T.I.C.K.S
Tight.
Your wrap 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 – make sure there is no fabric covering your child’s face.
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.
Your baby should never be curled so their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing. Check you can get a finger under their chin (reach in from the side of the sling if you need to).
Supported back.
The wrap should support your baby’s back – and his tummy and chest should be against you. If you put your hand on your baby’s back and press gently s/he should not uncurl.
Keeping Babies Airways Clear
In sight at all times
Keeping the fabric of the sling away from babies face and airways is a priority when carrying your baby.
You want a clear and unobstructed view of both babies nose and mouth whilst they are in the wrap at all times.
Supporting Babies Head
Covering your babies head with thehood of the Expand Carrier.
If your baby falls asleep in your Hana Baby Expand then you may wish to support their head with the attachable hood that comes with the carrier.
This is safe to do but only if you can clearly see babies nose and mouth at all times.
The best way to do this is to only clip one side of the hood up to your shoulder at a time. Making sure the fabric of the hood only come to the level of your babies ear.
That way the fabric of the hood is kept away from babies face, and you have line of sight at all times.
Feet in or feet out?
Babies feet should be kept out of the carrier.
Your baby has reflexes on the soles of their feet and when pressure is put on their feet it will give them the reflex to stand or walk.
This stepping reflex lasts around 2 months, and if you put weight or pressure on your baby’s feet in the sling, you may trigger this and find you baby straightens their legs. This can make safe positioning even more difficult as your baby is bouncing around and may appear to dislike being in the wrap.
You want to adjust the fabric on the sliding rails at the bottom of the carrier so that the fabric supports your baby from knee pit to knee pit.
Using your Hana Baby Expand
Different Ways To Carry
Your Hana Baby Expand can be used from birth with your baby.
You can have the Expand in either the 'H' backpack strap or an "X" style strap. It's totally personal preference and can be changed at will.
Once your baby is over six months old and has good control of their neck and head, your baby can be carried on your back.