How to Make a Baby Backpack
Making a baby backpack is an easy and inexpensive project. A baby backpack can allow you to carry your baby or toddler easily while you accomplish the tasks of your day and can improve your quality of life substantially. While you may imagine a baby backpack as a complex piece of constructions, traditional baby carriers have been made by women to tote their tots for centuries, so basic construction is simple. Keeping your baby close can reduce crying, lower your chances of postpartum depression, and make it easier to care for older children.
Things You'll Need
- 2 to 2 1/2 yards of 45-inch-wide fabric Contrast fabric (optional) Sewing machine Iron and ironing board Coordinating thread
Instructions
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1
Choose fabric for your baby backpack. While you can use a fashionable woven cotton or silk for the outer panel of your baby carrier, a sturdy bottom-weight fabric is ideal for the lining and straps. Be sure that the fabric you choose will be comfortable against both your skin and your baby's skin.
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2
Cut one inner and one outer body panel piece approximately 20 by 22 inches. If you are petite or are making a carrier for a smaller baby, you may wish to drop this measurement to 18 by 20 inches. Measure and cut two bottom waist straps, between 22 and 30 inches in length and around 5 inches wide. The shoulder straps should be 5 to 8 inches wide and 45 to 60 inches long, depending upon your size.
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3
Hem three sides of each strap, leaving one short side unfinished. Press your straps well and hem evenly for the most professional finish. Pin all four straps into place on your carrier, pinning to the right side of the outer body panel. The waist straps should be placed 1 inch above the bottom edge of the body panel, at a 90-degree angle to it. The two shoulder straps should be arranged diagonally at each upper corner of the baby backpack.
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4
Pin the inner body piece of your baby carrier into place. Sew around all four sides, leaving an opening for turning. The four straps of your baby backpack should be sandwiched between the layers. Double-check your stitching and reinforce each corner with an additional layer of stitching for security.
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5
Turn and press your baby backpack. Top-stitch around the carrier, and reinforce the straps with X-shaped stitching at each corner.
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Tips & Warnings
Use this carrier as a backpack or a front pack. Make straps longer if mom and dad are different sizes and both will be using this baby carrier.
When worn, all straps should be tied tightly. Be certain that knots are secure, and check on the carrier regularly. Before use, double-check all stitching for signs of wear.
