Getting Started

1. Unfold the pouch and locate the top of the pouch and the curved seam.

2. Fold the pouch lengthwise into itself to make a pocket. The curved seam is worn on the hip or centered on navel.

3. Place pouch on shoulder like a sash or messenger style bag. Smooth fabric in back to ensure comfort.

4. Bring curved seam towards navel and locate pouch pocket.

For all positions, the baby's bottom will rest in the seam of the pouch. This seam creates a seat and is the deepest part of the pouch. Placement and position of the seam is key as it will ensure comfort for the wearer and baby.

Cradle Hold (0-4 Months)

1. Begin with seam centerd on your navel and cradle baby in your arm.

2. While holding baby, use free arm to open pouch and lower their bottom inside pocket.

3. Glide and tuck their bottom inside and bring pouch up along side to support head and neck. Ensure baby is within both layers.

For smaller infants, a small folded cloth diaper works as a head support underneath their head/neck. Check placement of this often to ensure free air flow. Head and neck should be supported and not pushed too far forward into chest.

Kangaroo Hold (4-7 Months)

1. Start with seam in front. Hold baby high so that their back is to your chest. Baby is facing outward and their legs are crossed.

2. Open pouch with free hand and place baby in a sitting position while following the pouch seam. Ensure that baby is going in between both pouch layers. Pull pouch up high around baby’s front and back.

3. You can now give a gentle bounce to make sure baby is in deep enough. Arms may be either in or out of pouch.

This position is great for the baby who does not want to miss out on any of the action! Good head and neck control is necessary for this position.

Hip/Tummy Hold (7 Months +)

1. Start with seam on side of hip you wish to carry baby. Hold baby up on opposite shoulder to clear feet through both pouch layers.

2. Using free hand, guide legs straight down and bring pouch seam up along their back for support. Cup pouch around their bottom as you lower baby into pouch like a seat. Legs will end up on either side of your hip.

3. Pull pouch up high along their back and ensure their bottom sits lower than their knees. Bring pouch right up underneath knees for maximum comfort.

Tummy Hold: Start with seam in front of your navel and follow the same directions for hip carry.

Baby will need good head control for the hip hold. The Tummy Hold is great for newborns and toddlers alike. Perfect for quick trips or sleepy babies. A newborn will curl feet inside pouch rather than have them out.

Helpful Tips

For the first time using your pouch, make sure your baby is rested and fed so they are in a good mood and ready to try something new.

Babies love motion! They get used to the pouch easier when you are in motion. A gentle pat or bounce can make a difference when they are getting used to the pouch. Try again later if baby is fussy.

Nurse Baby: To nurse, cradle baby and pull the outside fabric up for privacy. An older baby can nurse upright in the hip hold. Your pouch can also be opened up and used as a nursing cover if you prefer.

Shoulder Flip: To bring baby in closer, and tighten the shoulder, you can cup your shoulder with the pouch. A Shoulder Flip is done when you pull down the top layer of the pouch and pull it over your shoulder.

Seam to Spine: For maximum comfort and safety, bring pouch up high along baby’s spine in sitting positions.

High Knees / Low Bottom: Baby should have knees high and bent around you. Their bottom should be lower than their knees for maximum comfort when in the Tummy or Hip Hold.

• A happy baby equals a happy parent. It’s a natural equation! Quite simply, a baby who is held, will cry less and learn more. Their day includes more time in your world as they take it all in. They trust you will be there and this makes for a happy secure baby and a happy parent.
• No stroller, no problem. Wearing your baby helps you keep it all together! Just grab your pouch and you are out the door.
• Find your happy place. We all have one and so does your baby. Wearing them creates the same womb-like feel that they have been accustomed to. Often times, they will fall asleep right away as they are gently rocked by your movement. A pouch also keeps unwanted baby handlers and germs at bay.
• Work it out. Kick up your endorphin level a notch! Your normal everyday routine with baby in tow will help burn those extra calories.
• Tummy Time. Wearing your baby when possible gives them less time in hard carriers such as the car seat or swing.
• Your schedule becomes their schedule. Baby will adapt to your normal schedule more readily as they read and adapt to your body rhythms. They will soon be on their way to a more predictable schedule just based on yours.
• Convenient nursing. Keep your baby content right next to you and their favorite pastime.
• Spread the love. Give other children more of your attention as baby is taken care of.
• Safe Haven. Few things in life are as wonderful as your baby snuggled right next to you. Enjoy every possible moment from infancy on up to their toddler years with a carrier.

Q: Is the pouch easy to use?
A pouch is the easiest carrier to master, however, there is a bit of a learning curve. With a little practice you will soon be well on your way to hands free happy days. A baby that is well rested and happy will do wonders for your first few attempts. Also, baby loves the motion from you so keep moving and stay positive when baby gets fussy. All of our carriers come with instructions, but feel free to contact us should you need assistance.

Q: How long can I use the carrier? Is it too late/too soon to start?
Good news! A pouch can be worn as soon as baby is born. A small folded cloth diaper works well as a pillow to align and support the head and neck of a newborn. We recommend a weight limit of 35 pounds with either the Mei Tai or the Pouch. This will see you from infancy on up to the toddler years. In general, it’s best to let yourself be the judge on how you feel still holding them especially as they get older. It is never too late to start wearing your child as long as the weight limit is not exceeded and you are comfortable doing so.

Q. How do I wash my carrier?
All of our carriers are machine washable and easy to care for. We recommend the following method.

Pouch: Wash cold, gentle cycle with like colors. Line dry. No bleach.

Q: Will I be able to nurse while I wear my baby?
Nursing in a carrier is discreet and oh so handy. With a little practice you will be able to get baby positioned just right and no one will be the wiser.

Q. Do I have the right size?
Our slings are sized based on your shoulder to hip measurement. In general, the best fit for a pouch is an inch or two below your navel. A pouch is too big when the shoulder slips off of you or when you bump the baby as you walk along. A too small pouch will be tight around your rib cage and getting baby in will be tight to impossible. Should you fall between sizes, it’s generally a good idea to go down in size.

Q: How do I measure if I am pregnant?
The same shoulder to hip measurement is taken if you are pregnant. If you are very far along, it's best to take the measurement along your back. Start from the outside edge of your shoulder, to the top of your hip. This will be where the top of your jeans sit.

Q: I live in San Antonio. Can I meet with you and buy directly from you?
Sure! Feel free to contact us for an appointment.

Q: Can I wear a pouch in warm climates?
Warm is an understatement where I live! We make our carriers out of breathable cotton that is easy to wear and use. In general, its best to not overdress your baby when inside the pouch. If they look red and sweaty to you then yes it may be too hot for them. An older child upon your hip may not be bothered at all. That said, if you find yourself on the Riverwalk in the middle of August, you might head indoors all together!

Babywearing Safety

You are ultimately responsible for your own child and their safety. Please use extreme caution when carrier is in use with your child.

• Baby should have their head far back enough to ensure free air flow. Chin should not be pressed forward against their chest. Check their position often for free air flow.
• Baby’s face should never be covered. Ensure they have a clear source of air when in carrier.
• Follow instructions for proper use and practice new positions until you have confidence carrying them out.
• Carrier is intended for use by adults while walking or standing. Not for use while running, cooking, driving, biking or any activity that could prove harmful.
• When carrier in use, watch for open flames, hot liquids, or sharp objects that they may come across or reach for.
• Use caution when walking through doorways or corners.
• Bend at knees not waist and always have a hold of baby.
• Carrier is subject to normal wear and tear. Examine often for security.
• Never leave baby unattended in pouch.
• Do not use in place of a car seat.