This is a follow up to my related article, “Untangling Baby Wrap Tying Techniques.” Here, we’ll unwrap the directions for two popular carrying styles – the hug wrap is covered in the previous article. Reading that one before continuing here will help clear up how mnemonic (memory) devices, as they apply to baby wraps, can be helpful in quickly learning to use your wrap.
The Cradle Hold (Great for Nursing and Newborns)
This tie technique puts baby in a more horizontal position ideal for nursing. The part of the wrap in the related article referred to as the “seat belt” (the part with the tag on it), forms the cradle than pulls up high to keep younger infants out of the sun and your nursing baby out of sight, if you desire.
- Bellybutton-Tag, you’re it
- Back X
- Over the Shoulder
- Fold and Tuck the H*
- Back X
- Front Knot.
All of these steps are explained in the related article on tying techniques.
*This is the one new step. After bringing the ends from back X to front H, Fold each of the two long ends in half, lengthwise, so that they open inward, toward your neck. These will form the pockets baby rests in.
Putting Baby In: Think Fortune Cookie
To put baby in, imagine a fortune cookie. Hold her in a cradle position. Use your opposite hand to bear baby’s weight while the hand nearest her head opens up the pocket, sliding her upper body in. Repeat with the other shoulder pocket, placing bottom, feet, and legs in.
Then, like those fortune cookies dipped in chocolate (Yum!), pull the middle part of the H, the first part of the wrap you put against your tummy, up over the fortune cookie.
The Hip Carry (6-18 months)
First note which hip you normally carry your baby on. Drape the wrap over the opposite shoulder (midpoint of wrap, where tag is, sits on shoulder). Like a beauty queen’s sash, drape the ends of the wrap (one in front, one in back) across to your opposite hip. Cross them at the hip. Then wrap them laterally straight across your midsection to your other hip. Knot the ends.
The X is the saddle where your baby will sit. Find the inner part (closer to your body) of the X. Holding your baby in the arm closest to the X, use your opposite arm (where the shoulder strap is) to slide baby’s leg and bottom inside this half of the X. Pull the top seam of the fabric up over your baby’s bottom and lower torso.
Next, slide baby’s other leg and hip inside the other half of the X, pulling the upper seam of the fabric over his bottom and torso.
Be sure to switch shoulders, a courtesy to your spine, if you use this hold somewhat regularly.
Here’s the mnemonic for the hip carry hold:
- Right-Left-Right
- SHIP-X, HIP-K
If you plan to baby on your right hip, use this version
- Left-Right-Left
- SHIP-X, HIP-K
Here’s the mnemonic explained:
S is for shoulder, HIP-X means crossing the two ends of the wrap on your hip, and HIP-K means knotting the ends after pulling them across your waist to your other hip. I love this hold for my daughter, now 14 months, because she wants to look around, see everything, and blow kisses to every dog she sees.
So just remember: SHIP-X, HIP-K and Bellybutton, TAG, Back-X, Front Folded H, Back X, Front Knot, Chocolate Dipped Fortune Cookie!
