On the Back with a Scarf

This position is suitable for babies who can support their own head (from about 2-3 months old). You can use a long scarf or a narrow stole!

1. Find the center of your scarf and wrap it around the baby’s back and under their armpits. Hold the two ends tightly in front of the baby’s chest (without leaving any slack) with your dominant hand.

2. With your other hand, lift the baby up by their diaper and bring them over your shoulder, letting their legs rest against your back. The ends of the scarf will hang down in front of you.

3. Separate the two ends, holding one in each hand…

4. … and grabbing one end together with one of the child’s arms, bring it over your head to your other shoulder.

5. Make sure the child is pressed tightly against your back with their chest by pulling the ends/tails downward.

6. The baby must definitely be very high, up at your neck, so that they are not “hanging” from their armpits — the scarf should simply keep their body very close to yours!

7. Bring the ends straight down under your armpits toward your back, over the baby’s legs.

8. Cross them over the baby’s legs and then bring them under the baby’s legs toward the front.

9. Essentially you have created an X on your back, and your baby will have their legs threaded through the openings.

10. Tie in front, under your chest (that is, high up, not low on your belly) and you’re ready to go for a walk!

Note: Once again, notice that in this position the baby is not “hanging” from their armpits — the scarf simply keeps their body very close to yours! This method is especially handy for older children who often want to be picked up and put down, as it is very quick and very comfortable!

You can also see how to get into this position and how quick it is in this video:

Video: On the Back with a Scarf (10.5 MB)

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