bilboquet BB-SLEN User manual

www.bilboquet.com
BB•SLEN
user’s manual
for a long woven scarf
Your Point Of Sale:
Bilboquet
9 rue Saint Guenhaël
56000 VANNES
Tél. [phone]
www.bilboquet.com

> CONGRATULATIONS!
You have chosen to carry your baby in a cloth baby carrier. Babies
across the globe are carried by their parents, siblings, and caregivers
as they continue through their daily activities. A practice which ben-
efits both the baby and the wearer as you will see. Before providing
you with step-by-step instructions on how to tie your baby carrier, we
first want to explain why you should carry your baby. Take your time
and read through the manual calmly. You do not have to become an
expert in all the positions presented. Besides, not every baby will like
every position. We present you with a large variety so that you and
your baby can try them out and choose your favorites.
Learning to carry your baby comfortably is like learning to dance. It
takes a little practice before the movements become second nature
and you glide through them with your eyes closed. It is often help-
ful to practice tying the scarf several times before placing your baby
inside. It can also help to talk to your baby and explain what you are
doing while placing him in the carrier. Your baby will sense if you are
uncomfortable. Tell him you are a bit insecure yourself but that you
will learn how to do this together.
You will see, once you have learned to carry your baby, you will won-
der how you ever lived without it. Not only does it make life easier, it
provides sensory and motor development and much more.
Worn up next to you, your baby can participate in your activi-
ties. This interaction with the outside world will enhance his
language and social development.
© copyright Babylonia 2005
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose a Position
(and pages references to each individual method)
Getting Started
Tying Methods
Twins
Other Babylonia Products
& Thank You

