Q:What are the features of the kokopax classic carrier™ that make it different than the other carriers out there?
A:The classic carrier is not only fashionable and fun, but it is comfortable and functional too. Its cantilever frame, made of lightweight anodized aluminum, distributes the baby's weight onto the adult's hips rather than pulling on the shoulders, making it very comfortable. Plus, because baby gets to ride up high, he can see what Mom or Dad is doing and can interact more easily, get a snack or pacifier, or nap on a shoulder, all the while feeling close and safe
Q: Is the pouch easy to use?
A: A pouch is the easiest carrier to master, however, there is a bit of a learning curve. With a little practice you will soon be well on your way to hands free happy days. A baby that is well rested and happy will do wonders for your first few attempts. Also, baby loves the motion from you so keep moving and stay positive when baby gets fussy. All of our carriers come with instructions, but feel free to contact us should you need assistance.
Q: How long can I use the pouch? Is it too late/too soon to start?
A: Good news! A pouch can be worn as soon as baby is born. A small folded cloth diaper works well as a pillow to align and support the head and neck of a newborn. We recommend a weight limit of 35 pounds with either the Mei Tai or the Pouch. This will see you from infancy on up to the toddler years. In general, it’s best to let yourself be the judge on how you feel still holding them especially as they get older. It is never too late to start wearing your child as long as the weight limit is not exceeded and you are comfortable doing so.
Q: How do I wash my pouch?
A: All of our carriers are machine washable and easy to care for. We recommend the following method. Machine Wash cold, gentle cycle with like colors. Line dry. No bleach.
Q: Will I be able to nurse while my baby is in the pouch?
A: Nursing in a carrier is discreet and oh so handy. With a little practice you will be able to get baby positioned just right and no one will be the wiser.
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Q: Where should I use my kokopax classic carrier™?
A: We could go on and on, but some of our favorite uses include: the grocery store, the playground with an older sibling, the airport, the kitchen during dinner prep, family-friendly hikes, walks on the beach, shopping around town, vacation explorations.... Send us a story about your favorite use to: contactus@aroundmybaby.com.
Q: Do I have the right size pouch?
A: Pouches are sized based on your shoulder to hip measurement. In general, the best fit for a pouch is an inch or two below your navel. A pouch is too big when the shoulder slips off of you or when you bump the baby as you walk along. A too small pouch will be tight around your rib cage and getting baby in will be tight to impossible. Should you fall between sizes, it’s generally a good idea to go down in size.
Q: How do I measure for a pouch if I am pregnant?
A: The same shoulder to hip measurement is taken if you are pregnant. If you are very far along, it's best to take the measurement along your back. Start from the outside edge of your shoulder, to the top of your hip. This will be where the top of your jeans sit.
Q: Can I wear a pouch in warm climates?
A: Warm is an understatement where I live! We make our carriers out of breathable cotton that is easy to wear and use. In general, its best to not overdress your baby when inside the pouch. If they look red and sweaty to you then yes it may be too hot for them. An older child upon your hip may not be bothered at all. That said, if you find yourself on the Riverwalk in the middle of August, you might head indoors all together!
Q: I'm 5'2" and my husband is 6'3". Will the kokopax classic carrier™ work for us?
A: The classic carrier's frame is easily adjustable to fit different torso lengths, ideal for your situation. Before putting baby into the carrier, just pull out the adjustor knobs and set the lumbar support to one of three settings that best fits you (see Carrier Instructions/Safety for diagram and important safety information), then load up and go.
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Q:How can I wash my kokopax classic carrier™?
A:We sure wish we could recommend Sarah's mother's old technique of running it through the dishwasher, but the classic carrier has IN NO WAY been tested and approved for this treatment. Instead, we recommend spot washing with a damp sponge or cloth and air dry. If you find that crumbs and drool are the main culprits, you might consider purchasing a pax protector™ that can be detached and machine washed.
Q: What is the difference between a sling and a pouch?
A: A ring sling is a rectangle of fabric threaded through two rings for adjustability, and pouches are one piece of fabric with a strong seam in the seat creating a pocket for baby.
Q:How do I know if I should choose a ring sling or a pouch?
A: Why choose a pouch?
Pouches are often called the "training wheels" of baby carriers. It is difficult to go wrong with a well-fitted pouch. Put it on, slip the baby in and go. There are few adjustments to make and therefore less to learn. Pouches have a streamlined look that many parents prefer. Pouches are lightweight and compact and easily slip into a diaper bag when baby is not being worn. Dads often prefer the look of a pouch to a ring sling.
A: Why choose a ring sling?
Ring slings have a longer learning curve but are more adjustable than pouches. Some young babies prefer the upright, or tummy-to-tummy hold, which can be difficult to achieve in a pouch because young babies who cannot hold themselves upright tend to squish down into the pocket of the pouch. With a ring sling, the top rail can be tightened to support a young baby in a vertical position.
It is a one size fits most so multiple people can wear the same sling. The tail has a Velcro pocket to store keys, cell phone, etc and can also be used to shade the baby from the sun.
Ring slings also provide cover for discreet breastfeeding. Because the top rail on a ring sling can be let out significantly, it is easier to get a perfect position for breastfeeding in a ring sling. Breastfeeding in the sling is "advanced babywearing", and takes patience and practice to learn in any type of sling.
Q: How do I know what size I need?
A: With any baby carrier, it is important that baby ride as high and tight as possible to maximize the wearer's comfort. For this reason, it is imperative to get a good fit. Baby's bottom should be in below its knees. Unpadded ring slings have infinite adjustability and size is less important, so they are easiest to get baby high and tight. Pouches are sized like a tee shirt of the person who will be carrying the baby. –(Put a link to size chart that steph is sending).
Q: Are the slings safe? How do I wear my sling?
