Combi-Cotti® Baby Carrier - instruction for general wearing

Exclusively available in Australia from Mimmie & Me
Website: www.mimmieandme.com.au
Facebook: facebook.com/mimmieandme.naturally

Although it looks similar to other ‘wraps’ when being worn, the Combi-Cotti® is actually a totally different design. It comprises of 3 separate pieces that can be used different ways, all together or individually. The Combi-Cotti® offers all the carrying positions that a single piece long wrap does, but has the advantage that you can just pop it on with no need for tying and no long trailing bits of fabric to deal with. It’s a LOT easier and quicker to put on than a long wrap, and there’s no bits that drag on the floor or get tangled!

For almost all carrying positions, you begin in the same way:

Take each of the bands and fold them in half (so that each band is double) to create 2 separate 'pouchs'.

Put your head and then your right arm through the first double folded band, with the open side up. Let the band rest on your right shoulder.

Then put your other (left) arm and your head through the second double folded band. Let the band rest on your left shoulder.

Spread the fabric over your shoulders and back. By doing this, your baby’s weight will be divided optimally over your upper body and torso.

Put your baby in according to the specific carry instructions (below). Once baby is secure and seated in a comfortable and ergonomically correct position, you can add the bellysling if you wish.

Hold the middle of the bellysling in front of you and the baby and bring both end pieces to the back.

Cross the fabric behind your back and bring the two end pieces to the front again.

Tie a double knot in the front under the legs of your baby.

** The most popular carry is having your baby sitting upright, facing you (this carry is suitable for all ages and stages).

Put on the two bands following the general instructions (above).

Your baby will sit in the ‘cross’ created by the 2 bands on your front. Place your baby high against your shoulder and lower him from the centre, with one leg in the first (inside) band. Or: pull the left (inside) band over baby’s right leg.

Put your baby high against your left shoulder and pull the right (outside) band over baby’s right leg. Hold your baby fairly high up and bring him to your right shoulder.

Put the arms of your baby under the bands.

Spread the fabric of each band from knee hollow to knee hollow, in order to create a comfortable seat. The material will cover the baby’s back and shoulders, including the greater part of his neck. Now, the baby is sitting in the crossing. The fabric must cover the baby’s back and shoulders.

Take the bellysling and put on following the general instructions.

To take your baby out of the Combi-Cotti® first open the bellysling, then pull the bands down and lift your baby straight up, out of the two bands.

Note: It is important to always pull the two bands right into the back of your baby’s knees. By doing this, you provide your baby with a so-called ‘broad base’, which ensures that his back is not burdened at all and that he is lying completely relaxed against you. From time to time, check whether the two bands still cover the back of baby’s knees.

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The T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Safe Babywearing - Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.

TIGHT – slings and carriers should be tight enough to hug your baby close to you as this will be most comfortable for you both. Any slack/loose fabric will allow your baby to slump down in the carrier which can hinder their breathing and pull on your back.

IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES – you should always be able to see your baby’s face by simply glancing down. The fabric of a sling or carrier should not close around them so you have to open it to check on them. In a cradle position your baby should face upwards not be turned in towards your body.

CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS – your baby’s head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable. By tipping your head forward you should be able to kiss your baby on the head or forehead.

KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST – a baby should never be curled so their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing. Ensure there is always a space of at least a finger width under your baby’s chin.

SUPPORTED BACK – in an upright carry a baby should be held comfortably close to the wearer so their back is supported in its natural position and their tummy and chest are against you. If a sling is too loose they can slump which can partially close their airway. (This can be tested by placing a hand on your baby’s back and pressing gently - they should not uncurl or move closer to you.) A baby in a cradle carry in a pouch or ring sling should be positioned carefully with their bottom in the deepest part so the sling does not fold them in half pressing their chin to their chest.