CosiCarrier.com hints and tips
Before you start:
• Choose a good moment to try out your baby carrier for the first time, when your baby is quiet and calm (after dinner or after a nap, for instance). You could also practice with a doll. When you’re both used to the baby carrier, carrying your baby in a baby carrier is an ideal way to calm him or her down, but for the first time it’s more comfortable if the circumstances are quiet. Don’t forget: A baby will pick up on your feelings; the calmer and more patient you are, the more quiet your baby will be.
• Lean back a bit while you put your baby in the baby carrier. Gravity will help to keep your baby safely pressed against you so you can do your
moves.
• As you can feel a bit insecure the first few times, it might help you feel safer if you went through the moves sitting on, or squatting or
standing by a couch or a very large pillow. A mirror or the helping hand of a second person might also help.
• Don’t dress your baby too warm! On top of being wrapped in three layers of tricot, your baby also get the benefit of your body heat. In winter just a coat and a hat is enough, if you zip your coat up over the baby it’ll probably be too hot for him or her. When the weather heats up a jacket or coat becomes completely unnecessary. When you use your baby carrier indoors, take some clothes off (such as socks, trousers... maybe only wearing a bodysuit). Watch out for signs your baby will give you: Red in the face, crying, sweating, warm neck all means too hot!
• It’s difficult to do your baby carrier up too tight! When you’re tying on your baby carrier you do not need to leave room for your baby, you can tie the baby carrier reasonably tight around you. You’ll soon find out that when you tie the baby carrier too loosely, your baby will end up hanging too low. The tighter the baby carrier, the higher your baby will sit. The more loose you tie your baby carrier, the lower your baby will sit. It’ll only take a little bit of practice to find out what the most comfortable is for the both of you.
• As soon as you’ve put your baby in the baby carrier (for the first time) start walking, moving or jiggling, to calm your baby down and allow him to settle against you.
• When your baby cannot hold up his or her head yet, offer support by pulling up the three bands (two shoulder bands and a belly band) as high as possible over the baby’s back and neck. These bands will support your baby’s neck.
• You can get your baby out of the baby carrier by peeling away the three layers. You do not need to untie the baby carrier, but you can simply lift your baby out. In the foetal position you do this by holding your baby with both hands under the armpits and torso and lifting him or her up. In the comma position you will need to support your baby while peeling off layers. Simply slide your arm under your baby to lift your baby out of the ‘hammock’.
• If you are in a wheelchair, tie your baby carrier to the front for increased comfort.
• The same goes if you have to drive your car before using the baby carrier (say, if you were to go to town or to the school of one of your older children and you’ve tied your baby carrier at home); tie the knot on your belly for increased comfort.
• New research has shown that if you do not have exactly the right position, carrying your baby facing forward (from 3 months, legs outside, baby facing away from you and the baby’s back against your belly) can be hard on your baby’s back.We therefore discourage you from carrying your baby this way, and recommend you use the ergonomically better BBLO position.
• Avoid dangerous situations! Don’t go inline skating, cycling or driving with your baby in a baby carrier. Always be alert and conscious of your baby and avoid any potentially dangerous activity.
• First time a bit fiddly and unsuccessful? Don’t worry, tomorrow you’ll do a whole lot better!
Breastfeeding and baby carriers:
Breastfeeding is easily possible while carrying your baby in your baby carrier. As your baby is close to you, you can react very well to your baby’s needs you will bond even more! Ensure you’re both comfortable with the baby carrier first. Several layers of clothing can be practical if you want to breastfeed completely ‘invisible’ (such as a low cut camisole and a shirt on top). The foetal position is the most practical, but whichever position or method works for you is good! You can loosen the baby carrier slightly so that your baby moves a bit lower. Lift up your shirt and push your bra (and camisole) down, move your breast to the side or up if necessary, with your nipple towards your baby’s mouth. This way, your bay can drink without anyone noticing. Don’t be impatient, you will need a bit of experience and skill to get this right. If you’re not successful straight away, try again another time. Keys to success are patience, practice, trust and finding a method that works for you as a team.
When?
Your baby carrier is multi-functional! Use your baby carrier as a blanket, play mat or even changing mat, you’ll always have your baby carrier handy when you need it:
• When you want to meet your baby’s needs, and your own!
• When your baby is inconsolable
• When you do not have the space or financial means to buy a buggy
• When you go into town or somewhere where strollers are impractical
• When you want to have your hands free
• When your arms, neck and shoulders are getting sore and stiff from rocking your baby
• When you want your baby lovely close to you
Don’t leave your questions unanswered! Feel free to contact us at any time by emailing info@cosicarrier.com.
Often a small hint is enough to turn your situation into a success story.
We want you to have as much fun with your baby carrier as we have!
Care instructions:
Warm wash (40 ˚C) with similar colours. Use a specialty detergent for bright and dark colours. DO NOT tumble dry.
Happy carrying!
Hints and Tips 
