I have tried to make these instructions as detailed and user friendly as possible. Please don't be put off by the length of the straps the first time you see them! After a few times of practicing with your sling you should feel more confident and comfortable with the tying methods. Remember there are different carries, and different tying methods for each one try to experiment and test these methods until both you and your little one feel comfortable.
*Although I have provided suggestions for different carries in the Chrysalis Carrier, I cannot be held responsible for any mis-use of the sling or instructions. As with any sling, always check your carrier before use, and it is your responsibility to take extra caution and measures to make sure that your child is safe. Providing you take all the normal precautions your Chrysalis Carrier should give you many happy days!*
The following is important information to read before trying your new sling:
- As with anything that will be holding your child for any length of time, always check your sling before using and do not use if there are any tears, rips or worn seams. Safety is the most important thing.
- Use your instincts, if you don't feel comfortable, or are worried that your child is not secure, then try re-tying the sling until you feel happy.
- The first time you use the sling you will find it easier if you make sure your child is fed, changed and happy before placing in a sling.
- Tie all straps in a secure double knot (reef knot)
- When trying new carries, or using a sling for the first time, have an additional person to help, or over a soft surface (sofa/bed). This is not to imply that babywearing is particuarly hazardous but, as with anything that you are learning that is new, it is best to be safe than sorry. You may also find a full length mirror to check your carries useful.
- Always be consious of baby! The Chrysalis Carriers sling is very comfortable, and you may momentarily forget your baby is attached to you. Think about the change of your size when trying to manouveur through small spaces or under things (particuarly when bending down to get something out of the car! this I can tell you from experience!).
- The Chrysalis Carrier is designed to be worn so your baby is close to your body, the looser the straps, the lower your baby will sit, which will be uncomfortable for both of you and less secure for your baby. You may find it useful (once holding the straps securely) to give a few bounces to position the baby comfortably, and to tighten the pouch and straps around them before your tie the straps.
MEI TAI
The Mei Tai is simple to use,and is very versatile.
It can be worn on the front, the side or the back, and has a number of different tying methods in each of these position.
The shoulder straps are the longer straps, and have padding running through some of the length, the shorter straps are for tying around the waist, and do not have padding. The main pouch section is where your baby will sit.
As each sling is reversible, it is your option which side will face out, depending on whether you want the decorative side, or the plain side.
As you can see from many of the pictures, my little boy likes to keep his arms out of the sling, however I would recommend that you keep your childs arms in until they have good sitting control.
If using with a younger baby, I would recommend sticking to the front carry with the baby's head supported by the material, and the arms (and possibly the feet) tucked inside the pouch
PODAEGI
Due to its style the Podaegi can sometimes take a little more practice to get the hang of than the Mei Tai, however it is an fantastic, secure and very comfortable carrier. I have to say I am a Podeagi addict now. I find it even more comfortable than the Mei Tai!
The long straps are wrapped around the childs back or head depending on age, and around the mother, and then back around the childs legs or bottom. There is padding which run along the majority of the length of the straps, for extra comfort for child and mother. The sections at the end are unpadded to help with ease of tying. There are a number of different ways of tying the Podaegi, so it is best to practice with a number of them until you find on that is comfortable for you both.
Remember that your Podaegi is reversible so you have the option of which side you wish to be facing out.
I have included a number of different carries along with the various variations you can use for each one. Please experiment to see which you find most comfortable.
Please note that the current instructions are related to the Mei Tai. We are currently in the process of creating the Podaegi instructions, so please check back.
Front Carry
Hip Carry
Alternate Hip Carry
Back Carry
Front Facing Carry