Hints for using the kanga

1.
Especially if your baby is still small, make sure you do not over dress your baby when using the kanga. The baby is receiving your body heat and is kept warm with three layers of cloth. If you pay attention to your baby the signs will be clear. Sweating, crying or a red head could indicate overheating. Using the Kanga indoors will only require one layer of clothing [cotton] for the baby, even in wintertime. In summer, especially here in Italy, it can be very warm. Keep this in mind when using the Kanga outdoors. A babysuit without any legs or arms will do just fine. In wintertime a winter coat and trousers will be enough. Do not dress it with any extra warm clothing such as a baby ski suit and don't zip your coat over the Kanga as this will most likely be far too hot.

2.
Are you often sat down when using the Kanga, like travelling by bus or train, or if you use a wheelchair? Tie the knot in front of your belly instead of behind your back and it will not get in your way when you sit.

3.
Always be aware of the fact that you are carrying your baby in the Kanga and avoid any dangerous situations. Doing some light housekeeping is fine but don't go ironing with your child in the kanga, and the same goes for cooking or cleaning with cleaning products like bleach or chlorine. Outdoors we would not recommend you do any sports or drive a car.

4.
Make sure the baby has an adequate airflow. Don't cover it’s face.

5.
Wash the kanga with similar colours in the washing machine or by hand at a low temperature (30° C) do not use any bleaching products and do not tumble dry. Hang the kanga out to dry naturally and ironing won't be necessary. If you prefer to iron the kanga then use an iron at low temperature.

Your first kanga?

These tips are essential for first time users. Reading these carefully will increase the ease of use for both you and your child.

1.
When using for the first few times make sure your baby has had a good rest and has eaten well. This to ensure that your baby will stay calm and does not get upset.

2.
Learning the various methods is not always easy straight away. Therefore keep the instructions at hand as a reference after you have read them well and maybe practice the first time on a doll or a teddy bear.

3.
If you stand in front of a mirror you can see much better what you are doing, and to see if it has been twisted in the wrong places. The Kanga should be tight around your body without leaving extra room for the baby. If wrapped too loose your baby will hang too low which will put more weight on your back and shoulders. After a couple of times you will get the hang of how tight the Kanga should be wrapped.

4.
If your baby is restless during the practice, start jiggling as soon as the baby is in the Kanga to calm it. Moving about always has calming affect.

5.
The easiest way to take your baby out of the Kanga is to simply reverse the way you put it in! If you unwrap the Kanga first the baby might fall out. So, while you hold your baby, move the fabric downwards (like you peel an onion) and lift your baby out, and only then undo the knot.

6.
Using the Kanga sometimes might take a little more time to get used to for both you and you baby, so it does not matter if the first time either one of you feels uncomfortable. Just try it again later. Eventually you will both find it a very satisfying method.