Babywearing has a learning curve, and every individual is different. If you are struggling with your Baby K'tan Baby Carrier your first one or two uses, don't fret! You are not alone. Practice makes perfect, and we are here to help. Below are a few baby wearing tips that we have found to be helpful when starting out with the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier. Take a moment to give these a go, practice in front of a mirror, and don't be afraid to start over. If you still have questions after giving these baby wearing tips a try, let us know. We love to help. Contact our K'tan Care Team at 866-937-5826 or info@babyktan.com 9am-5pm EST, Mon-Fri.

You got this!

General Wearing Tips

Try your baby carrier when baby is fed, rested and in a good mood. If baby is fussing, calmly take him/her out and try again later.
Baby can sense your mood. If you are stressed, baby will sense this & will also be stressed! Keep practicing and stay calm.
For newborns, baby will let you know when he is ready to move out of the Kangaroo Position by stretching his legs and trying to "stand up" in the fabric. At this point you can begin to use the Hug Position. Many babies may prefer to skip the Kangaroo Position all-together and begin right away with the Hug Position.
For the Adventure Position, or any forward facing baby carrier, watch baby's cues. If baby seems fussy or over-stimulated, turn baby around.
For the Hug, Adventure and Hip Positions, ensure that the fabric is spread wide between baby's legs reaching the bend in baby's knees - to create a comfortable and ergonomic seat.

Tips If Your Baby Carrier Feels Too Tight

It is not uncommon for the Baby K'tan Carrier to feel tighter than expected when you first put it on, but this does not necessarily mean it is too small. The carrier will stretch with use and as baby grows and gains weight. Try these baby wearing tips to help with your comfort:

Stretch your carrier: Stretching the loops will help “wear in” your carrier and will make placing baby inside a bit easier. When the carrier is in the "X" position (before adding baby), place your forearms in the two large loops, pushing out to stretch it. You will be amazed at how much the carrier stretches!

For our cotton carriers: The Baby K'tan Baby Carrier is like most clothing items and will shrink a bit after washing. Luckily, it will also stretch with wear. If you prefer that it not shrink so much when washed, let your carrier hang dry, or partially machine dry it for 15-20 minutes and then let it hang dry. While hang drying, you can also stretch the fabric every so often if desired.

Take a moment to adjust: Before placing baby in the carrier, adjust and spread open the fabric evenly over your shoulders, ensuring that they are not twisted or bunched up. Pull the loops down so that they are not up by your neck.

Try the Hug Position If you are starting out with a newborn and find yourself struggling with the Kangaroo Position, give the Hug Position a try. Although the manual says that the Hug Position generally starts around 1-2 months, this is simply an average. Many individuals and babies prefer to start the Hug earlier or even skip the Newborn Kangaroo position all-together. This is based on personal comfort and preference. In the Hug Position, baby's head can be supported by one of the loops at your shoulder and you can adjust the fabric between baby’s legs to spread it open as wide/narrow as needed.

Outer loop: When lifting the outer loop back onto your shoulder, it may feel snug. If it does, spread open the fabric as you pull it up (fanning it out), including the back loops.

Flip at your hips: Flip the inner edge of the fabric (between your body and baby) upwards. This will help spread open the fabric at on your hips/side and will provide added comfort.

Tips If Your Baby Carrier Feels Too Loose

Wash/dry your carrier: The Baby K'tan is designed to tighten up in the wash, so this is recommended before the first use and every so often. You can try to dry it on a higher setting if you've already done this (wait to do this if you are considering exchanging or returning your K'tan to the retailer at which it was purchased).

Flip the fabric: flipping the fabric at your shoulder(s) will help tighten the carrier.

Try the Hug Position: See the babywearing tip above.

Use your sash for additional support: Tying the sash tightly around you and your baby will provide additional support.

Pull down the connecting loop: Pull down the small loop at your back that connects the two larger loops. The will help evenly distribute weight across the wearer's back and both shoulders and will provide a more comfortable hold.

Kangaroo Care In The Baby K'tan Baby Carrier

Kangaroo Care is the practice of holding or wearing a newborn (8 to 35lbs. Under 8lbs consult a medical professional) skin-to-skin. To practice Kangaroo Care in the Baby K'tan (or any other kangaroo baby carrier) simply remove your shirt and your infant's shirt and place your newborn skin-to-skin in the kangaroo position.

Kangaroo care has some amazing benefits for baby:

Helps regulate baby's body temperature
More rapid brain development
Close hold enhances successful breastfeeding
Decreased crying
Earlier parent-child bonding
Warmth mimics calming environment of the womb

Winter Wearing In The Baby K'tan Baby Carrier

Baby wearing during the winter and fall may require slight modification in order to keep baby and parent warm and cozy but not overheated. Since the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier is a sized carrier, it may be difficult to use your Baby K'tan if you or baby are wearing thick or bulky clothing such as snow-suits, thick sweaters or jackets.

Alter your wearing with these helpful tips:

Dress baby in multiple thin layers like long sleeves, pants, socks, and a hat
Wear a large coat that covers both you and baby. You can purchase a babywearing coat, use a maternity coat, or use Dad's coat!
Remember your body heat and the carrier will keep baby warm as well. Watch for overheating and remove a layer of clothing if baby gets too hot.
The carrier may slip on slick fabrics. Avoid dressing baby in clothing made of slippery fabrics and monitor baby's position often to ensure the carrier is still snug and secure.