FRONT CARRY:
Take the short straps and tie them snugly around your waist with the knot behind your back (like you are wearing an apron with the side of the mei tai you want showing facing your legs). Pick the baby up and hold him, facing you, with his legs on either side of your stomach. While supporting the baby with one hand, reach down with the other to pull the carrier up between baby’s legs and over his back (newborns are more comfortable with their legs pulled up inside of the mei tai and hugging your body—“froggy style”). Place the right shoulder strap over your right shoulder and the left strap over your left shoulder. While still holding your baby with one hand, reach around and grab both the straps with your other hand. At this point you have the baby’s weight secure with the shoulder straps and the waist straps you already tied. You can now let go of the baby and reach around with your other hand to grab a strap. Gently pull to secure baby and cross the straps down your back, careful not to let the straps twist. Bring each strap back around your waist (under your baby’s bottom) and tie, making sure baby’s legs are comfortable (some prefer tying the straps behind their baby’s back, especially when carrying a newborn).

BACK CARRY:
Begin tying the short straps around your waist, the knot tied in front with the panel of the mei tai hanging down behind you. Now pick up the baby and carry on your hip. While leaning forwards, slide him around to your back, making sure he is positioned correctly, with a leg on each side of your body. Place the right strap over your right shoulder and the left strap over your left shoulder. Grab a strap in each hand and pull downward and behind, tying under baby’s bottom. You can also tie the sling as with front carry, but on the opposite side of your body (straps crossed around your torso, not your back, and the final knot tied behind you, under your baby’s bottom).

HIP CARRY:
Tie the short straps around you with the knot on the opposite side of the hip you want to use to carry your baby. Put the baby on your hip, holding securely with that side’s hand and, with your opposite hand, pull the body of the mei tai up between your baby’s legs. The strap on the front side of you should cross your torso and drape over your opposite shoulder. Reach around and grab the back strap. This strap should go under baby's arm and cross your back, around your entire waist. Before tying, pull the straps with one hand while re-positioning your baby with the other hand to make sure he is secure. Now tie the dangling back strap under your baby’s bottom with the strap in the front.

TYING THE HOOD:

Slip the right fabric tie through the right shoulder loop.


Move up and over the loop


and pull through the loop again.


Gently pull tight. There is just enough tension eon the simple knot to keep the hood secure, yet it will untie easily. Repeat on the left side.

WASHING INSTRUCTIONS: Because your Parapluie is hand crafted with appliqued details, we recommend hand or spot washing in cold water and line drying.

*You are responsible for your child’s safety. Please always use caution while babywearing.