FAQ
You have found a Chimparoo product you like but you have a question to make sure you choose the right one? Or are you just curious to know more about babywearing? We have collected here the questions we are asked most often! Please find our answers in text and video organized by topic.
For a compilation of all our FAQ videos, please visit our Youtube channel.
The answer to your question is not here? Contact us at info@chimparoo.ca.
Questions About the Baby Wraps
How should I choose the length of my baby wrap?
Our baby wraps are available in 4 lengths: Size 2 short, size 4 medium, size 6 regular, size 7 extra.
The choice of length depends on several factors:
- What types of knots do you want to use?
- What is the size of the wearer and the baby?
- What is the thickness of clothing you wish to put under the wrap?
- Where do you wish to tie your knot?
Generally speaking, a person sized small to large can simply follow our chart of babywearing positions. Should you be of a larger size, you might need a longer baby wrap or have one custom-made at our atelier.
Descriptions and instructions available on every page of our products: Traditional Woven Baby Wrap, Stretchy Wrap, Air-O Baby Wrap.
Find these instructions on video! All our instructional videos are available on our YouTube channel.
Why should I choose a size 2 short woven baby wrap?
Our size 2 is used with simple carries that simply make a ring shape around the wearer. These carries are called Hammock, pocket or sling, and can be worn on one shoulder with the baby sitting in front, on the hip, or on the back of the wearer. Due to safety concerns, the Cradle carry should not be used with such short baby wraps, but the baby can be tilted for breastfeeding according to his health and under your attentive watch. The short babywrap can also be used as a band tied under the arms, as one would with a capulana and other african babywearing cloths. Using a short wrap as a band is also ideal in warm weather, as it keeps the wearer's shoulders free and cool. All of the carries our short baby wraps are capable of are also good for skin-to-skin. For more babywearing options, the short baby wrap can be used with rings, which can be bought seperately.
Descriptions and instructions available on every page of our products: Traditional Woven Baby Wrap, Stretchy Wrap, Air-O Baby Wrap.
Why should I choose a size 4 medium woven baby wrap?
Our size 4 is a smaller baby wrap mainly used for Kangaroo and Hammock carries with added wrap. It's more versatile than a short babywrap capable of Bands and Hammocks while providing extra support by crossing the fabric under the baby's legs. A very petite person has the option to do a front cross carry for their newborn with its longer length. A Kangaroo carry is a wrap that creates a bag that goes on both shoulders, crosses in the wearer's back and is tied under the baby's bottom on the other side. The Kangaroo can be done on the wearer's belly, hip, or back. The Kangaroo carry's advantage over the Hammock carry is in how the baby's weight rests more uniformly on the wearer, which makes it more comfortable.
Descriptions and instructions available on every page of our products: Traditional Woven Baby Wrap, Stretchy Wrap, Air-O Baby Wrap.
Why should I choose a size 6 regular woven baby wrap?
Our size 6 is our regular size as it's our most popular and most versatile. It allows the execution of every wrap by people sized small to large. For people of a larger size, a baby wrap size 7 extra can accommodate them. The longer a baby wrap is, the more techniques it will allow to better spread the weight of the baby on the wearer's body, making babywearing more comfortable. As the baby gets heavier and gets carried for longer periods of time, a longer babywrap will become a more adequate choice. The front cross carry is the basic carry we teach in most of our videos and is taught by most babywearing coaches as an introduction to babywearing. It's very safe, easy to adjust and extraordinarily comfortable. Take a look at our instructional videos, this carry is worth it! With a size 6, you'll also be able to perform all other carries like the Kangaroo, Hammock, Band, or change things up by using rings. Our website and our YouTube page each have several instructional videos to put your size 6 baby wrap to good use.
Descriptions and instructions available on every page of our products: Traditional Woven Baby Wrap, Stretchy Wrap, Air-O Baby Wrap.
Why should I choose a size 7 extra woven baby wrap?
