The “diaper over the shoulder” method

A method that’s well suited if this is one of the first ones you’re trying, since you hold your child throughout the whole process and that helps you feel more secure.

Note: In the photos below I’m already 6.5 months pregnant and my Vasilis weighs 15 kilos!

1. Hold your child in your arms.

2. With one hand hold them under the chest (or by the arms) and with the other under the nappy (between their legs).

3. Supporting the baby’s weight with the hand holding the nappy, bring their legs up over your shoulder…

4. … so that your child is now resting on your shoulder. Their legs will hang down your back and their head will be in front of you.

5. Hold your baby by the arms…

6. … and bring one arm around your neck so that your baby “hugs” you.

7. From this position you can continue with the babywearing method you’ve chosen.

The same instructions are also available in the video below:

Diaper over the shoulder method (1.34 MB)

Note: If you’re having trouble viewing the videos, you can right-click to save them to your computer and watch them from there — they’ll open much faster.

The above is a way to “get” your baby onto your back. To wear them in a baby carrier or with a simple piece of fabric (and keep your hands free), you’ll find the relevant instructions for back carries on the following pages:

Instructions with a wrap

Instructions with a mei tai

Instructions with a sarong, scarf, or whatever else you have to “improvise” with

back: How to put your baby on your back