Wearing a stretchy wrap involves tying the wrap securely around your body first, and then carefully placing your baby inside the layers of fabric for a snug and comfortable fit.
Getting Baby into Your Stretchy Wrap
Once you have tied your stretchy wrap (commonly in a pre-tied carry like the Pocket Wrap Cross Carry), the next crucial step is positioning your baby correctly within the layers of fabric.
Placing Your Baby
Bring your baby up to your chest and guide their legs through the fabric passes. Ensure your baby is seated deeply in the pouch created by the wrap.
- Proper Positioning: Your baby's ribcage should be snug against your chest, and their chin should be up. This helps maintain an open airway and keeps them secure. Aim for a position where you can easily see your baby's face and kiss their forehead.
Adjusting the Fabric Passes
After placing your baby, you will need to adjust the individual fabric passes covering their back and bottom.
- Spreading the Fabric: Spread each pass one by one, kneepit to kneepit. This means pulling the fabric wide so it covers your baby from one knee pit across their back and down to the other knee pit. This wide spread provides optimal support for their hips and spine in an ergonomic M-shape position.
- Preventing Slump: Spreading the fabric kneepit to kneepit (this avoids sideways slump), keeping your baby upright and centered.
Ensuring Safety and Comfort
Safety is paramount when babywearing. Always ensure your baby has a clear airway and is well-supported.
- Clear Airway: Ensure there is no fabric over your baby's face; fold the fabric out of the way, especially near their nose and mouth. You should always be able to see your baby's face.
- Neck Support: While keeping the face clear, ensure each pass still comes up to the neck or at least the base of the skull for head and neck support, particularly important for newborns or sleeping babies.
- Check Tightness: The wrap should be tight enough to support your baby securely against you without being restrictive. If the wrap feels too loose, your baby might slump down.
By following these steps for placing and adjusting your baby, you can achieve a safe, comfortable, and supportive carry with your stretchy wrap.