Our size 7 is our longest and most versatile baby wrap. It is typically chosen by people of a larger size who want as many babywearing possibilities as a baby wrap will allow for, but can be used in other situations. For example, it makes it possible to carry twins in a front cross carry. In winter, a coat will make it harder to wrap a regular-sized baby wrap, as the extra thickness around you demands more length of fabric. Another reason to choose an extra-sized wrap is the tying: when using a front cross carry on a regular-sized person, the knot ends in the wearer's back, which can be uncomfortable when sitting down, and extra length would allow the knot to be tied in the front. These possibilities come with a disadvantage: the longer a baby wrap is, the heavier, warmer, and more cumbersome it becomes! Ideally, one could own baby wraps of different lengths to be used in different circumstances.
Descriptions and instructions available on every page of our products: Traditional Woven Baby Wrap, Stretchy Wrap, Air-O Baby Wrap.
What is the weight of the fabric of the woven baby wrap?
The average weight of the baby woven wrap is 200 g/m2. From one color and production to another, there may be a small difference. In our experience, even though we use the same yarn and the same supplier for each scarf, the density of the scarf may vary. The dyeing of the yarn can also change the thickness and softness of each product.
Ergonomics and position of the baby
What does ''ergonomic babywearing position'' exactly mean?
Chimpäroo baby carriers support the baby in an ergonomic sitting position whether he is placed on the belly, hip, or back of the wearer. This means that his hips, back, and neck are in a position favorable to his development according to his age and growth.
What is the most ergonomic position for a baby under 6 months?
At birth, the baby's spine has a very rounded position and isn't mature enough to maintain itself vertically. The baby's musculature also has yet to develop enough to allow for it. This means that the baby needs to be kept in a more rounded position so as to take into consideration his inability to support himself in a sitting position. Verify that his knees are lifted up and that his bum sits at the bottom of the baby carrier. This position is often called the M position or crouched position. Ideally, the baby's feet would be pointing downward. By slightly tilting the baby's hips forward, his spine curves and ensures a proper position of his neck, which will allow his head to lean against his carer. The baby's spine and musculature will develop enough to allow him to maintain a sitting position around the age of 6 months.
We talk more about this topic in one of our articles. Read our article here.
Ergonomics of Chimpäroo baby carriers
Do Chimpäroo's baby carriers spread the baby's legs too far?
Knowing the correct positioning of the baby's legs makes all the difference in positioning a baby in a baby carrier the right way. The sling allows the baby to be positioned perfectly with the ideal spacing. The baby's hips should not be spread and should be well bent with a spread of about 90 degrees. This crouched or M-shaped position approximates Chimpäroo's progressive baby carriers allow the baby's legs to be as far apart as possible. The instructions for each carrier should be followed carefully. The Mei Tai has cords above the waistband to reduce the width of the design. The EvöAir's full width seat panel adjusts in width with an indicator for the age of the baby. The Trek Air-O and Multi 2.0 will place the newborn in a small expandable seat that will leave the legs folded inside the panel. The PöpNgo requires a small booster cushion, included, which places the newborn's legs folded inside.
We talk more about this in one of our articles. Read our article here.
Do Chimpäroo baby carriers apply unwanted pressure on a newborn's spine?
Pressure on the spine can be applied if the side straps are too tight or if the baby's pelvis is not tilted forward enough to round the spine. The baby should not be placed belly to belly. The baby's knees should be raised so that the pelvis tilts forward. Well-knotted baby wraps respect the rounded shape of the spine of the newborn baby. The same applies to the Mei Tai. The Trek and Multi 2.0 structured baby slings do not apply tension to the baby's body if the baby is well positioned and the side straps are not too tight. The best structured baby carrier for the respect of the newborn's spine is the EvöAir. With its belt attachment system, there is no pressure on the spine.
Facing-out carrying position
What is the recommended time limit to the facing-out carry?
In all cases, the facing-out carry is not recommended with babies less than 6 months old and for long periods of time. The facing-out carry should be limited to about 20 minutes.
Why shouldn't you carry your baby in a facing-out position for long?