When using a baby carrier that is adapted to the wearer as well
as the baby, it is possible to carry a child as long as he wish-
es. Children who are 2, 3, 4 or even 5 years old often get tired
of walking and will ask to be carried. Holding a child of this
age in your arms can put a lot of strain on one’s shoulders and
back. A baby carrier, however, will distribute the weight of the
child evenly. As a child progressively gains his independence,
he will go back and forth between wanting to do it all by him-
self, and wanting help from others. Contrary to popular belief,
meeting his needs and reassuring him will boost his confidence
and make him more independent.
Want to read more about the benefits of carrying your baby?
Here are a few of our favorites.
Granju, Katie Allison . Attachment Parenting: Instinctive care for
your baby and young child. New York, New York: Pocket Books,
1999.
Heller, Sharon. The Vital Touch: How Intimate Contact with Your
Baby Leads to Happier, Healthier Development. New York, New
York: Henry Holt and Company, 1997.
Liedloff, Jane. The Continuum Concept: In search of happiness
lost. Cambridge, Massachussetts: Perseus Books, 1985.
Sears, W. and Sears, M. The Attachment Parenting Book. Bos-
ton, Massachusetts: Little Brown, 2001.
Small, Meredith F. Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and
Culture Shape the Way We Parent. New York, New York: Double-
day, 2001.
BB•SLEN > User’s Manual
Please read through carefully before starting!
Babies Yearn for Skin
After nine months of warmth, movement and constant contact with
mother, birth is a huge transition and babies are in need of intimate
contact with their parents. Babies who are carried close to the body,
visibly enjoy this direct physical contact. The cherishing body-to-body
contact fulfils one of baby’s primal and deep needs and offers an
ideal position from which to discover the big wide world.
Safe and Secure
In a simple cloth carrier, your baby feels safe and secure. He feels
your physical warmth and hears your voice and heartbeat. He recog-
nizes your scent and can have permanent eye contact with you.
Babies Cry Less
Research indicates that babies who are carried on a daily basis cry
significantly less. In a cloth carrier your baby is not forced to pas-
sively spend the day. He participates naturally in your daily activities.
Hence, your baby can observe and hear quite a bit, which is benefi-
cial for his psychosocial development. When he has had enough, your
baby simply closes his eyes and falls asleep on your chest.
Stimulates balanced development
In the security of a cloth sling, your baby experiences the world from
a safe position. The huge amount of stimuli he has to deal with in a
brief period of time does not frighten him because he is so close to
you. This feeling of security results in the development of a positive
self-image and later on, it forms the basis of a confident and assured
personality. Contrary to old popular belief, it has become quite clear
that carrying your baby in a cloth carrier does not lead to spoiled and
dependent children, but that the opposite is accomplished.
And the father
During the first few months it is not always easy for a young father to
develop an equally close bond with baby as the mother. However,
with a cloth carrier, he can undertake a lot of things at a very early
stage with the baby safely tucked on his chest.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this type of carrier safe for the development of my baby’s spine?
The basis of good posture begins with the pelvis. If this is well sup-
ported, the baby’s spine and neck will fall into a natural curve and the
weight will be supported by the pelvis. To ensure a correct position,
the baby’s knees should be higher than his pelvis, in a fetal position,
with his hips and legs properly supported. The baby’s bottom should
be lower than the knees and his back should be rounded with his
head resting on your body. This is the ideal position for the develop-
ment of healthy hip joints. The baby does not hang, but comfortably
rests against the wearer.
If the baby is in an upright position, it is essential that the legs do not
dangle or hang in mid-air. This puts strain on the baby’s spine and
the baby will tend to arch backwards creating a bad position for his
neck too.
The fetal tuck is the most natural position for a baby. Not only is this
position good for correct spinal and hip development, it allows him to
rest and use his energy to develop other strengths.
Does my baby’s head need to be supported?
If your baby’s pelvis is supported correctly as explained above, then
her neck will follow a natural curve and her head will rest on your
chest. She is free to lift her head when curious to look around and
her neck muscles will strengthen quickly. There is no need to support
her head, unless you are bending over. At that moment, spread one
band over her head. This can also be done to stabilize her when she
is sleeping.
How long can I safely carry my baby per day?
There are no limits. A baby well positioned in a baby carrier can be
carried as long as he and the wearer desire. Remember that babies
around the world are carried throughout the entire day as the wearer
continues about his or her daily tasks and activities.
Is this good for my own back?
If you have back problems, you should always consult with your doc-
tor before using a baby carrier. This said, using a carrier is probably
one of the best ways to prevent back strain because the cloth carries
the weight and not your arms and back as when you are simply hold-
ing your baby in your arms. Carry your baby each day and progres-
sively extend the carrying time to allow your back muscles a chance to
strengthen along with the baby’s weight gain.
Will the carrier put too much pressure on my breasts?
If you follow the instructions of our tying methods, the scarf should
not put pressure on your breasts. You should cross the bands over
or under them, and if across them, spread out the fabric so that it
doesn’t put pressure on one specifi c spot.
At what age can I start carrying my baby and when should I stop?
The benefi ts of carrying premature babies – or kangaroo care – is well
documented. A baby (full term or premature) can be placed in a baby
carrier just after birth, creating a ‘womb with a view’. There are, of
course, no problems starting later as well. Your back will strengthen
as you carry your baby and his weight gains will go mostly unnoticed.
A baby can be carried as long as he wants. Even an older child will
fi nd a safe refuge in a baby carrier when tired with the stimulations of
the outside world.
Will my baby like being in a baby carrier?
Babies crave close human contact. Once they are used to being car-
ried, you will instinctively reach for your carrier whenever your baby
is fussy, can’t fall asleep, or just needs a reassuring presence. Some
babies need a little adaptation time to a new position in the carrier,
especially on your back.
Sometimes babies are unhappy in a carrier because they feel insecure.
This is often the result of not tying the carrier tight enough. Follow the
instructions carefully to make sure you wear your baby high and tight.
We recommend trying a new position when your baby is relaxed, just
after eating or ready to fall asleep. Walk around after placing your baby
in the carrier for the fi rst time or when trying a new position. This will

5
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
distract him while he gets used to a new way of being carried.
Most importantly, TRUST YOUR BABY. If your baby is uncomfortable,
too tight, too hot, or whatever, he will let you know. If he is asleep or
happily observing the world, then he is just fi ne. Carrying your baby
close means you can often read his body language well before he
starts to cry or tell you something is wrong.
Will I spoil my baby and make him dependent on me?
Imagine you are thirsty. Sometimes you are given a glass of water and
sometimes you are not. Your thirst is not quenched. You are forced to
wait until the next time someone else decides you can have a glass
of water. You become increasingly nervous and frustrated. You begin
to constantly ask for water, even when you are not thirsty, because
you are not sure that when you will be thirsty, you will be given some
water. You become insecure when you do not have water available.
You are so preoccupied with having enough water that you are unable
to think about anything else.
Now imagine the opposite scenario. You are thirsty. You are imme-
diately given water, however much you need to quench your thirst.
You are satisfi ed and can go on about whatever you were doing with-
out worry. You are reassured because the water is in abundant sup-
ply and you can have some whenever you need it. You feel secure in
this knowledge and the physical presence of the water is not always
necessary. You are worry free and can put your energy into other ac-
tivities.
Now imagine these two scenarios with your baby and his need for
close physical contact and reassurance. You decide.
Will my baby be able to breathe wrapped in a carrier?
Wrapped snuggly into the baby carrier, your baby is still able to move.
If he is uncomfortable in any way, he can turn his head or wiggle his
body in protest. Either he will shift and rectify the situation, or you can
help adjust him to a more comfortable position. Held close to you,
your baby will synchronize his breathing to your heartbeat and the
rise and fall of your chest. This stabilizes his respiration.
Will my baby be too hot or too cold in a baby carrier?
Newborn babies are not capable of regulating their body temperature.
The adult’s body will stabilize the baby’s body temperature when hold-
ing them close. Dress yourself and your baby accordingly. Remember
that your body heat will be considered one layer and the baby carrier
itself is a second. In cold weather, your coat over both of you is a third
layer. Just make sure that whatever extremities are exposed are well
protected from the sun and/or the cold.
Meeting your baby’s needs by carrying him close to you creates a
secure and self-confi dent child.

