This is my first of several posts on how to actually use the wrap. If you buy a wrap from my store, it comes with instructions on your basic carries. However, the beauty of woven wraps is the great variety of carries that grow with you and baby and allow you to always have the perfect carry for each situation.
Now, I will tell you that when you first see the step-by-step you may think this is hard. It does take some practice to do it fast and achieve the perfect fit everytime. I will also tell you that even if it took you 10 minutes to tie your wrap everytime (which it won't, I now do it in less than 5) it would still be worth it for the hours of comfortable wearing that you get out of it.
I am still learning myself and have only tried some of the carries that are suitable for my baby who's only 2 months old (i.e carries that provide good back and head support). As he grows I will try different things and continue to post them here.
This is one of the first carries I mastered and still the one I use the most and can count on baby sleeping everytime. It is called the Front Wrap Cross.
First, find (roughly) the center of the wrap. The easiest is to always fold the wrap starting with a half fold lenghtwise so when you unfold you know that the last fold is the center. However, I find myself unwrapping baby and leaving the wrap in a bunch until I use it next time so the other way I figured to locate the center is to hold the wrap up and adjust until I find both sides dangling down are about the same size. For reference, I'm about 5"1' and my wrap is a size small, recommended for up to 5"4', so this should not be hard to do even if you're short.
Holding baby against your chest (it may help to lean back just a little) lay the center of the wrap over baby's back (hold the wrap under your arms). You can keep baby's arms and legs (in a froggy position) inside like in the first picture with a younger baby. It's important to keep arms in if head support is needed. As baby gets older you can have one of both out like in the second picture. That's how I wrap my baby now.
Bring your left arm behind your back to grab the end hanging on your right to bring it over your left shoulder.
Repeat on the other side.
Make sure you hold the fabric flat and not bunched up or twisted. This will form the widest possible "X" on your back for ultimate support and carrying comfort.
Bring the piece of fabric hanging from your right shoulder under baby's left leg. Bring the fabric from your left shoulder under baby's right leg.
You should now have a wide seat under baby's bottom and if you have the desired snug fit, holding the ends now holds baby securely. It is important that baby's leg are spread so that knees are slightly higher than bottom. This is to ensure proper spine support and hip alignment.
Bring both ends behind your back and tie a double knot.
Done! Enjoy some snuggle time with your baby!
Baby's arms can be inside (for newborns) or out (for older babies with head control). You should also spread the fabric over baby's head for more support for newborns or a quieter place to sleep for an older baby. Tiago now enjoys the configuration in the second picture with arms outside and some fabric over his head for support when he sleeps and also so I can have my hands free and not worry about his head bobbling.
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