There are several reasons why this position is limited in duration. First of all, it is more tiring for the baby to be turned towards the world. In this position, the baby is very stimulated because he is exposed to the unknown and to all kinds of images, situations and faces. This can be stressful and he has no opportunity to comfort himself against you. Also, his head is not as well supported in this position as in other positions and it will take more effort to hold it. He'll get tired faster. If he moves around a lot and tends to stand up, you may have to move his legs back to a nice sitting position with his knees up. Be sure to check the circulation in the legs and don't over-stimulate the baby. It is also important to note that the facing position is heavier for the carrier and puts more load on your shoulders and back.
Which baby carrier offers the most ergonomic seating in the facing-out position?
The Multi 2.0 is definitely the most ergonomic seat on the market for the world facing position. It allows the ideal spacing and the good positioning of the hips in flexion. It won the Mom's Choice Award for its exceptional qualities. The Woven Baby Wrap can also provide a good ergonomic sitting position for the baby, but it is the most difficult position to execute perfectly. It takes a little more skill and knowledge of positioning and knotting techniques to properly place a wrap. The EvöAir and the PöpNgo offer a correct sitting position but a little more spread out for the PöpNgo and less supported for the EvöAir.
Baby's position with the EvöAir
Why, with the EvöAir, is it better to use the straps under the baby's bottom during the first 6 months of life?
The EvöAir's straps have been specially designed to meet the latest recommendations for the optimal position of the newborn in the first months of life. Thanks to the tension of the support straps under the buttocks, the spine of the newborn is naturally rounded, without creating too much tension in the middle of the back. Too much tension in the back could flatten the spine. His head would then tend to fall backwards and his pelvis downwards. Many structured baby carriers that attach to the sides do not allow for an optimal and ergonomic position for the baby in the first months of life. The EvöAir makes it possible!
Baby position with PöpNgo
Is it easy to switch from the tummy-to-tummy position to facing-out with a PöpNgo?
Yes! All that's needed is to unbuckle the shoulder straps, place the baby with his back towards you and reconnect the shoulder straps in the baby carrier's back, passing under the baby's arms. No extra prep or adjustment needed!
Choice of Baby Carrier (Age and Weight)
At what age and weight can I start using my baby carrier?
With the exception of the Bambino model, all of our baby carriers are recommended for safe babywearing from birth and as soon as your baby reaches 8lbs. At a smaller weight, you should seek the advice of a health professional for evaluation and guidance.
Until what age can I carry my baby?
There's more than one answer to this question depending on your physical condition, lifestyle, and most importantly the baby carrier you're using.
There are baby carriers that are designed to be comfortable and safer with small babies under 18 months. For example, the Stretchy wrap, the Snüg and the PöpNgo can meet these needs.
However, the Ring Sling Ring Sling (adjustable slings) will be less comfortable as the baby's weight increases. The baby's load is on one shoulder. The length of time you carry your baby will depend on your physical condition. You will get tired more quickly with this model.
To carry a baby beyond 18 months, prefer to use a Mei Tai, which will be comfortable until about 2-3 years (45 lbs) and for even more support, a Multi 2.0, an EvöAir or a Bambino will offer even more support and will allow you to carry your child until 4-5 years (65 lbs).
Useful tips
Is it preferable to leave the house with a stroller or a baby carrier?
The answer depends on the places where you'll be going, the time of day and the environment. A stroller demands less effort in easily-accessible locations cleared of obstacles, but becomes cumbersome in cluttered environments, rough terrain, stairs, going through doors, moving through snow, and up and down steep slopes like hills and mountain trails. An experienced babywearer would probably tell you that carrying their baby is effortless to them in comparison to handling a stroller. In all honesty, everything depends on one's habits and techniques. When you carry your baby often and starting from birth, your body strengthens itself, day after day, as your baby develops, without you even realizing it! Getting a stroller out of the car, or getting it up a set of stairs or through a crowd is less than fun. A common sight on the streets is a mother with her baby against her in a baby carrier but still pushing a stroller full of grocery bags. We can say that a stroller can be handy to have extra space to carry things, but the baby itself will be happier sitting in his baby carrier.
Safety
Can the baby fall from the baby carrier?
