Instructions for a Maya Baby Wrap

Wraps allow parents to carry their baby comfortably, without straining their arms.

The Maya baby wrap is a hands-free, adjustable baby sling which allows parents to keep their babies close without occupying their arms. It is a long piece of fabric with adjustment rings which is worn diagonally across the wearer's chest and back, anchored at the shoulder. The baby fits snugly against the wearer's chest in the pouch created by the fabric. The Maya baby wrap can be used in several different configurations for babies and toddlers up to 35 pounds.

Instructions

Threading the Maya Wrap

1. Inspect the seams and rings of the wrap to make sure they are in good working order. Do not use a wrap that is broken or poorly made.

2. Place one hand through both rings at the end of the sling and hold the fabric "tail" end with your other hand. The logo tag and labels should be facing one another in the center.

3. Fold the fabric of the wrap so that the corners of the tail end meet at the center. Hold the folded fabric in place with the ring hand. The rings should still be around your wrist.

4. Maintain your grasp on the folded fabric and use your other hand to pull the ring over the folded fabric, threading the tail end through both rings as you would a belt. Stop pulling when the half of the fabric has been threaded.

5. Spread the rings apart and thread the tail back through one ring, keeping the rings loose and open as you do this.

6. Spread the fabric over the ring evenly. One ring should be exposed and the other concealed in fabric. Ensure the pouch portion of the sling is not twisted and that the tail end of the sling is even with the pouch.

Using the Maya Wrap

1. Hold the threaded sling with the tail in front of the pouch. Put your dominant arm and your head through the hole, keeping the pouch side in front of your body. Allow the sling to rest on the hollow of your opposite shoulder. The rings should be a few inches below your shoulder, near your collarbone.

2. Adjust the sling so the fabric lays flat (diagonally) across your back and the pouch hangs at your waist level. Pull the inner edge of the pouch part-way up against your stomach to create a secure pouch for the infant.

3. Adjust the tightness of the sling by pulling down on the outside edge of the tail. Smooth the fabric as you pull. The sling should be remain snug across your back. Tighten any slack by pulling the extra fabric to the front, where the pouch is located.

4. Place the baby upright in the pouch with her chest on yours. Support the baby with one arm and use the other to tighten the pouch around the baby by pulling the tail end of the sling. Gradually ease the fabric across your body toward the rings in sections.

Tips & Warnings

• You can wear your baby facing outward (kangaroo carry) or on your hip once she has good control of her head and neck.

• If your baby is in the sling while you are adjusting it, support the baby with one arm at all times.

• Ensure your baby is always able to breathe properly.

• Do not use the wrap while engaged in a potentially dangerous activity such as cooking. Do not use the wrap in the water, while exercising, or while driving. Monitor your baby closely if you use the wrap while breastfeeding.

References

• Maya Wrap 101
• Babywearing Safety

Resources

• Learn About Your Maya Wrap