Click on an image to see the steps
Step 1
This is what your pouch looks like. Decide which side you would like to wear, and if needed, turn the pouch inside out. Before adjusting the size, via the zippers, try it on.
Step 1
This is what your pouch looks like. Decide which side you would like to wear, and if needed, turn the pouch inside out. Before adjusting the size, via the zippers, try it on.
Step 2
Put one arm through the pouch, then put it over your head. The pouch should be worn on the diagonal, going from shoulder to opposite hip (either shoulder will work).
Step 3
Once you have the pouch on, check to see where the bottom of the pouch reaches. It should reach your belly button, to 4 inches below your belly button. Now that you see where the bottom of the pouch reaches, you can leave it as is, or adjust the zippers to make it smaller.
Step 4
Remove the cover from the zippers. Based on how much the pouch needs to be tightened, to reach your belly button or to about 4 inches below the belly button, zip two of the zippers together. Then try on the pouch again to check the fit.
Step 5
Put the cover back over the zippers, making sure to press the zipper tab down to the locked position.
Step 6
If you would like extra padding, or a handy place to stash an extra diaper, find the opening at the top of the zipper cover and slide a diaper in, then close it with the small velcro closure.
Step 7
ZIPPERS SHOULD BE ACROSS YOUR BACK. Put the pouch back on, rotating it slightly so the zippers are across your back, and fan the fabric over your shoulder for comfort. This is how your pouch should look from behind with the fabric spread over the shoulder and the zippers across the back.
Step 8
Reach inside of the pouch to find the back of it, pulling it up against your chest. You want to make sure the inside back of the pouch is pulled up so that baby can be safely placed inside the pouch - this is of the utmost importance!
Step 9
Now you’re ready to put baby in! Starting with a fed and rested baby makes this easier when you’re first learning! Using the same arm as the shoulder fabric is on, hold baby with her or his head at the crook of your elbow and bottom in your hand. With your other hand hold open the pouch as you ease baby in. This ia a cradle hold -- one of the best holds for newborns to 6 month old babies. Baby can be laying down in the pouch, or baby can sit up in this position, with head propped up against the shoulder fabric.
Step 10
Make sure baby is safely inside the pouch, with the fabric up high enough to keep baby safely contained. Newborns sometimes look as though they are lost or scrunched up at the bottom of the pouch - don’t worry! If baby is not comfortable he or she will tell you. It is natural for babies to get into scrunched up, fetal like positions - it acts as an extension of babies time in the womb. MAKE SURE YOUR NEWBORN’S CHIN DOES NOT REST ON HIS OR CHEST RESTRICTING BREATHING. LAY BABY FLAT, OR USE A SMALL PILLOW OR FOLDED RECEIVING BLANKET TO PROP UP BABY’S NECK.
Step 11
Now start moving! Babies love the motion! Wear the pouch so it fits snugly. The higher and tighter the pouch is, the more comfortable it will be, with the weight of baby more evenly distributed across shoulder, back and hip. The more you use your pouch the easier it is. You will find that it quickly becomes second nature to get baby in and out of the pouch quickly and easily! You will love being able to keep baby close and while having your hands free!
Step 12
To tighten the top, or outer rail of your pouch slightly, fold the inside fabric of the pouch over your shoulder.
Step 13
This additional tightening by folding the shoulder fabric works especially well with the hip carry and snuggle hold positions.