A baby pouch is a wonderful must have item for any new parent. They provide the freedom to accomplish the everyday tasks and all while keeping your little one close by.  The benefits of wearing your baby seem endless.  Here are some tips on sizing for a pouch and different positions to use with a pouch. 

What is a pouch?

 A pouch is a tube style piece of fabric that has a curved seam.  This seam provides the space for baby to be accommodated in various positions. It is worn over the shoulder similar to how a messenger bag would be worn.  Baby can be worn in front, back or on hip depending on age of baby and personal preference. A pouch is most versatile in that it can accommodate a tiny infant or toddler alike.  It works great for baby who wants up and down as doing so is done quickly and without adjustments.  Space saving and compact, a pouch can be carried easily in a diaper bag.  In a pinch, you can get pretty creative for its use, we use it as a sunshade, blanket, diaper pad and so on! 

Size

The beauty of a pouch is in its simplicity, most often they are found without anything to adjust.  Sizing is key to a proper fit with a pouch. That said, a pouch can often be worn in a few different sizes and can really be preferential on what is most comfortable.
A pouch that is too small may not be as comfortable or give the room necessary for baby and the wearer, it will be noticeably small.  A pouch that is slightly too big may end up working, but can cause back strain or can bounce baby while walking. A good fit will be somewhere in the middle here!  You want it to be at a position where you would normally carry the baby or child.  This is often somewhere just a few inches below the navel. 

A pouch is worn similar to a messenger style bag in that it is worn over one shoulder. To start, you will need to find the curved seam and fold it in half like a tube. This curve is worn towards bottom and happens to be the area for baby to sit in so it will create a pocket or pouch once worn correctly.  The seam is worn towards the front for most positions but can be moved and adjusted to accommodate different positions for baby.  Once the pouch is folded and on your shoulder make sure fabric is smoothed out on your back.  This will make it more comfortable and distribute weight evenly without strain.  You are now ready to insert your baby.  This happens to be my favorite part! 

Pouch positions

These are dependant on age and overall development of baby. The seam of the pouch provides support and babys bottom should be cradled by it in each position.  Some positions will work better than others and you will soon have your favorites. 

Among some positions:

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  Cradle hold
  Kangaroo hold
  Tummy hold
  Hip carry
  Back carry

Cradle hold (0-4 months)

This is done by holding baby in crook of arm (cradle hold) and opening the pouch with your free arm.  The curved seam should be towards the front.  Lower their bottom in first- horizontally and glide head in pouch.  Seam will end up almost along thigh but along general bottom/diaper area.  This gives the most support and gives a nice comfy ride.  A tiny newborn may be more comfortable with a folded cloth diaper or burp cloth placed underneath the head for additional support.  Be sure to check position and placement of infant often.     

Kangaroo hold (4-6 months)

This position is accomplished by pouch seam in front and baby held in front facing out with legs either crossed or uncrossed.  Open pouch with free hand and insert babys bottom and feet into pouch while following the seam.  Be sure to pull fabric up high around babys front and in between your chest.  This position is great for baby who does not want to miss out on any action!  Good head and neck control is necessary for this position. 

Tummy hold (all ages)

This is a great position for newborns on up.  You will start with the seam in the middle  and prepped open.  Open so that seam almost looks upright.   Baby will be facing you.  Hold baby up and almost over shoulder to clear their feet into pouch.  Bring pouch up along their back for support and gently cup pouch around their bottom as you lower baby into it.  Baby may have legs in or out depending on age and preference.  If legs are out, be sure to have their bottom down lower into pouch and knees up high for maximum comfort.

Hip Carry (7 months +)

Need good head control for this position.  Start with seam on side of hip you wish to carry them.  Lift and hold baby up almost over shoulder and open pouch with free hand.  Clear feet first through pouch and lower bottom into pouch.  Make sure baby?s bottom is lower than their knees. This is best accomplished by having pouch evenly pulled up around back and right under knees.  Hands and feet can be either in or out depending on preference. 

Back Carry (18 months +)

This is done by using a regular hip carry but with a quick slide towards the back.  Begin by bending a little for child to rest on your side while you slide them on back.  Bring your arm forward to help push them onto back position.  Ensure that pouch is brought up generously over their back.  Make sure you have a cooperative baby for this one!

Of all our baby carriers we have enjoyed the pouch the best.  It is a versatile carrier and can be used well into the toddler years.  It supports your back and distributes weight evenly.  Easy to use and figure out, a pouch is a great way to wear your baby.