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Baby Carrier Instructions |
| You are responsible for yourself and your child while using your Skookum Baby carrier. Skookum Baby Gear Inc. assumes no responsibility for any accidents or injuries incurred while using our baby carrier. While you are learning to use your carrier have another adult assist you and check your baby's position, especially with back carries. When using your baby carrier, you must be aware of the baby's comfort and safety at all times, ensuring that your child has an adequate air supply and is positioned securely. Inspect your carrier regularly for wear and tear, and do not use it if there is any question as to its safety. The baby carrier is designed for use during light activities only - you should never use your baby carrier in a situation where the baby could come into harm. Follow these instructions at your own discretion. There is no right or wrong way to use your Skookum Baby carrier, as long as you and the baby are safe and comfortable. Not all of the positions here may work for you. You may even discover positions other than those listed here. The best way to gain confidence with your carrier is to practice. Use your own best judgment, and enjoy yourself! |
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This is the front of the carrier body. The curve is worn towards the top, and can be folded down for greater visibility and air flow. When the curve is upright, the carrier provides greater head and neck support. |
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The shoulder straps are attached at the top of the carrier body. They are wide, for improved weight distribution and comfort. |
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The toy ring is attached to the shoulder straps, helping to keep toys and soothers within easy reach at all times. |
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The ends of the shoulder straps are tapered, for easy and secure tying. |
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The waist straps are attached at the bottom of the carrier body. |
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Pockets at the end of each waist strap are perfect for phones, keys, and other small items. |
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Most carriers feature a roomy front pouch to store everything you need, and the snap closure keeps it all from falling out. |
| The best way to tie your carrier straps is using a square, or reef, knot. This will be the most secure, and smallest, knot that you can use. To tie a square knot, take one strap in each hand, and follow these steps: |
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Take the right strap and cross it over the left strap. |
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Pull the right strap under the left strap and through. |
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Take the new left strap and cross it over the new right strap. |
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Pull the new left strap under the new right strap and through. The straps should be comfortably snug against your body. |
| When older babies and toddlers are in the carrier their legs should hang out the sides. Newborns usually prefer to have their legs tucked up under them in fetal position. Later, they may have one leg in and one leg out. This is fine, as long as the baby is positioned safely and comfortably at all times. |
| Skookum Baby carriers are made to work with babies from newborn to toddler. For some very small babies, the body may be too long. To shorten the body, follow these steps: |
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Lay the carrier on a flat surface, front-side down. |
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Fold or roll the bottom of the carrier. |
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Once you have reached the desired body height, wear the carrier as usual. |
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Tie the waist straps around your waist, with the body of the carrier at your front and the knot at your back. |  |
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Hold the baby against your chest, facing towards you, and pull the body of the carrier up over the baby's back. | |
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Holding the baby with one hand at all times, pull the shoulder straps over your shoulder and cross them behind your back. | |
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Tighten the shoulder straps so that the baby is snug against you. Ensure the strap fabric is spread wide across your back, with no twisting or bunching. | |
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Pull the shoulder straps to the front and tie them. Most people use a knot under the baby's bottom. For newborns, or for breastfeeding, use a knot in the middle of the baby's back. |  |
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You're done! |  |
| While learning the back carry, you may wish to start by laying the carrier out on a surface like a bed, or a sofa, to help you in getting your child on your back. You should also have another adult assist you, and check the baby's position. Special Note: If you are breastfeeding, take special care to avoid pressure points anywhere on your breasts. If any position causes you discomfort, or you have any signs of plugged ducts, adjust the carrier or change positions immediately. |
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Tie the waist straps around your waist, with the body of the carrier behind you and the knot at your belly button. |
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Put the baby on your back. One way to do this is to hold the baby on your hip, and then lean forward and scoot the baby around to your back. Whatever method you use, while you are learning lean over a soft surface and have another adult ready to assist you. |  |
Lean forward so that your back is level to the ground. Pull the body of the carrier up over the baby's back, and the shoulder straps over your shoulders. |
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Cross the straps over your chest, ensuring the strap fabric is spread wide, with no twisting or bunching. |
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Tie the straps under the baby's bottom. |
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You're done! |
| While learning the rucksack carry, you may wish to start by laying the carrier out on a surface like a bed, or a sofa, to help you in getting your child on your back. You should also have another adult assist you, and check the baby's position. |
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Tie the waist straps around your waist, with the body of the carrier behind you and the knot at your belly button. |
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Put the baby on your back. One way to do this is to hold the baby on your hip, and then lean forward and scoot the baby around to your back. Whatever method you use, while you are learning lean over a soft surface and have another adult ready to assist you. | |
Lean forward so that your back is level to the ground. Pull the body of the carrier up over the baby's back, and the shoulder straps over your shoulders. |
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Pull the shoulder straps snugly under your armpits. |
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Pull the straps over the baby's legs, cross them under them baby's bottom, and then pull them under your baby's legs and out the other side. |
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Tie the straps at your front. |
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Tie the narrow straps around your waist, with the body of the carrier at one hip and the knot at the other. Hold the baby on the same hip as the carrier body. |
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Holding the baby with one hand, pull the front shoulder strap over your shoulder. |
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Still holding the baby, pull the other shoulder strap across your back and over the same shoulder as the first strap. |
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Tighten the shoulder straps tightly so the baby is held snug against you. Ensure the strap fabric is spread wide, with no twisting or bunching. |
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Tie the shoulder straps under the baby's bottom. |
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You're done! |
| Sooner or later, every baby carrier needs to come off. Here's how to do it safely: - Have another adult assist you - Ensure that no clothing or toys are tangled in the carrier - Use one hand to support the child at all times - Position yourself over a soft surface, such as a sofa or bed - Always untie the shoulder straps first - Untie the waist straps only after the child has been removed from the carrier |
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For easy storage, turn the front pouch inside out, and tuck the carrier straps and body inside. The reversible fabric creates an attractive and easy to carry bundle. |