Chimpäroo baby carriers are very strong and laboratory tested to ensure that they are completely safe. They meet American and European standards and international norms. Detailed instructions are available on every product sheet on our website and on our YouTube channel. With every purchase of a Chimpäroo baby sling, we provide you with a printed booklet specifying how to ensure maximum safety with the purchased sling. There is no risk if you follow the safety instructions. Be reassured! Chimpäroo baby carriers are very safe.
Can my baby suffocate in a baby carrier?
The risk of your baby suffocating in a baby carrier is no greater than in his bed. Babywearing allows you to keep your baby within sight, which makes you capable of ensuring his safety at all times. What matters most is to obey a few safety rules. You should see his face at all times and keep it uncovered, particularly during his first 6 months. Verify that he can easily breathe by making sure that his head isn't too close to his chest by slipping two fingers under his neck. After breastfeeding, bring him back to a sitting position more favorable to his breathing and digestion. He should absolutely not be left to fall asleep with his face buried under a breast. Following all these safety rules will make babywearing completely safe.
Features of Chimpäroo products
How long will my baby carrier last? Does it have an expiration date?
A baby carrier doesn't have an expiration date per se. Depending on use, wear and tear vary greatly from one product to the next. Generally speaking, we recommend the regular verification of the baby carrier: its stitching, plastic and metal components, and padding, can all wear out at some point. Beyond two years of constant use, a baby carrier will probably show enough wear to become unsafe and vigilance becomes essential. Our fabrics made of organic cotton or linen are all highly durable and do not age rapidly. Woven baby wraps can stay safe to use for years and years, to the point of being able to pass them down from one generation to the next.
The knits used to make the head supports in our Trek and Multi 2.0 contain Spandex, but in 10 years of using the fabrics, we have yet to find any significant signs of wear in any one of them. Zippers and buckles sometimes need to be changed over time. Should you have doubts about the state or safety of your baby carrier, we can examine it for you and repair it to give it more years with your family. Taking good care of your baby carrier means having it for longer, for each new addition to your family, bringing you help and comfort for many more years!
To which standards do Chimpäroo baby carriers answer to?
Chimpäroo baby carriers conform to the american standards recognized at the CPSIA according to the ASTM F2236-16 norms for soft-structured baby carriers and the ASTM F2907-19 for baby wraps, ring slings and the Snüg. They also conform to European norms, which are widely respected by the industry as ensuring the quality of the products and the safety of babies. The European norms are the CEN/TR 1652:2015 et EN 13209-2:2015. Our baby carriers have been subjected to chemical and mechanical tests, as have our instructions and the availability of our information and labeling.
Does my baby carrier come with a warranty?
The warranty covers all manufacturing defects. Should you discover upon receiving your item that it has a bad seam, a defect in the fabric, or a missing or faulty component, please contact us immediately. All of our baby carriers are subjected to a quality control and we do our best to ensure you'll receive a baby carrier answering to your standards and expectations. Depending on the nature of the defect, we'll either repair it or send you a new one. The warranty is valid for the six months following your purchase, but don't hesitate to contact us past its expiration. We study each problem, one at a time, and we're here to help you. Our service of maintenance and repairs that can bring back to life your old baby carrier for just the cost of a few parts and a little labor.
For more details, visit the a href="/en/pages/garantie-et-retour" title="Warranty and Return">Warranty and Return page.
Weather
What can I do to not feel too hot while babywearing?
We should start by saying that both you and the baby produce heat. Your comfort will depend on both of your bodies' temperatures. In winter, your body's giving off heat will be advantageous but can make babywearing uncomfortable in summer. Generally speaking, avoid going out during days of extreme heat. Some baby carriers are less warm. Choosing a mesh or otherwise woven cotton twill fabric tied under the arms or worn in a ring sling would also be a good solution.
What are the best choices for baby carriers in hot weather?
Baby carriers such as the Ring Sling Air-O, Air-O Baby Wrap,Mei Tai Air and EvöAir are carriers designed to improve comfort in hot weather. They help to keep you cooler. They are the best choice to avoid overheating.
