The Kahu Baby carrier is one of my all time favourite carriers - it is a lightweight, ever so cleverly designed carrier that packs alot design into a small space. It is deceptively comfortable - alot of parents see it and think the lack of padding means it won't be comfortable, but the reality is quite the reverse! For many parents it is actually more comfortable because without all the padding getting in the way they can acheive a closer fit that gives a better weight distribution - making baby feel almost weightless.
The key is getting the fit right and here are all my tutorials for the Kahu Baby showing how to adjust it and use it for all 4 carrying positions.
Front Carry
Suitable from around 6 weeks all the way through until whenever you no longer feel comfortable carrying little one on your front, here is how to use the Kahu Baby carrier on the front and how to adjust it to match baby's size right now and as they grow.
Front Carry without putting baby down first
While normally it is easier to get the waistband done up and tightened first before you pick baby up, sometimes baby is already asleep in your arms and you just don't want to risk putting them down first. Maybe their are struggling with reflux and you don't want to lay them flat, or maybe they are just prone to waking the second you put them down. Whatever the reason, it is actually possible to get the carrier done up around them without putting them down if you don't want to, here is how to do it...
Breastfeeding - using the Kahu Baby carrier as a support for feeding
While not using the carrier in a conventional sense to carry baby hands free, the Kahu Baby carrier can also be used as a "portable feeding pillow" to support breast and chest feeding by simply taking some of the weight of baby and helping give your back more support by spreading that weight more evenly. Here we are looking only to support across baby's bottom, down to their knees and up as far as midback only. Their neck and shoulders are supported by your hand and the fabric is far away from their head ensure you have a clear view of them and able to monitor and support them as they feed, but their bottom is held and it does help give you one hand free and hopefully feel more supported and maybe more mobile too.
In theory a more upright position is possible too, but it is much much harder to do safely with a baby under 6 months and so I show feeding as above because it is a way we can feed both younger and older babies safely. I discuss safety and how that changes with age and stage in much more detail here (and I do show how to do an upright position with a baby over 6 months too).
Hip Carry
As baby grows and gets more curious about the world, a hip carry can be a great way of giving them more view whilst still allowing them to see your face and also to have some support (more support than the outwards position. This position can generally be used once baby has some head and neck control - typically from about 2.5-3 months.
Facing Outwards
Facing outwards is definitely my least favourite position with this carrier. In all honest it feels tight against their legs and if your little one really loves outwards facing then this wouldn't be the carrier I'd recommend for this. However, for short periods it works and this is how to do it;
Note that baby needs to be both big enough and developmentally ready for this position - more on this here, but in general this is rarely before 4-5 months. And note that you don't have to ever outwards face your baby - the hip carry, arms out of top of the carrier and the back carry are all great alternatives! So if it doesn't feel right in this carrier or in general, you don't have to rush out and buy an other carrier or feel like your baby is missing out - I discuss the pros and cons of outwards facing in much more detail here.
Back Carry
Once baby can sit independently you can start to carry them on your back, although it is worth noting that most babies don't love this position until they can see over your shoulder! It can be a great option for when baby is starting to feel too big on your front, or too heavy (because it feels so much lighter to wear on your back, just as a rucksack does). It can also be lovely for times when you need your front free - like cooking. Here is how to do it
I hope these videos are helpful! Please remember if you are struggling at all with this carrier (or any other) please do reach out! I offer both online consultations and consultations in person... often all it takes is a few simple tweaks and a consultation can be the perfect way of troubleshooting and gaining confidence. Or if you don't have one yet but are thinking of purchasing one you can read my full review here and purchase through the Sheen Slings webshop here. Plus I do hire these out as well - allowing you to try before you buy.
-Madeleine