There are a few different methods to putting baby on your back. In our experience, we find that the Superman Toss and the Hip Scoot are the two most popular methods. However, there is also the Santa Toss and variations of this method. In addition to these fancy named methods, a very simple and easy way is to sit baby down on a chair and then you sit down in front of baby and scoop baby from the chair in a piggyback motion on to your back. If baby is mobile, baby can climb on to your back this way!
**Remember to follow our safety guidelines that come with all of the Didymos Carriers. Baby should be sitting up fully unassisted before back carrying. While learning to put baby on your back AND learning to back carry, always have a spotter or someone to assist you. For further information, read our article on SAFETY! and our article on when you can start wearing on your back**
Hip Scoot
Probably the most popular method of putting your baby on your back and in our opinion, the safest and easiest method too! You can hip scoot with the carrier already positioned on baby or place the carrier on baby once your are finished putting baby on your back. Place baby on your hip and “skooch” baby around to your back. This method requires some handword and arm movements that at first may seem awkward but try it a few times and it will be easy peasy natural in no time! This method usually positions baby low on the back. If baby is too low for your particular carry, gently bounce baby up higher. Remember – at least one hand on baby at all times!
TIP – once you are comfortable with this method, having the carrier on baby while you hip scooting is usually the easiest and most efficient method. However, when first learning, it may be easier to have the carrier around your waist or hips to pull up once baby is already on your back.
Santa Toss
The name basically describes it! With baby already positioned on the carrier, fold the carrier around baby to form a sack. A tight hold is needed. With one hand supporting baby, your other hand will be holding the sack secure. Lift baby in the sack up and over your shoulder of choice and re-position baby to centre. This method usually positions baby very high on your back. If baby is too high, gently lower baby to your desired height and position.
TIP – before lowering or shifting baby to centre, use one hand to support baby and the other hand to unpin your sack and shift the sides of the carrier so that you have one side of the carrier on each side of your body – i.e. wrap tails that are pinned to form the sack are now released and one tail is brought around to rest over your opposite shoulder to the shoulder where baby was originally brought over in the sack.
Superman
Children love this method. It looks fun, it feels fun and with superheros being the trend these days, what kid would not love to be supermanned on to their parent’s back!? However, it is a method that parents and caregivers must be mindful of as I have personally seen way too many people execute this incorrectly. The wearer’s hands are supporting the child under and over the armpits and shoulders. Do not superman your child by the wrists or arms or you may risk dislocating your child’s shoulders, elbows or wrists. I have seen a few different placement styles of the wearer’s hands to support the child. This is a personal choice so do what feels the most comftorable for but make sure to your hands are properly supporting baby and at the same time in a position able to execute the process. This method takes a bit of practice as it can feel awkward at first. As with the hip scoot, you can place the carrier on baby while supermanning or have the carrier waiting loosely secured on your waist or hip, ready to be drawn up and over baby once baby is on your back.
TIP – Practice with a doll, stuffed toy or even a pillow before trying with baby. Try a few different methods of hand and arm placement to gauge which option feels best for you.
Are you ready to learn woven wrap back carries? We have a great article on the back wrapping carries!