot function also helped me when I wasn't sure if she was crying for food or a nap.

They now charge for the sweetspot aspect. I find this annoying because its an algorithm and so the science and effort to get it to work has already been done, they must have funded it through the sleep consultant charges... To charge for it after so long is just a kick in the teeth I think.

You know I would pay if I could afford to but my DP lost his job in covid and has found another but with reduced hours... I'm also on reduced mat leave pay so times are tough financially.

Anyway, I'm just ranting because sleep dep is a tricky sausage to digest so it frustrates me that this has happened. Posting on here as this is where I found a recommendation to use the app a few months back. Do you think the new charges are reasonable?

From a frazzled Huffleberry xx

How much is the app, how much are they charging?

But yes in general I would agree as the developers make apps to make money .

Hey OP, I used Huckleberry for my first baby. Used sweet spot recommendations religiously. My second baby is 8 weeks old. I just re-downloaded it today, and was gutted to discover they are now charging for it. So frustrating...
I really don't know how I can justify £9 a month when I can find age appropriate awake windows online. But it really helped me remember when baby was last asleep when I'm so sleep deprived I can barely remember what day it is!

It’s a total pain in the arse. I used it with DC2, but nowhere near all the functionality, just the sleep so I could get the SweetSpot.

I’ve reluctantly bought it with DC3, who’s 4 months, because I know their sleep will get more predictable in a few months. So I’m viewing it as a temporary thing. The other thing is they do a customised sleep schedule for you, which was interesting. Not madly helpful because it does change so often, but you can get a new one every month; you just have to send over a sample of logs.

I do think it's reasonable for them to charge because it's a useful service, and the developers took on a risk not knowing whether their work would pay off.

That belong said, I was really annoyed when the Sweet Spot disappeared and felt a bit adrift. It was scarily accurate for DD, and it was nice not to have to calculate the next naptime in my head. But I can't really justify the upgrade fee as DD's sleep has somewhat settled down. Hope the same happens for you soon!

Thanks for replying everyone. Makes me feel a little less alone in my gut reaction to the change.

I do respect that the company needs to make money to survive but they haven't needed the revenue from the sweetspot functionality since they started the app. Assuming they do take money from the sleep consultant services they offer then surely thats worth increasing charges on instead. If they don't then that sucks for them but don't punish us sleep deprived folk. Hire better sleep consultants!

The app developers openly say they created the sweetspot function to help struggling mums. The technology and effort behind the sweetspot thing is what made it stand out and trust them... Wow I really have got my nickers in a twist about this haven't I 😂

Anyway, I'm mainly annoyed because I'm tired and my beautiful DD has me so tired I genuinely poor milk in the coffee pot at least 3 times a week. Have to buy coffee at Lidl now as keep wasting so much!

Partner lost their job due to covid. Has another sorted but is reduced hours so reduced household income... this is why I be ranting about the charges on the app.

Anyway, life is good generally so I shall calm myself. Sleep tracking babies is intense. I've applied for their hardship thing they advertised so I shall update if they get back to my application.

Xx

Oh and as an aside... I'm writing as my DD sleeps finally after 2 hours of hand holding in one hand, with one eye closed (she peeks to see if you're awake and won't sleep if eyes not closed too - so hard not to giggle during this bit), and dummy balancing. Oh and some part of my skin has to be touching her. Until she is deeply asleep then I can slowly remove each comfort and commando roll out of her next to me into my bed beside her... in theory. I did this an hour ago then she wanted a top up feed. Cheeky lamb. She's pretty settled now so I think I will sign off friends.

I don't even know why I'm still posting as I'm so tired. Good luck everyone who has a baby who likes to tease us with sleep only to arise in wild grunts a few hours into the night!!

Wow. They unexpectedly accepted my application for hardship at Huckleberry!!

It was really simple to apply in the app and I didn't feel they intruded my personal situation to come to their decision.

There is an option to donate a little or a lot, one off, but you don't have to. I ended up donating a little because of this option.

Just sharing update in case anyone wanted to apply but didn't know if it was a real offer...

OP, thank you so much for highlighting this offer. Both myself and my husband have been made redundant over the last year so all help is welcomed