A: Slings are as safe as carrying your baby in your arms. But to help you feel more comfortable, before you go out on the town with your little one, take these common sense precautions:
- Slings are made with high quality fabric, but always check your sling or pouch for wear or damage before you go out.
- Never use if there are any questionable signs of wear or damage. For warranty or repair work, contact support@aroundmybaby.com
- PLEASE see the safety precautions & wearing instructions listed on site.
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Q: I already have a sling or pouch. What's so great about your slings ?
A: The best reasons to get a sling here:
- Comfortably wide shoulder spreads baby's weight evenly.
- Stylish fabrics coordinate with your hip wardrobe.
- A sling is an accessory for mom. You change your purse or shoes with the season and occasion, why not change your sling?
- Fits any child from preemie to toddler. (up to 35 lbs)
- While one size fits most, smaller and larger slings and pouches are available for a perfect fit.
- The tail: it's a tissue, a burp cloth, a cover for discreet nursing. We've even used it as a sun shade in the car or while walking around.
Q: But I got a front carrier at my baby shower. Why would I need a sling?
A: Slings provide the following benefits and ease of use:
- Front carriers can dig into your shoulders.
- The sling distributes the weight more evenly across your back.
- Front carriers are not the ideal position for a newborn. Newborns can be cradled in the sling, which puts less strain on their spine.
- Front carriers only work until the baby weighs about 25 pounds.
- Some babies outgrow front packs long before their first birthdays, but they still need to be carried.
- Difficult to breastfeed in a front carrier.
Q: I tired using the sling, but I couldn't figure it out.
- Try putting your baby in the sling and then wrapping their favorite blanket around them or at least make it so the blanket is touching them. This may help them to calm down and be able to enjoy the ride.
- Some babies don't like the cradle hold, so try the snuggle hold.
- A baby who can hold her head up might prefer to face out in the kangaroo hold (legs crossed).
- Take a break and try again later.
- Try at times when both you and baby are well fed and rested ( if possible for you mom!)
- Be calm and have confidence. Baby can often sense the parent's lack of confidence when first using the sling. Sometimes babies who “hate the sling” actually love it (and fall fast asleep) when carried by an experienced sling-user. So keep practicing!
- Back pain? Make sure the sling or pouch is on your shoulder and not in the crook of your neck. Be sure the baby is at or above your waistline.
Q: I tried using a sling, but it hurt my back.
A: As long as baby is in proper position, the sling should not cause back pain. And it is certainly easier on your back than carrying a carseat around!
If the sling is hurting your back, check the following:
- Sling should rest on shoulder, not in the crook of your neck.
- Baby should be at or above your waistline if your back continues to hurt, consider having a massage or chiropractic care. Sometimes back pain while using the sling is more about your back than the sling. Consider the need for massage or chiropractic care.
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Q: Don’t I need a padded sling to protect my baby’s chubby thighs?
A: When the baby is situated properly in the sling, his knees should be higher than his bottom. This position places the majority of weight of the baby on his bottom and not on his legs.
Q: Is there a maximum weight for the ring sling?
A: Slings are extremely sturdy. Our rings and webbing have been tested to support hundreds of pounds, and our slings are sewn on industrial sewing machines.
Slings will support more than 35 pounds, but most parents are not willing to carry babies who weigh over 20 pounds.
Q: How does the CuddlyWrap™ support the baby’s spine?
A: The adult spine has four curves - neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic), low back (lumbar) and base of the spine (sacrum). A newborn has only two curves in his spine: the mid-back and the base of the spine. The curve in the neck develops as the baby begins to lift his head and the neck muscles increase in strength. The curve in the lower back develops as the baby begins to crawl. Since the baby’s spine and hips are developing in the first year, it is important to protect the spine and hips from undue pressure or strain. Many of the conventional baby carriers in which the baby is positioned with the legs hanging down, place too much stress on the base of the spine – the position causes weight bearing before the baby’s spine is physically ready. The premature/newborn hold ensures that the baby’s neck, spine and hips are fully supported. Once the baby is ready for the classic cuddle hold (2-4 months), the CuddlyWrap™ holds the baby in closely against the adult body, supporting the whole length of the spine. The legs are supported in a position that contributes to their continuing hip development.
Q: Does it matter how big the baby is? What are the age or weight restrictions?
A: There are no age or weight restrictions. The CuddlyWrap™ is completely ergonomic for both adult and baby or toddler, and there are no straps to adjust or sizing for adult or baby. The CuddlyWrap™ can be used as long as you and your baby/child are comfortable. The way the CuddlyWrap™ is tied evenly distributes the weight of your growing baby over your entire upper body without any stress points. Many have found that it is much easier to carry a heavy baby/toddler in the CuddlyWrap™ than to carry in arms only. We have experience carrying baby/toddlers over 30 lbs. and up to 3 years.
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Q: Can I carry my twins in the CuddlyWrap™ ?
A: It depends on the age and weights of the twins. Newborn twins are used to being in very close contact and overlapping arms and legs. The premature/newborn hold can be used to hold small/newborn twins. In the horizontal position, one twin would be supported in each pocket with their legs overlapping and the centre section with the logo pulled up over both babies to their shoulders. If you prefer the upright newborn hold, each twin would be supported in a pocket with the centre section pulled up over both babies.
I tried using a sling, but I couldn't figure it out.
A: Slings can take a bit of getting used to, especially if you've never seen someone use one. View our
Ring Slings Carrying Position for help.
We want you to use & LOVE your carrier. If you have any questions about using your sling or pouch, please contact us
contactus@aroundmybaby.com and we'll work with you to be sure it works for you.
Q: I tried using a sling, but my baby hated it.A: Try a different position. Trying different holds for your baby will help you and your baby be more comfortable in using your sling.