Breastfeeding
Can I breastfeed while using a baby carrier?
All Chimpäroo baby carriers are designed to allow for easy breastfeeding. Holding your baby so close to you will create space for a spontaneous, natural communication to establish itself between you, allowing you to respond and react to his needs swiftly. He will display clear signs by searching for your breast and making suckling movements. Your added proximity is soothing to your baby and will often not need to cry to be understood. This will result in your baby becoming calmer, better at breastfeeding, and by extension having yourself become more calm and confident.
How can I breastfeed while using a baby wrap or baby carrier?
There are many ways to breastfeed your baby in a sling. You can breastfeed in a baby wraps, a Mei Tai, or a structured baby carrier.
In a Woven baby wraps or a Ring sling, it is easier to adopt the position you prefer. You place the baby as you like. While the baby is nursing and you are watching him, you can place the baby in the cradle or madonna position with the wrap and Ring Sling. The Snüg should ideally be loosened before positioning the baby at breast height. With the Mei Tai and the structured baby carrier, breastfeeding is done in a sitting position by slightly loosening the straps. The head supports are practical for more privacy.
Size of the wearer
I am a tall and strong person. Can I carry my baby?
All of our baby carriers can be adjusted to their wearer's size. Should you not be able to find one that suits you, we can generally make one adapted to you. Every parent is capable of babywearing no matter their size. Contact us to find out more!
How to choose my baby carrier according to my size?
The belt of most of our structured baby carriers can be adjusted to go from 68cm (27,75 in.) to 165cm (65 in). An extension can be specially-made if this isn't long enough. The shoulder straps can also be lengthened to accommodate your needs. The belts of the Mei Tai and PöpNgo can fit waists from 55 (21.5 in) to 155 cm (61 in). Our stretchy wrap and Ring Sling Air-O are made longer by default and will accomodate all sizes, whereas our Snüg, woven Ring slings come in two sizes. For the ideal woven baby wrap size, please refer to their size chart
Physical Condition of Wearer
Can I use my baby carrier after a C-section?
Not all baby carriers are recommended for use after a C-section. No matter the case, you will need to verify with your doctor that your health allows it. Choose a baby carrier that applies no direct on your lower abdomen. Most of Chimpäroo's baby carriers are meant to be used after a C-section, although structured baby carriers like the Trek Air-O, the EvöAir, the Multi 2.0 and the Bambino are not recommended in such a situation. The baby wraps, the Snüg, the Mei Tai and the PöpNgo can all be attached close under the breasts and are therefore much better suited for use after a C-section. Your situation should be carefully evaluated to ensure that no excessive pressure is applied to the scar. Most importantly, verify with your doctor when you'll be able to start babywearing and that there is no risk of complications by that point.
Can I use a baby carrier while using a wheelchair?
If you have enough mobility and flexibility to pick up your baby, sit him in the baby carrier and adjust it, while still being able to manœuvre your wheelchair, it's possible for you to babywear. You should however make sure with your physician that you have no contraindication regarding your arms and back which could cause you an injury by applying the weight of your baby on your body.
Can I use my baby carrier while pregnant?
As long as a baby carrier remains comfortable, you can babywear while pregnant. One caveat is that you shouldn't carry a toddler if you don't already have the habit. When starting to wear a baby from birth, your body has ample time to get used to its weight and build the strength to carry him more easily as he develops and becomes heavier, making baby wearing a lesser risk of injury. It would be desirable to ask your physician or babywearing coach their opinion regarding your fitness and health.
Baby carriers with more rigid structures like our Trek, Bambino, Multi 2.0, and EvöAir models, can become uncomfortable more rapidly due to their belt being ideally positioned on the hips. On a Mei Tai, the belt can be worn much higher and is generally a good solution during pregnancy. A baby wrap does not encounter this problem altogether since its length can perfectly accommodate your body's new limits with a good wrap. Ultimately, what matters most is to pay attention to your body and its limits.
Activities with a baby carrier
What activities can I do with a baby carrier?
