A long woven wrap makes an ideal baby carrier. Here’s how to use one.
Carrying your baby in a baby wrap can be intimidating, particularly if you’re using it for the first time.
A baby wrap is a long piece of material without any buckles and/or rings, and fits anyone. You can use the same wrap from the time your baby is born, till she is 2 or 3 years old.
Like a structured baby carrier, junior’s head should be close enough for you to kiss when she’s being carried, and her knees are higher than her bottom.
Always check your wrap for any signs of wear and tear before using.
Now that you’re ready to give it a go, watch our video for instructions on how to wrap your baby safely.
How to use a baby wrap
- Using the label as a guide, place the middle part of the wrap around your tummy, with the ends behind you.
- Bring the right-hand side of the wrap behind your back and over your left shoulder.
- Do the same on the other side, making sure the fabric is spread out and not twisted.
- The wrap should form a cross behind your back.
- Now bring your baby over your shoulder, as if you are going to burp her. Lower her into the “belt” formed by the fabric in front of you. Your baby should be facing you.
- Make sure her legs are wide apart and flexed. Spread the fabric from her thighs to her neck. The fabric should be tight enough to support her back.
- Her bottom should be placed around your navel’s level, and you should be able to kiss her forehead.
- Pull on the fabric on the left to tighten it. Bring it down along your baby’s back and under her right leg.
- Do the same on the other side.
- Tucking the fabric under your baby’s legs, bring the two ends behind your back, or on your hip, then tie.
- Secure the wrap with a double knot.
- You can roll a small towel and tuck it in the fold of the wrap under her neck to offer more head support. This is particularly useful for small babies, or when she falls asleep.
Models: Serena Sia Yuhui, 34, and Calliope Tan Zia, 6 months.
Videography: Lim Jae-Lynn & Paulyn Ng
Steps:
1. Using the label as a guide, place the middle of the wrap around your tummy.
2. Bring the right-hand side of the wrap behind your back and over your left shoulder. Do the same for the other side, making sure the fabric is spread out and not twisted. The wrap should form a cross behind your back.
3. Adjust both sides of the fabric and tighten it. This “belt” should not feel too loose.
4. Lift your baby into the “belt”, with her facing you.
5. Make sure her legs are wide apart and flexed. Spread the fabric from her thighs to her neck. The fabric should be tight enough to support her back.
6. Pull on the fabric on the right to tighten it.
7. Do the same on the left.
8. Bring the fabric on the left down along your baby’s back and under her right leg. Do the same on the other side.
9. Tucking the fabric under your baby’s legs, bring the two ends behind your back, or on your hip and tie.
10. Secure the wrap with a double knot.
11. Your baby should sit around the level of your navel, and her head should be close enough for you to kiss.
Special thanks to Babywearing Hub Singapore. Check out our Babywearing: How to use a toddler carrier video here and our Babywearing: How to use a ring sling video here.
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