How to Tie a Baby Wrap (with Video)

I just love baby wearing in the early days of parenthood, if you want to know why check out my blog on why I love baby carriers and baby wraps so much.  

In this blog I’m still talking about baby wearing but specifically about the long rectangular fabric wrapped around your body and tied like origami to create (what many parents are surprised by) an incredibly safe and supportive carrier for your baby. 

This piece of baby gear has been used in ancient civilisations and indigenous communities world wide for centuries. I love these wraps in the first 4 weeks postpartum as you can adjust the wraps to have no gaps and the wraps are soft and cosy for little babies. 

If you’re new to baby wrap tying remember, there’s a learning curb. This is a skill, just like we learned to tie our shoes when we were younger, it will take a little while to become proficient, but with a bit of practice you’ll be doing it in your sleep.

Depending on how you like to learn there is a full video below followed by a step by step written/illustrated instructions of a traditional or basic tying technique using a stretchy wrap.

How to Tie a Baby Wrap (Step by Step Guide)

Step 1: Unfold your baby wrap and place the the logo horizontally  just above your belly button
Step 2: Hold the wrap in position on your waist and bring both ends behind you
Step 3: Cross the two pieces of fabric behind you over each other and bring them over your shoulder, this will create an “X” over your back. TIP: it’s really important the pieces of fabric aren’t twisted on your back, if they are it will uncomfortable and difficult to tighten your wrap.
Step 4: With the two pieces of fabric you’ve brought over your shoulders, tuck them straight under and through the label section.
Step 5: Cross the pieces to form an “X” high on your chest. The higher the “X” the higher your baby will sit. Pull down to tighten.
Step 6: Bring the ends behind your back. If there is enough fabric you can continue around to the front again.
Step 7: Tie a double knot wherever feel comfortable  This could be in the front, on your hip, or behind your back.  It doesn’t matter where the knot is as long as it’s nice and firm, make sure you have enough fabric to tie the knot.
Step 8: You are now ready to wear your baby Check the front to make sure you left enough space for your baby, about 15-20cm.  Also, check the neckline to make sure it’s in the right place and that the fabric feels secure and comfortable over your shoulders.
Step 9: Place your baby in through the top of the cross – their bottom will sit in the middle of your “X” with their legs wrapping around your body on each side
Step 10: Wrap each side of your X panels over their body and up behind their head for neck support – if you’re using these wraps in the first 4 weeks all babies are going to need that neck support
Step 11: The horizontal logo panel that you started with around your waist …pull it up all the way until it’s up over their back and stops at their neck This is what secures everything.
Step 12: Fit check – double check everything is feeling nice and secure. Take a BIG breath in – wriggle your bum and do the 3 final checks below

 

3 Final Wrap Fit Checks:

Check 1: Baby’s Neck and Head Supported

• Make sure your baby’s head, neck and back are totally supported with the wrap.

Check 2: M-position with legs

• Make sure the bottom is sitting low and the legs are around your torso with the knees slightly up to make the M-position 
• This protects the hips

Check 3: Face can be seen

• Always check that you can see your baby’s face. 
• Whether your baby is awake or asleep you don’t want her face forced against your body or any fabric over their face. 
• Gently turn your baby’s face to one side so it’s not pressed against you and move the fabric so it’s positioned off the face

 

Other tips when tying a baby wrap carrier to ensure safety and comfort:

Tip 1: If things don’t feel right, don’t be afraid to start over

• If the wrap doesn’t feel right or your baby doesn’t feel secure, don’t be afraid to take your baby out, untie the wrap completely and start again
• If the wrap is too loose it won’t be secure and your wrap can end up slipping down

Tip 2: If the wrap was too loose, tighten it 

• you need to do this at the first step when you pull the first straps over your shoulders from the back, if these are too loose at this point it’s hard to tighten it at the end
• If it’s too tight on one side you can readjust by pulling down the opposite shoulder 

Tip 3: Make sure the straps across your back are in a flat “X” position 

• this will ensure comfort for you and a great fit overall 

 

Tip 4: Be sure the “X” on your back is in the centre of your back

•  or up a little higher if you’re carrying a bigger baby

 

How tight should a baby wrap be?

There’s no hard and fast rule here.  There should be about 15-20 cm of space at the front to allow room for your baby to enter the wrap, and once the front panel is pulled up they should feel really secure.  If the wrap or your baby is slipping or doesn’t feel secure or if your baby is slumping it’s too loose. If you’re using something like the aura baby wrap the slight stretch will help.  If you can’t fit them in or you both feel too restricted and uncomfortable then it’s too tight. Most baby wraps have some stretch in them so what can seem too tight to begin with can often be fine once your baby is settled in.

Are there other baby wrap carry positions?

I’ve had lots of questions about how to tie a baby wrap like a sling or a back carrier – and while it’s possible to tie wraps in both these ways I don’t include these in my guides as:

1. Slings that use a hammock position aren’t recommended for safe hips as your baby’s legs are pressed together
2. Hip carriers and even a ring sling you can used correctly to follow TICKS and safe hip guidelines but the off centred weight isn’t great for parents backs so I don’t recommend them for extended use
3. Currently, there are no mandatory Australian safety standards for baby slings for infant wrap use, so it’s important to know that not all slings and baby carriers for sale will be safe. The risk of a baby’s chins being forced onto their chest is hard and you can’t follow TICKS safety rules in a sling   
4. Back carrying isn’t recommended until your baby is around 1 years old, at this age I’d recommend a more structured carrier or specialist hiking carrier that will be more supportive for your back, 
5. For a forward facing carry instructions unfold and continue as above but I recommend once your baby is big enough for a forward facing position you should be using a more structured carrier for your own back support 

How old does my baby need to be to go into a baby or infant wrap?

There are no age restrictions on the stretchy baby wrap carriers, what I do recommend is feeling really confident when tying wraps, so when you insert your baby everyone is safe and calm.  If you have a premature baby or a baby with complications after birth always talk to your paediatrician about their recommendations.  I don’t recommend these fabric wraps for older bigger babies – this is more to protect your back than anything else.

Wishing you every success in your baby wrapping and baby wearing!