To wear the pouch on your left shoulder: Hold the pouch with the curved end at the bottom and the opening towards the right. Put your right arm and head through the loop so the fabric spreads like a sash over your left shoulder to evenly distribute the baby's weight. The layers of fabric form a pouch in front of you. To wear your pouch on your right shoulder, reverse these instructions.
General techniques
Newborn cradle carry
Choose your carrying position according to your child's age, level of head and body control and preference. Put the pouch on with the seam where you want the baby's back to be. Open the fabric layers and put the child feet first into the pouch in the position you choose with their body along the seam. Always support your child's weight when putting them in the pouch until you are certain they are securely in the pouch.
Cradle Carry
Cradle carry
Nursing Hold (head opposite the higher shoulder)
The cradle carry is recommended for newborns, at least until they can support their head well. Put the seam to the side and gently slide your baby in horizontally. With a very young baby you may wish to place a folded receiving blanket in the bottom of the pouch. As your baby gets bigger use the seam in the middle for a more spacious "cradle."
Tummy-to-Tummy Carry
Tummy-to-Tummy Carry
Buddha carry
For the tummy-to-tummy carry, make sure the seam is basically in the middle of your body. Guide the feet of the baby straight down into the pouch. Some babies will automatically fold their legs under their bottom. You can help by reaching in from underneath with your left hand. This carry can be used with young babies if they have fairly good head control.
Buddha Carry
As babies get a little older and more curious they may enjoy the buddha carry. Again with the seam in the middle of your body, with your baby facing away from you, cross their feet and slide them into the pouch in a sitting position.
Hip Carry
Hip Carry
Half shoulder flip. Fold back the top layer of fabric on the shoulder to bring your child in closer to your body, giving more support behind the baby's back.
The hip carry is convenient and comfortable for carrying your toddler because it allows you to rest much of the child's weight on your hip. Put the seam almost all the way to the side of your body. You can either put the baby in the pocket of the pouch with feet enclosed in the fabric on either side of your body or seat the toddler with feet hanging out the bottom on either side of you. A restless child will be more secure if you pull the fabric up around their arms. If your pouch has padded edges you may wish to wear it with the padding to the left so that it ends up under your toddler's outstretched legs.
Back Carry
Hip Carry
Back carry
This carry should only be used with a child older than 15 months with good head and back control. Begin by placing the child in the hip carry. Bend forward a bit and carefully slide the child around to your back. Spread the fabric up to your child's armpits. Do not attempt this carry with an uncooperative child.
Always check your sling for wear and tear before use. Do not use the sling with an uncooperative child; it is possible for a child to climb out of a sling. Use common sense when choosing what activities to do while carrying your child. Put an arm around your child when bending over.
