Cradle Carry with a Ball Baby Mei Tai
How to wear your newborn in a Cradle Carry
(ages 0-3 months)
First off, let me give huge thanks to Sarah and Payton for letting me take these pictures. Sarah looks incredible for having just had a baby 10 days ago and Payton... well she was just the best little model in the world!
(Also, don't mind Sarah's cranky expression, she's my darling cousing and I totally blackmailed her into doing this and I think she's planning ways to kick my hiney after the pictures are done. We're hicks, ya'll!)
Step 1: Tie on the waist straps
I do not recommend folding over your mei tai for a newborn. I like the extra length (and back support) provided by the full length of the mei tai. Also, I like to be able to sink my little one deeper into the mei tai if the weather is bad or there are a lot of germy people around me.
Take your baby, facing out and put here against your tummy, back rounded like a little ball. Just think I want my baby in a ball in my Ball Baby! (Yup, it's a pun. Deal with it.)
Now, holding onto your baby securely (safety first)bring one side of the body of your mei tai up and over. See how Sarah has Paytons little bum down and her knees up higher by her chest? That is the position you want your baby to be in, again all balled up.
Bring your hand over the mei tai and support your baby and the carrier while bringing up the other shoulder strap. Payton is a bit off to the side so that she can have her head clear of fabric. You DO NOT want all the fabric up across her face where it could interfere with her breathing.
Now both straps are behind Sarah's back. When you grab your straps, I strongly urge you to make sure they are centered on each shoulder and then to pull straight down on each strap before crossing. That helps to prevent the straps from creeping up your back and giving you a killer headache.
Again, support your baby and bring the straps around to the front of your body.
Tie the straps in a knot. I like straps to be around the center of the baby when they are newborns to offer more support to both you and your baby.
Here is a side view of how the cradle carry with a newborn looks when finished. Also note that the straps are spread out (in fact they could be smoothed out more) around Sarah's waist. This gives Payton more support and I just feel like the baby is more secure in the carrier that way.
Here is another view, more of the front.
Finally, a close up of Payton in her carrier. See how her little face is not pressed up against the fabric? that's a good thing.
I suggest you only try this when you baby is happy, dry rested and NOT freshly fed as spitting up can occur while you are tying on.
Always be aware of your baby's face. She should not have her face pressed up tightly against the fabric as this can suffocate her.
Listen to her breating in the carrier at all times and watch her head position. If her chin is pressed tightly to her chest it will be difficult for her to breathe and you need to adjust her position to protect her airway.
I've found that this position is very very comfy once you get the hang of it, but it does take a little practice. Try it with someone spotting you and if your little one is just hating it, stop what you are doing, go to a babywearing postion you both like and are comfortable with and try again later!
Remember to email me anytime with questions!