On the back with the double cross (with a knot at the chest)

This position is suitable for babies who can comfortably support their own head (around 3 months).

Note: In the photos below I am already 6.5 months pregnant and my Vasilis weighs 15 kilos! Yet this is still one of the most comfortable positions I use to carry my baby!

The Wrap I use in these photos is a woven fabric, 4.5 metres long and about 70 centimetres wide. However, a narrower fabric could also be used (45-50 cm is enough for this position), as long as it is completely woven (with no elasticity at all).

1. Hold your baby to your side, above your hip.

2. Carefully turn the baby onto your back, passing your hand over its head and supporting it.

3. Leaning forward, bring your baby to the centre of your back. (Alternatively, you can put the baby on your back in whatever way suits you best).

4. Take your Wrap and spread it over your baby so that it covers it from the armpits to the feet. Stretch the fabric towards the floor, holding your baby tightly so that it rests well against your back.

5. Stretch the Wrap well over your baby’s back and bring it under its bottom towards your chest.

6. Keeping the fabric well stretched everywhere (holding your baby tightly all the way under its bottom), bring the ends in front of you, gathering them into your palms…

7. … in order to tie a (simple, single) knot in front of your chest (above it if you are a woman).

8. Take one of the ends coming out of the knot and spread it over your arm, guiding it towards your back.

9. Keeping the fabric well stretched and spread out, “hand” one end over to your other hand and spread the fabric well under your baby’s bottom and between its legs.

10. Bring this end under the child’s leg in front of you and “grip” it between your knees to keep it stretched.

11. Now take the other end (hanging in front of you) and repeat the process on the other side too.

12. That is, spread the fabric over your other arm this time…

13. .. and again spread it well over the child’s back and between its legs, passing it through the other side (under its other leg).

14. The two sides of the Wrap are now crossed over your baby’s back and pass under its legs…

15. … down to your waist. Hold them in both hands and, if needed, pull them forward while bouncing gently (so that you can tighten the fabric if any “loose” spots remain).

16. Tie a knot in front of your belly.

17. You can raise or lower the knot in front of your chest to wherever you feel most comfortable.

18. Your baby is perfectly safe on your back! Happy walks! Your baby’s posture in this position should resemble a rider on a horse: with legs open and knees at least at the same height as its bottom!

back to: Instructions with a Wrap