Wearing Info
Getting used to babywearing takes time, practice and patience. Experiment with the different holds to find one that best suits you and your baby. As your baby grows, your favorite position will most likely change, so keep trying new ones. Most of all have fun and get ready for all the advantages of wearing your baby!
With all positions, start by putting the carrier over your shoulder, with the clamp to the front at shoulder blade level and the loop of webbing at the back. The pad should cover your shoulder and may extend past it a bit.
- The carrier should not rest on your neck. It should cap your shoulder and lay diagonally across your body to rest on the opposite hip. Align the seam above the clamp with the top of your shoulder, so that the fabric can fan out across your shoulder to distribute the weight.
- Once baby is in, to tighten the carrier, support your baby with one hand, release the clamp and pull the tail with the other hand until baby is secure and comfortable, then close the clamp. Do not remove supporting hand until clamp is fully closed.
- To adjust for shoulder comfort, notice how the webbing strap separates from the shoulder pad. Use this feature to reposition the webbing strap to the outside of your shoulder so that the weight is even better distributed. Readjust as needed to maintain comfort.
- To remove the carrier, support baby with one hand, release the clamp and pull the tail so the opening is larger. Slip the carrier over your head while continuing to support your baby.
- Adjust the side rails by tightening or loosening the rail tails, depending on the type of carry used, for a secure and comfortable fit.
- For comfort, wear your baby at the same level as you would normally hold him without the carrier. See photos on the carries described below.
Cradle Carry: Good for newborns and nursing. With the carrier in the start position, spread the fabric wide to create a pouch. Holding baby securely with one hand, place her in the pocket with her head away from the shoulder pad. Be sure she is level or upright slightly. When you are sure baby is secure, move your hand to support her from the outside of the carrier. Adjust the sides for a comfortable, secure fit. From this position you can spread the carrier wider so that it acts as a cover for nursing.
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Upright Cradle Carry: Good for newborns and older babies. Follow directions for the Cradle Carry, but place the baby in the carrier with his head toward the shoulder pad in a more upright position. Again, adjust sides for a comfortable, secure fit.
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Facing-In (belly-to-belly) Good for newborns and older babies. With the carrier in the start position, adjust the bottom side smaller to create a "seat" for your baby. Slip your baby against your chest, facing in at shoulder height (like you would hold her to burp), between you and the carrier. Holding baby securely with one hand, place her seated in the pocket with her legs outside the bottom of the carrier. When you are sure baby is secure, move your hand to support her from the outside of the carrier and adjust the top side so baby is secure. For younger babies with less head control, the carrier should cover the shoulders. For older babies, it is important the carrier rest at least shoulder blade height for proper support.
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Kangaroo and Side Carries: Good for babies from 3-6 months with head control. With the carrier in the start position, spread the fabric wide to create a pouch (as in the Cradle Carry). Slip your baby against your chest, facing out between you and the carrier. Holding baby securely with one hand, place him seated in the carrier with his feet crossed in front, or in the case of side-carry, turn your baby with legs out to one side, sitting-up (good for older babies). When you are sure baby is secure, move your hand to support him from the outside of the carrier and adjust the sides so baby is secure and comfortable. For proper support, both sides of the carrier should come to baby's chest or shoulder, depending on the carry.
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Hip Carry: Good for babies from 4 months and up with head control. With the carrier in the start position, adjust the bottom side in to create a comfortable "seat" for your baby (be sure not to adjust too tightly on baby's legs). Slip your baby into the carrier so she rests on your hip. Be sure bottom side rests at least mid-thigh, closer to baby's knee. Bring the top side at least as high as baby's shoulder blades and adjust top rail for security and comfort. You can bring the top side above baby's shoulders for added safety when you need it.
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