HOW TO CHOOSE A POSITION
There is a large variety of tying methods for the long scarf. We have
provided you with instructions for our favorites as well as a selection
guide as per the physical ability of your baby and/or your physical ac-
tivity. Do not hesitate to be creative and experiment with other meth-
ods that you may find elsewhere or create on your own. Just always
remember to maintain the basic elements:
1. Keep the baby’s knees higher than his hips when he’s in a vertical position.
2. The fabric should always be spread out so that no one spot is strained.
3. The baby should always be carried high and tight.
Physical ability of baby
Almost all of the positions in this manual can be used with any age
baby. Even the back carry positions can be used for a very young baby
if the adult feels comfortable doing so. Some positions, however, are
more easily adapted to the physical abilities of the baby. The chart
should provide you with a guideline to choose which position is best
adapted to the abilities of your child.
Activity
Your own activity while carrying your baby may also influence which
position you choose. On the opposite page you will find a chart indicat-
ing which positions are best suited for a range of common activities.
POSITIONS:
Front page 10 >
1. Wrap Cross I 10
2. Wrap Cross II 16
3. Cross 18
- Cradle 20
- Upright 21
- Buddha 22
- Facing out 23
4. Kangaroo 24
Hip page 26
5. Hip Wrap 27
6. Hip with Knot 30
7. Hip Cross 32
Back page 34
Putting your baby on your back:
Method I 34
Method II 36
Method III 37
Method IV 37
Tying methods:
8. Back Pouch 38
9. Back Wrap 40
NOTE: Taking baby off your back 42
Twins page 44
1. Wrap Cross I 44
2. Cross with babies on hips 45
3. Cross with babies in front & back 46

7
HOW TO CHOOSE A POSITION
Breastfeeding In/Out often Extended Carrying
Time / Long Walks Social Settings
From day one Cross > Cradle Cross > Cradle Wrap Cross I
Kangaroo Hip Wrap
Holds head up Alone Hip with Knot Cross-all positions
Wrap Cross II
Backpack Pouch
Backpack Cross
Wrap Cross I & II
Kangaroo
Hip with Knot
Cross > Buddha
(Twins - Wrap Cross I)
Sits up Hip Cross
Cross-all positions
Hip Cross
Wrap Cross II
(Twins - Cross)
(babies on hips)
Backpack Pouch
Backpack Cross
Wrap Cross I & II
Kangaroo
Hip Cross
(Twins - Cross)
(babies on hips)

TIP
> GETTING STARTED
When you use the carrier for the first time you may feel a bit
awkward or unsure. The best time to try the carrier is when
your baby is calm, having just eaten and is ready to fall asleep.
Once you have placed your baby in the carrier, walk around to
distract your baby while she adapts to a new way of being car-
ried. If she is fussy and does not calm down after a few min-
utes, take her out and try again later. Once you have practiced
a few times, you will see that the carrier is really the perfect
way to comfort a restless baby.
> WARNINGS
Common sense is the best prevention of accidents when
wearing your baby in a carrier. Some practical points are:
> TYING TIPS
Tie the scarf lower around your
hips instead of your waist. This
will distribute the weight better
and provide extra support to
your back.
Take your baby out by separat-
ing the bands and lifting him
out of fabric. Sometimes it helps
to take his legs out of the bands
before lifting him out complete-
ly. You do not, however, need to
take the whole scarf off.
A knot tied in the middle of
your back can be uncomfort-
able when sitting. When using
a knot, make it rather on your
side by starting with the ends
slightly uneven.
Wear your baby high and tight.
Keep her within kissing dis-
tance. If your baby is carried too
low or too loosely, your lower
back will hurt from the strain.
The BB•SLEN label serves as a
mark to help you find the middle
of the fabric quickly and easily.
Pulling on the seams is the key
to getting the scarf tight. The in-
structions explain which seams
correspond to specific places
around the baby.
Do not twist the fabric when putting it on. This will make a significant difference
in the comfort and weight distribution. Always begin by gathering the fabric
evenly.
TIP
TIP
TIP
TIP
TIP
TIP
When leaning over, always support your baby’s head with
your hand or a band of fabric.
Cooking with your baby in a carrier can be tempting, but be
careful! Your curious baby can reach over and grab some-
thing (knife, hot pan, bowl of liquid, etc.)
Remember that wearing your baby changes your spatial di-
mensions. Be careful when walking through narrow spaces,
low doors, etc.
Do not ride a bike while carrying your baby in a carrier.
•
•
•
•

