How to Use a Moby Wrap

A Moby Wrap is a 5.5 meter tapered piece of material that is used as a baby carrier. It can be used for preemie babies up through toddlers weighing 35 lbs. The Moby Wrap allows caregivers to carry a baby with comfort and love while freeing the caretaker's hands and providing her ergonomic support. After completing the standard wrapping instructions, a variety of holds are possible with the Moby Wrap. Some confident users have created their own methods with this versatile carrier.

Instructions

Wrapping Instructions

1. Fold the Moby in half widthwise so that you still have all 5.5 meters of length with which to work. Have the fold face the ground and the open pocket you created face you. Place the center across your stomach to create a belt.

2. Wrap each end around your back and bring up over the opposite shoulder. You should create an "X" on your back and an "X" on your front with the fabric.

3. Pull the ends under the belt you created in Step 1.

4. Wrap the remaining fabric around you and tie in a double knot.

Newborn Hug Hold (0 to 3 months)

1. Open the seams of the shoulder piece of fabric that is closest to your body to create a pocket for baby.

2. Hold baby on the opposite shoulder and slide baby's legs into the open pocket. His legs will be in the fetal position.

3. Pull the fabric from both shoulder pieces to cover the baby's body.

4. Pull the top layer of the belt you created to cover the baby for extra security.

Hug Hold (4 months plus)

1. Hold baby on your shoulder and place her leg through the shoulder piece closest to your body.

2. Pull the fabric over his bottom and shoulder. Spread until it reaches the bend of his knee.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 with other leg on other side.

4. Gently pull both of her legs through the belt section.

5. Pull the top layer of the belt you created to cover the baby for extra security.

Tips & Warnings

• William Sears, PhD, recommends baby-wearing as a cornerstone of his attachment parenting philosophy. He claims it allows babies to spend time in the state of quiet alertness--the time when they learn the most about their environment.

• Carrying a baby in a Moby Wrap will help soothe him when fussy or tired.

• The Moby Wrap makes skin to skin contact easy for caregivers when bonding with baby in the first weeks after birth.

• Always check to make sure baby is breathing safely. If baby's chin is pressed against her neck, it could suffocate her.

• Squat instead of bending over when carrying baby.

• Do not leave baby unattended in the wrap.

References

• "The Attachment Parenting Book;" William Sears and Martha Sears; 2001.
• Moby Wrap