I highly recommend the Wrap Cross Carry tying method for
maximum security and comfort. Following are some tips
to help you make the most of your wrap when tying in this
position.
Position baby high and snug when on your back.
After you have your fabric wrapped and just before
you tie the ends, try bouncing up and down a little,
pulling the ends snug with each bounce. You should
feel baby move slightly higher on your back with each
pull. Don't be surprised if your baby giggles throughout
the whole experience! IMPORTANT: You should only do
this when baby is secure on your back. Please do not
attempt this if there is a risk of baby falling out
the bottom of your fabric and/or when baby's legs
are not secured in the wrap, such as with a basic
rucksack back carry.
Ensure your fabric is well spread out. Hold
your fabric by the uppermost edges as you wrap. This
will keep your wrap from twisting and bunching, and
will help you get a good spread and the appropriate
tightness. It is much easier to straighten your fabric
as you wrap than it is to spread it after the fact.
Tighten your wrap from the middle rather than
at the ends or edges. Pulling too tightly at the
edges of your wrap can cause them to dig into your
arms and back, making the wrap much less comfortable
than it can be.
Use your knees as extra hands! All that fabric
can seem overwhelming, and you may be wondering how
you can manage to balance baby on your back, wrap
one end of fabric over your shoulder, and keep the
rest of your wrap in place all at the same time. When
an end of fabric is not in use, secure it between
your knees. This extra set of 'hands' can be invaluable!
Tie the knot on your front or side. If you
plan on sitting while wearing your wrap you may appreciate
the absence of the knot digging into your back! Take
some time to experiment with knot placement to see
what works best for you.
Use the pocket wrap cross carry variation. This
version of the carry has the band, or pocket, outside
the wrap rather than inside and is extremely useful
for times when you'll need to keep the wrap on when
baby is not in it. It requires a little more finessing
up front to get the wrap just right, but the extra
work can save you lots of time throughout your day.
Use this version for times when you will have to take
baby in and out of the wrap, when you don't want to
drag the ends of your wrap on the ground in a parking
lot, etc. This carry is especially comfortable with
stretchy wraps.
Mark the center of your wrap. With all that
fabric, it can sometimes take a little time to find
the center of your wrap. Time you may not have when
there's a baby wanting to be cuddled. So save yourself
a little frustration and mark the center. Sew in a
loop of ribbon (which can also be used to dangle baby's
favourite toy), add a tiny mark with thread or a pen,
attach a safety pin… use your imagination!
Use a shoulder flip. Flipping the edge of
your fabric up or down over your shoulder can provide
you with subtle adjustments, help change weight distribution,
provide less arm restriction, or change the look of
your wrap. Try flipping the fabric closest to your
neck down over the cap of your shoulder to tighten
the top edge, or rail, of your wrap. A flip from your
arm up over your shoulder cap will result in less
arm restriction. Experiment to see what works for
you!
Safety Precautions
Remember to use caution and common sense when using
your baby carrier. Always be aware of your baby's position,
and avoid using if your baby is uncooperative and attempting
to get out of the carrier. Never use your carrier while
cooking, driving, or in other potentially dangerous
situations.
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