Our baby carriers are so versatile that they allow you to position your baby in different positions, all of which are very comfortable. You will find the best one for you and your baby. Your ideal baby carrier will allow you to perform most of your daily tasks at home, go shopping, eat at the family table, work on your computer, pick up yours kids at their kindergarten, take a walk in any weather, easily get on the bus or subway, take a train, a plane, get around crowded areas, go up or down stairs or mountaintops! In every season, you'll find a Chimpäroo baby carrier that fits every weather, with our Air models made for summertime (Trek Air O, Bambino Air, Mei Tai Air, Air-O Baby Wrap etc.), and our Babygloo Protective Cover for extra protection on cold winter days.
Yoga, dances adapted to the constraints of babywearing, intermediary-level hiking and snowshoeing are all examples of agreeable and stimulating activities to do with your baby. There are several courses available which specialize in classes, activities and events involving babywearing parents. You should definitely look for them in your community, and we ourselves have partners to suggest to you to get started.
What are the best baby carriers for sports?
When doing sports, it is important to be comfortable and above all that the baby carrier used is stable and offers good support. It should not stretch or move too easily. It is preferable to use a baby carrier made of woven material with well-balanced straps. Also, the fabric used should not be too slippery and should keep its shape. Structured baby carriers are definitely the most suitable for sports. The EvöAir, Multi 2.0, PöpNgo, and Mei Tai are excellent for this purpose.
Many people also opt for the Air models (Trek Air-O, Bambino Air, Mei Tai Air, Ring Sling Air-O, etc.) to enjoy the coolness of the mesh. Mesh fabrics are great for keeping cool in hot weather. They dry quickly when wet. However, the scarf and the Mei tai Air can be more slippery. It is important to tie them tightly. Once the knots are properly adjusted, these carriers become very stable and are also an excellent choice.
Second only to the structured slings, long woven slings used with a knot such as a wrapped crossbody are very stable and safe for sports.
We do not recommend stretchy slings, Snüg or Ring slings for physical activities. The Ring Sling is less balanced because the load is spread over one shoulder. Stretchy slings and Snüg are knitted and deform more easily in movement because they are not firm enough. That being said, don't engage in activities that could put you in danger of falling with the baby in the sling.
Washing the products
Should I wash the baby carrier before using it for the first time?
Chimpäroo baby carriers are handmade by seamstresses who take great care of them. However, there is a lot of work involved in the production of a baby sling (fabric processing, cutting, assembly, finishing and quality control). It is therefore important to wash your baby sling well before using it for the first time.
In addition, for baby carriers made of twill fabric, it is important to wash the carrier to strengthen the fibers that are not yet well attached.
How should I wash my baby carrier?
Preferably, you should care for your Chimpäroo baby carrier by washing it by hand or by using your washing machine's delicate cycle. The use of a soap which does not require rinsing will ensure that no soap residues are left after hand washing the baby carrier. Do not dry a structured baby carrier in a dryer : you should instead wring out as much water as possible from its shoulder straps and hang it. A woven baby wrap can be put in a dryer, but be careful not to set it at too high a temperature, as a lower drying temperature will preserve its fibers for longer. All of our 100% cotton fabrics can be ironed, but you should never iron a structured baby carrier, and especially not its shoulder straps.
Obviously, when washing your baby carrier using your washing machine, use a laundry detergent formulated not to irritate a baby's skin. We recommend using a laundry bag to protect it and to buckle its straps so that they do not entangle themselves.
How should I wash my baby wrap?
Preferably, you should care for your Chimpäroo baby wrap by washing it by hand or by using your washing machine's delicate cycle. The use of a soap which does not require rinsing will ensure that no soap residues are left after hand washing the baby carrier. Do not dry a structured baby carrier in a dryer: you should instead wring out as much water as possible from its shoulder straps and hang it. A woven baby wrap can be put in a dryer, but be careful not to set it at too high a temperature, as a lower drying temperature will preserve its fibers for longer. All of our 100% cotton fabrics can be ironed.
Descriptions and instructions available on every page of our products: Traditional Woven Baby Wrap, Stretchy Wrap, Air-O Baby Wrap.