Today, Amanda is back and teaching us all about her absolute favorite newborn wrap style with a long woven wrap - the kangaroo carry! This one is perfect for those snuggly first newborn days. It's quick and simple, easy to get the hang of, and mimics that in the womb feeling and security newborns love.
Even though Kangaroo Carry is a little trickier to learn than FWCC, it's well-worth it for the great, comfortable fit you can get with a tiny baby! Once you get the hang of it, you can even tie it on you around a sleeping newborn on your chest - without disturbing them!
Why Try a Kangaroo Carry?
One of the biggest advantages of the kangaroo carry is that it requires fewer passes than a traditional front wrap cross carry (FWCC). An FWCC uses three passes of fabric over baby. This creates a very supportive carry, but can be hard for getting baby in and out quickly, or if you live in a hot climate.
The kangaroo carry works a little differently. It’s more similar to a front ruck, with a single primary pouch of fabric supporting baby’s back. The sides remain more open, which can make the carry feel lighter and airier while still providing plenty of support when properly tightened.
Because it uses less fabric, the kangaroo carry can also be done with a shorter woven wrap. Depending on your size and wrap dimensions, you may be able to use a base-2 or base-3 rather than your base size!
(Confused by bases? No worries! Check out our explanation here)
If you've mastered the FWCC, a kangaroo carry is an awesome next wrap to try. You can watch the tutorial video below!
How To Do the Newborn Kangaroo Carry
1. Start with your middle marker.
Find the middle marker of your wrap and bunch the fabric up slightly. Create a “U” shape across your chest, with the extra fabric draping over your shoulders and down your back.
2. Create your back cross.
Cross the two tails of the wrap behind your back to create an X, then bring the tails around to the front. Tie a loose half knot at your waist. Don’t worry about getting everything perfectly tight just yet.
3. Place baby into the pouch.
Take the original U-shaped section of fabric across your chest and gently slide baby into the pouch you’ve created. Flip the bottom rail, pulling upwards so that the bottom portion of the fabric is now at the top. You want to pull so that you have just enough for what you need, to avoid excess slack later! Be careful not to go higher than the bottom of your little one's ears.
4. Shoulder flip - Spread the shoulder straps.
Reach under one strap on your shoulder, reaching for the top rail closest to baby on that side, then pull that rail under the strap. This flip will help baby stay secure in this carry and be more comfortable! Do the same on the other side.
5. Create your seat and tighten.
Adjust baby so they are sitting in an appropriate body curve and not pressed flat against you, but in the seat you've made. Begin working out the slack, tightening the wrap one section at a time. Start with the top rail that you just flipped to help secure baby's head and neck. This will be the bottom edge (rail) of the wrap across your back. As you tighten, work the excess fabric toward the back X and into the loose knot you made around your waist. Repeat on the other side, making sure the fabric remains smooth and evenly distributed.
6. Bring the tails up and around baby.
Untie the fabric at your waist and bring the tails up and around your chest, tightening rail by rail as you go. Work the fabric underneath baby’s seat, then cross the tails over baby knees and tuck them back underneath baby’s knees so that the fabric is held securely against your body. Don't forget - shimmying and shaking are great ways to help move the fabric slack out, and your baby will like it, too! =) Take your time tightening to be sure you've got a comfortable, safe fit.
7. Secure your wrap.
Bring the remaining fabric around your back and tie a secure double knot.
8. Enjoy your carry!
Take a moment to check your fit: baby should be snug and well supported, with their face and airway completely clear. If you find you still have any slack, just work it into the knot, re-tying if needed.
Need your own Long Woven Wrap so you can give it a try? Check out our collection here!
