For those who are looking for simplicity and rapid use, the sling is a very good option. Once the wrap has been well adjusted with the baby in the position of your choice, it’s easy to take off the wrap without undoing the knot and to put back without losing the adjustments.

The sling is a good compromise because of its simplicity compared to its comfort and versatility. Its use is mainly done with the short wrap but it can be used with other lengths by knotting around your waist. 

How to knot   How to knot   How to knot
Available wearing :	Tummy, Hip, Back
Positions :	Frog, facing outward and cradle
Advantages :	Quick and easy to use.  Takes almost no space.  Practical for frequent but short periods.
Inconveniences :	Asymmetrical wearing or less spreading out of the weight of the child over the body of the wearer. Limited periods of asymmetrical wearing with a heavier child.

 

The African knot is inspired by the African body wrap and can be easily done with the short wrap but also with the long one. African style, you wear the wrap on your back and pass it under your arms attached on your chest.

This knotting allows not having to support the weight on your shoulders which suits certain wearers. This also allows for relaxing of tired shoulders when you have been babywearing on your shoulders in the kangaroo or cross wrap position. This is a very practical knot when it’s hot outside.

How to knot   How to knot
Available wearing :	Back
Positions :	Frog
Advantages :	Quick and easy to use. Takes almost no space. Practical for frequent but short periods. Much appreciated during very hot weather. No weight on the shoulders.
Inconveniences :	The weight of the baby is less spread out on the wearers’ body. May cause uncomfortable pressure on the chest. Less comfortable for walking and is more difficult to use for longer periods.

The kangaroo knots create a pocket of sorts which takes the baby’s shape depending on the type of fabric and its strength. It works well with the frog position. It is recognized as the most ergonomically correct for the child because it supports the spine letting the back curb naturally.
They are really popular knots once the basic wrap principles are mastered. They are very comfortable, support the baby well, and distribute the weight correctly on the carrier’s body. There is a little more weight on the shoulders than with the cross wrap.

The baby is covered by one layer of fabric as opposed to the cross knots where there are three layers. This technique highlights the qualities of a good cross twill weave fabric. A good fabric will create a sort of second skin which is supple, soft and cozy. Worn on the back, the kangaroo is called the backpack. It allows for the highest carrying position and is the most popular knot once baby has reached 5 or 6 months of age. The baby is very comfortable and can see over mom’s shoulder without being in the way during her activities.

How to knot   How to knot   How to knot
Available wearing :	Tummy, HIp, Back
Positions :	Frog
Advantages :	Can be put on very rapidly. Very simple principal. Symmetrical wearing and the weight is spread out over both shoulders. Can be worn for long periods.
Inconveniences :	The charge is slightly more over the shoulders than with the cross envelope. The adjustment of the material can be more difficult for a beginner than with the cross wrap.

The simple cross permits baby to be in the same positions as with the cross wrap. Instead of being in 3 thicknesses of material, baby is placed in only the cross formed by 2 thicknesses. This will permit you to take baby out or place baby in the wrap without undoing it. Others will tell you they appreciate the back support with this knot.

Otherwise, the only thing a little more difficult or long is the fact that you have to do the final adjustments in your back with baby already in the wrap.  Once well adjusted, the baby is fully supported and very comfortable.  The experimented wearer chooses this knotting when one does not wish to unwrap and rewrap without taking baby in and out to do all of this. Very practical on rainy days when you don’t want to knot the wrap when getting out of the car. You install it before leaving… once well adjusted, just pop baby in and out of the wrap without having to readjust again.

The cross knot can be used in baby’s’ first weeks and with older children. From this knot, baby can be placed in the frog position, facing the world or in the cradle position.

How to knot   How to knot   How to knot
Available wearing :	Tummy, Hip
Positions :	Frog, cradle, facing outward, twins
Advantages :	No need to undo the knot  to insert or remove  baby. Very good weight distribution over the wearer.
Inconveniences :	Harder to adjust because the manipulations are mostly in the back of the wearer.

 

The cross wrap is the same knot as the simple cross but it is inversed. In this way the baby is wrapped in one extra thickness. This extra thickness is the middle of the wrap placed horizontally in front of you if you opt for the tummy position.

You can also use this technique on your back, this allows for comfortable babywearing during a long period such as when hiking. On the other hand, in the cross wrap, one must re-knot the wrap with each use. Once in place, this position is very well appreciated for its prolonged comfort.

We suggest you start your learning of this knotting technique first. It is simple enough to install and will permit you to easily place baby tummy to tummy in a frog or cradle position, for breastfeeding and facing outwards, legs folded Indian style.

This position is as comfortable for the baby as the wearer. It can be used right from birth. Until the age of about 1 month or until baby desires, the legs can be folded in a foetal position inside the wrap by lightly spreading them against the wearers stomach. You will adore this knotting because of its solidity and complete support that it offers the baby….

Once you have learned the basic techniques, there are absolutely no limits to the variations of positions of the baby or of the wrap. By using the wrap the way you want, you are doing what is best for you and baby.

How to knot   How to knot
Available wearing :	Tummy, Back
Positions :	Frog, cradle, facing outward, twins
Advantages :	Optimal distribution of baby weight over the wearers’ body between the hips and the shoulders in a perfectly symmetrical way. Allows a more comfortable wear when the tension of the material is well adjusted. Easy frontal  adjustment allows good positioning  of the child
Inconveniences :	Knotting is a little longer to perform and easier to do without the baby in your arms in the beginning. The knot on your back being the longest to do, it is harder on the wearers back that must stay bent for a longer period. The adjustment on your back demands a little more experience and practice.