Instructions for your Belle Front Baby Carrier
We suggest you try your Belle first with a life-size baby doll or similarly sized stuffed animal.

Please read the following instructions, warnings, and suggestions.

If you have any questions please email us.

1. Secure the waist-belt around the waist so that the label faces out. Run the waist-belt through both rings and then back through the top ring and tighten.	2 Position your baby against your abdomen so the waist belt and one of your hands support him.	3 Lay one strap over your shoulder.
4 With the opposite hand, reach behind your back, grab the strap, cross it to the opposite side, and buckle.	5 Place the other strap over your shoulder, cross it to the other buckle and attach.	6 Adjust the tension on the straps so that your baby is securely against you.

 

Suggestions

• The Belle is ideal for babies that weigh 8 - 30 lbs.
• The Belle works great for babies facing in or out. The outward facing position works best when the baby can hold his own head up safely.
• Tighten the waist belt with medium tension to lower your inward facing baby in the carrier and achieve head support.
• Pull the waist belt tighter to raise your outward facing baby in the carrier and keep the baby's chin above the top edge.
• If the baby's chin needs additional clearance over the top edge of the carrier, turn each shoulder strap out one full turn before connecting it to the side buckle. This "roll method" will fold the top edge of the carrier lower.
• During extended use, have a small soft blanket that you can fold up in various ways to help your baby’s head stay comfortable in the carrier.

Warnings

• Never undo the waist-belt until your baby is safely removed from carrier.
• Do not use carrier on your side or back.
• Inspect the buckles, webbing and fabric for defects.

Common Sense Precautions

• Do not cook or use sharp objects while wearing carrier.
• Do not drive a motorized vehicle or ride a bicycle while using carrier.
• Do not engage in activities that might jar or bounce your baby while using carrier.
• Take special care to avoid trip or fall hazards while using carrier.

Getting Started with your Baby Pouch

1. Unfold the pouch and locate the top of the pouch and the curved seam.

2. Fold the pouch lengthwise into itself to make a pocket. The curved seam is worn on the hip or centered on navel.

3. Place pouch on shoulder like a sash or messenger style bag. Smooth fabric in back to ensure comfort.

4. Bring curved seam towards navel and locate pouch pocket.

For all positions, the baby's bottom will rest in the seam of the pouch. This seam creates a seat and is the deepest part of the pouch. Placement and position of the seam is key as it will ensure comfort for the wearer and baby.

Cradle Hold (0-4 Months)

 

1. Begin with seam centered on your navel and cradle baby in your arm.

2. While holding baby, use free arm to open pouch and lower their bottom inside pocket.

3. Glide and tuck their bottom inside and bring pouch up along side to support head and neck. Ensure baby is within both layers.

 

For smaller infants, a small folded cloth diaper works as a head support underneath their head/neck. Check placement of this often to ensure free air flow. Head and neck should be supported and not pushed too far forward into chest.

Kangaroo Hold (4-7 Months)

 

1. Start with seam in front. Hold baby high so that their back is to your chest. Baby is facing outward and their legs are crossed.

2. Open pouch with free hand and place baby in a sitting position while following the pouch seam. Ensure that baby is going in between both pouch layers. Pull pouch up high around baby’s front and back.

3. You can now give a gentle bounce to make sure baby is in deep enough. Arms may be either in or out of pouch.

This position is great for the baby who does not want to miss out on any of the action! Good head and neck control is necessary for this position.

Hip/Tummy Hold (7 Months +)

1. Start with seam on side of hip you wish to carry baby. Hold baby up on opposite shoulder to clear feet through both pouch layers.

2. Using free hand, guide legs straight down and bring pouch seam up along their back for support. Cup pouch around their bottom as you lower baby into pouch like a seat. Legs will end up on either side of your hip.

3. Pull pouch up high along their back and ensure their bottom sits lower than their knees. Bring pouch right up underneath knees for maximum comfort.

 

Tummy Hold: Start with seam in front of your navel and follow the same directions for hip carry.

Baby will need good head control for the hip hold. The Tummy Hold is great for newborns and toddlers alike. Perfect for quick trips or sleepy babies. A newborn will curl feet inside pouch rather than have them out.

Helpful Tips

For the first time using your pouch, make sure your baby is rested and fed so they are in a good mood and ready to try something new.

Babies love motion! They get used to the pouch easier when you are in motion. A gentle pat or bounce can make a difference when they are getting used to the pouch. Try again later if baby is fussy.

Nurse Baby: To nurse, cradle baby and pull the outside fabric up for privacy. An older baby can nurse upright in the hip hold. Your pouch can also be opened up and used as a nursing cover if you prefer.	Shoulder Flip: To bring baby in closer, and tighten the shoulder, you can cup your shoulder with the pouch. A Shoulder Flip is done when you pull down the top layer of the pouch and pull it over your shoulder.
Seam to Spine: For maximum comfort and safety, bring pouch up high along baby’s spine in sitting positions.	High Knees / Low Bottom: Baby should have knees high and bent around you. Their bottom should be lower than their knees for maximum comfort when in the Tummy or Hip Hold.