How to Put On a KeaBabies Wrap: Steps for Each Hold

There are many benefits for Keaparents who want to wear their baby in a wrap carrier. The first few months postpartum, also known as “the fourth trimester,” is a time for babies to adjust to the outside world. This can be overwhelming for infants who have been accustomed to being close to their mommies during their nine months in the womb! Babywearing is an easy way to help babies adjust to the big world around them while remaining close to their KeaMommies and KeaDaddies. And the amazing part is, the KeaBabies Wrap Carrier is convenient and easy to use! It takes some practice to get comfortable wrapping your baby, but if you follow these simple instructions, you will be successful in no time. 

Which KeaBabies wrap hold to use

Match the hold to your baby's age and strength:

• Newborn Hug Hold: for young babies who don't yet have head and neck control. You fold part of the wrap to make a pocket for your baby.
• Basic tie with the regular hold: for babies 3 months and older who have head and neck control.
• Front-facing carry: for babies 6 months and older with strong control of their head and body.

Treat these as a general guide, and always stay within the age and weight range in the instructions that came with your wrap. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends inward-facing carries for the first six months, while the hips develop fastest. That's one reason to save front-facing for older babies.

Every hold below starts from the same basic tie. For a slower walk-through of the tie on its own, see our step-by-step guide to using a baby wrap. Before your first carry, read our babywearing do's and don'ts for the safety checks to run every time.

When wearing your baby, the first thing you want to practice is how to tie the actual wrap on your body. Do this a few times before actually placing your baby inside, so you can adjust the wrap to fit snugly and comfortably.

How To Do A Basic Tie (for babies 3+ months old with head and neck control)

1. Find the middle of the wrap by locating the KeaBabies logo. Place the logo flat against your stomach, wrapping both ends of the wrap around your waist to your back.

2. Form an “X” pattern by crisscrossing the ends of the wrap behind your back, and then wrap up and over. Make sure the ends stay as flat as possible – avoid too many twists in the fabric. This can make tying the wrap uncomfortable.

3. With both ends of the wrap now in front of you, take each end and tuck it under the KeaBabies logo that is against your stomach. Criss-cross them again, and pull around your waist toward your back. 

4. The final step is to double knot the wrap. You can do a little trial-and-error to figure out which tie position feels right to you. You can either knot it behind you, on your side, or crisscross the wrap behind your back at waist level, bringing both ends back to the front and double knotting in front of your waist. 

How To Do A Tie For Newborn Hug Hold

1. Find the middle of the wrap by locating the KeaBabies logo. Instead of placing the logo flat against your stomach, fold the wrap in half before you wrap it around toward your back. You do not need to fold the entire wrap in half – only a few feet. This fold will create a little pocket to make it easier to place your newborn inside the wrap.

2. Follow steps 2-4 of the Basic Tie.

How To Place Baby In The Wrap Carrier (3+ months with head and neck control) 

1. Look at the “X” pattern your wrap makes in front of you. One part of the “X” crosses over the other part of the “X.” Figure out which layer of the “X” is closer to your body, and which layer is further from your body. 

2. Making sure you have a firm grip on your baby, hold your baby against your chest using one arm. Holding your baby high up, over your shoulder, can make this step easier. Using your free arm, gently slide baby’s leg under the wrap layer that is closest to your body. 

3. Continuing to hold your baby carefully, shift your baby to the other shoulder, and repeat Step 2, sliding baby’s leg under the wrap layer that is further from your body. 

4. Spread each layer of the wrap apart under your baby’s bottom, pulling the fabric apart in order to spread your baby’s legs apart. Make sure the baby’s legs aren’t dangling straight down – baby should be in a seated, straddle position.

5. Pull one of the baby’s legs through the part of the wrap with the KeaBabies logo, making sure you hold the baby’s bottom to avoid falls.

6. Pull the other leg through the part of the wrap with the KeaBabies logo.

7. Pull the KeaBabies logo layer, the outer layer, up and over your baby's back to their shoulders. If your baby dozes off, you can bring this layer up to support the back of their head. Keep their face uncovered and in view the whole time, and move a sleeping baby onto a firm, flat surface on their back as soon as you can. If you breastfeed in the wrap, move your baby back upright afterward so their face is clear of the fabric and your body.

How To Place Baby In The Wrap Carrier For Newborn Hug Hold

1. Look at the “X” pattern your wrap makes in front of you. One part of the “X” crosses over the other part of the “X.” Figure out which layer of the “X” is closer to your body, and which layer is further from your body.

2. Making sure you have a firm grip on your baby, hold your baby against your chest using one arm. Using your free arm, gently slide baby into the “pocket” of the wrap layer that is closest to your body.

3. Continuing to hold your baby carefully, shift your baby to the other shoulder, and repeat Step 2, sliding baby into the “pocket” of the wrap layer that is further from your body.

4. Pull the fabric around your newborn’s back, making sure he is firmly cradled against your body.

5. Find the part of the wrap with the KeaBabies logo, and pull it up and over baby’s bottom, all the way up baby’s back, neck, and head, to hold the baby safely and firmly against your chest.

6. Keep your baby's face uncovered and clear of your body, so you can see it just by glancing down.

How To Place Baby In The Wrap Carrier For Front-Facing Carry (6+ months)

1. Look at the “X” pattern your wrap makes in front of you. One part of the “X” crosses over the other part of the “X.” Figure out which layer of the “X” is closer to your body, and which layer is further from your body.

2. Making sure you have a firm grip on your baby, hold your baby facing outward with one arm holding his body against you. Gently slide baby’s leg under the wrap layer that is closest to your body.

3. Continuing to hold your baby carefully, shift your baby and repeat Step 2, sliding baby’s other leg under the wrap layer that is further from your body.

4. Spread each layer of the wrap apart under your baby’s bottom, pulling the fabric apart in order to spread your baby’s legs apart. Make sure the baby’s legs aren’t dangling straight down. You may need to spend a few minutes adjusting the fabric to ensure a firm hold.  

5. Pull one of the baby’s legs through the part of the wrap with the KeaBabies logo.

6. Pull the other leg through the part of the wrap with the KeaBabies logo.

7. Pull the KeaBabies logo layer, the outer layer, up and over your baby’s stomach and chest to his shoulders.

8. At this point, you can continue to adjust the fabric as needed to make sure your baby is safe and secure. Make sure to only use this position for older babies who have strong control of their bodies!

Every time you wear your baby, run through the T.I.C.K.S. checks from the UK Sling Consortium:

• T: Tight. The wrap should hug your baby close so they can't slump down.
• I: In view at all times. You should see your baby's face just by glancing down.
• C: Close enough to kiss. Tip your head forward and you should be able to kiss the top of their head.
• K: Keep chin off the chest. Leave at least a finger's width of space under your baby's chin.
• S: Supported back. Your baby's back rests in its natural position, with their tummy and chest against you.

For the full list of do's and don'ts with your KeaBabies wrap, see our babywearing do's and don'ts guide.

Get your very own KeaBabies Wrap Carrier now! All you have to do is click HERE.

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