How To Use A Babywrap

how to use a babywrap

Women from Africa and Asia have used baby wraps to carry their babies on their backs for centuries. Transporting babies close to your body in a sling or carrier was coined babywearing in the ‘80s. The Western world adapted the traditional wrap carriers by creating various slings, and baby wraps to carry babies.   

Baby wraps come in different fabrics, shapes, and sizes. Parents may carry their babies in a wrap, a sling, or carrier on their back or front. In this article, we show parents how to use a baby wrap. 

For Beginning Baby Wrappers

If you are new to the babywearing experience and don’t know where to start, we suggest you follow the simple instructions on how to use the Front Wrap Cross Carry method. It is an easy method to learn and keeps your baby securely snuggled against your body.

Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC) Step-By-Step Instructions

  • Step One: Center the baby wrap at your chest. Start from under your arms and not from your waist. The baby must be at kissable height when done. 
  • Step Two: Bring each side of the wrap under your arm to your back and over the opposite shoulder. The two wrap ends are now hanging, one each over a shoulder.
  • Step Three: Pick up your baby. Hold your baby in a burp position. Slide the baby between the wrap piece and your body. Your baby is facing you.
  • Step Four: Spread the wrap evenly across the baby’s back and body. Make sure the baby’s legs, from knee pit to the feet, are outside the wrap. The baby’s head should also be clear.
  • Step Five: Now tighten the wrap around the baby, creating a seat under the baby’s bottom. Pull the wrap ends that’s hanging over your shoulder until the baby is snug. By pulling the ends upwards and not forward, less friction occurs, and you remove all the slack in the baby wrap.
  • Step Six: Continue to pull each end until the seat is formed under the baby. Hands-free, the wrap’s bottom should securely hold your baby without the baby budging or the wrap sagging.
  • Step Seven: Now, create the X across the baby’s back by pulling the end from your right shoulder over the baby’s body under the baby’s right leg under your opposite arms to your back. Do the same with the end hanging over your left shoulder.
  • Step Eight: Tie a double knot at your back.

If you have wrapped correctly, the test is if the baby is at a kissable height, the baby wrap supports the baby without you holding the baby, and the baby is happy and comfortable.  

What Is A Baby Wrap, Carrier, Wrap Sling, and a Baby Wrap?

How do you know which is the best wrap for baby, newborn, or older kids?

Baby Carrier

A wrap carrier is a soft structure that comes in different styles to carry the baby. A wrap carrier may carry babies from newborn to toddler in various positions: on your back, the hip carry position, or at the front of your body.

A wrap carrier may not always support the newborn baby adequately and could be a luxury for new parents with a limited budget. An alternative to a wrap carrier is the Moby wrap.

How To Moby Wrap a Newborn Kangaroo Style?

The Moby Wrap how to steps start by centering the logo panel (Beluga wrap also has a logo panel) around your navel. Then you cross it at the back the same way the FWCC is explained above. The difference is in the Moby warp forms the kangaroo pocket, and here is how:

  • Tuck the wrap ends under the logo panel section making an X across your chest.
  • Bring the fabric ends to your back to tie a knot; you can also tie the knot at the front or hip. 
  • Find the shoulder panel closest to your body and open it to create a kangaroo pocket for the baby.
  • Slide the baby into the pocket with the baby’s legs in a fetal position and uncovered head. 
  • Spread both shoulder panes of the fabric wrap over the baby.
  • Lastly, pull the logo panel up and over the baby.

Baby Wrap

A baby wrap is a piece of fabric that you use to wrap the baby against your body. The fabric can be stretchy material, woven, or cotton fabric. The Beluga wrap differentiates the label panel from the side panels to make it easy to wrap. The label panel is the wrap panel centered on your body, and each side panel is the shoulder panel.

Stretchy wraps are made from a T-shirt type of fabric. The stretchy baby wrap works best for newborns; it may not be as useful in supporting older babies’ weight. A woven fabric could be better for long term use than other materials.

A baby wrap is the best option for a snug fit; you have more control over how tight it fits around your body and the baby’s body. You can also pack it in the diaper bag when not in use.

Baby Sling

A baby sling is also a piece of fabric like a baby wrap. The difference is that you wrap it around your body and use a sling to connect the wrap panels. It is one of the best options in warm weather. You may use the sling in various ways to carry the baby on your chest, on your back, or your hip.

A sling also has a learning curve like a baby wrap but once mastered; parents may enjoy bonding with their baby so close to their bodies. Make sure you tie the sling correctly to avoid the ring from digging into your shoulder, causing bruising and skin irritation.

Back Wrap Cross Carry How-To

  • Step 1: Place the center of the wrap on your baby’s back.
  • Step 2: Swing the baby on your back while holding the two ends of the wrap in one hand and the baby in the other.
  • Step 3: Bring the wrap ends over your shoulders, one end per shoulder.
  • Step 4: Slip each end from your shoulder under your arm, bringing the end forward. Bend over slightly when doing this step to keep the baby securely on your back.
  • Step 5: Form the seat by sliding the bottom third of the wrap on your baby’s back, under their bottom, and up to the baby’s knees.
  • Step 6:  Hold one end of the wrap between your knees. Pull the other end from under your armpit across your body and over the opposite shoulder. Use both hands to spread the wrap over the baby, securing the seat.
  • Step 7: Tuck it under the baby’s knee and bring it forward. Hold it between your knees while you repeat the same actions in step 6 with the other end of the wrap.
  • Step 8: Before you tie the two ends in a knot around your waist, get rid of the slack. Jump up, shifting the baby’s weight off the wrap, and then tug both ends simultaneously.
  • Step 9: Adjust the wrap for comfort over your shoulders. 

What About Wrap Sizes?

Baby wraps come in various sizes. Generally, the parents buy a wrap carrier or baby wrap according to their T-shirt size or weight the wrap supports. Stretchable fabrics support newborns but may not hold a toddler’s weight. 

The wrap must fit across the baby’s body. A narrow wrap may work better for newborns and a wider wrap for toddlers.

Some wraps are designed to fit all sizes and are not gender-specific either. Make sure you have enough wrap left to tie a knot; it should not be too long either. Multiple layers around your body could be very uncomfortable in the summer.  

Babywearing Safety

  • Ensure the baby wrap forms a good seat under the baby to support the baby’s weight and that the knees are bent, tilting the pelvis upward.
  • Your baby’s knees should be up and not dangling down from the crotch. You do not want to add extra pressure to the newborn baby’s spine, which is still developing. The baby is more comfortable with the knee up than dangling legs.
  • Your newborn’s spine is a concave C shape. Ensure the baby wrap supports the spine in the rounded shape and does not force the spine straight.
  • Make sure the baby’s face is clear and not covered with fabric. If you want to support the baby’s head in the wrap, pull the baby wrap up the back of the baby’s head, keeping the face clear.
  • The baby’s chin should be away from your chest for easy breathing.
  • Older babies may prefer having their arms free.
  • For the best weight distribution and comfort, make sure the X on your back spreads the fabric flat and wide. Do not twist the fabric when shaping the X.
  • Avoid doing dangerous activities while the baby is in the baby wrap.

Other Great Resources

https://thepumpingmommy.com/how-to-tie-moby-wrap-the-art-of-babywearing/ shows you step-by-step how to use the Moby wrap.

https://wrapyourbaby.com has a wonderful community that can help you in your journey…

How To Use A Baby Wrap? ? It’s Easy!

Well, it might not be “easy” at first, but with a little practice you’ll get the hang of it. Don’t give up!

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