9
> TYING A KNOT
The square knot has the advantage that when pulled on, it just gets tighter and will not come untied. It lays very flat
and is not bulky like a double knot.
1. Start with two ends in
both hands.
2. Tie the right end over
the left end.
3. Now tie left end (orig-
inally the right) over the
right end.
4. Pull tightly on both
ends.
5. Knot should be tight
and lay flat.
The slip knot has the advantage that you can adjust your sling while keeping it tied.
NOTE: It is the shorter band at the beginning which will be adjustable when you finish.
GETTING STARTED
3. Letting the short
band hang down, make
a U shape with the lon-
ger band.
4. Thread the end be-
hind the short band
and through the loop.
2. and tie.1. Starting with one
band longer than the
other, cross the longer
band over once
7. You can adjust the
short band by pulling
on it while holding the
knot.
6. until the knot is
tight.
5. Pull on both ends

CROSS > UPRIGHT
ARMS IN
CROSS > KANGAROO
WRAP CROSS II
CROSS > BUDDHA
CROSS > UPRIGHT
ARMS OUT
CROSS > CRADLE
WRAP CROSS I WRAP CROSS I
> FRONT POSITIONS

11
FRONT > WRAP CROSS I
1. Holding the top seams, place
middle of fabric across your
chest.
5. Take top seam of one band
and pull up and out to full arm’s
length.
2. Wrap the bands around you
and grab both top seams in one
hand.
3. Slip free hand under the band
and take opposite top seam.
4. Cross the bands and pull out
to your sides.
9. Take bands in both hands
and pull up.
6. Gather fabric in both hands
and place flat on your shoulder.
7. Take top seam of other side
and pull up and out to full arm’s
length.
8. Gather fabric in both hands
and place flat on your shoulder.
This is an ideal position
for carrying your baby for
an extended period of time
due to the three bands
which provide a lot of sup-
port. It is appropriate from
day one through the tod-
dler years.
FRONT > WRAP CROSS I
option 1: small baby
with feet in
option 2: larger
baby with feet out

Bands should lay flat and tight
across your back.
NOT twisted.11. Readjust your shirt by pull-
ing it down.
10. Adjust so that they lay com-
fortably on your shoulders.
NOT too loose. NOT too close to shoulders but
rather spread out evenly across
them.
12.a Resting the baby high over
one shoulder, pull open the
band across your chest.
12. To place a small baby
with feet in
OPTION 1
12.b Slide the baby feet first
into the band.
12.c The baby will naturally
bring its knees up into a ‘frog–
like’ position.
12.d Holding the baby firmly in
one hand, pull the outer fabric
up to the baby’s neck.
12.e If you like, tuck some of the
fabric up under the baby.
Continue at number 14.
YES NO
NO NO

13
FRONT > WRAP CROSS I
13.a Create a slight pocket in
the fabric to place the baby.
13.b Starting with the baby on
one shoulder, slide the baby
feet first between you and the
band of fabric.
13. To place a larger baby
with legs out
OPTION 2
13.f Pull the upper border up to
the baby’s neck.
13.c Reaching up from under-
neath the band
13.d Pull the baby’s feet through
the band.
13.e Spread the baby’s legs to
straddle your waist.
13.g Verify that the band
covers the baby’s bottom and is
pulled out to his knees.
16. Now pull snugly the outer
seam to adjust tension under
baby’s bottom.
15. Repeat on the other side
while continuing to support the
baby with your free hand.
14. While supporting the baby
with one hand, pull tight the in-
side seam of the band to adjust
tension at shoulders of baby.
17. Repeat on other side.

20. Continue supporting baby
with hand and pull tight inner
seam of free band.
19. Pull band under baby’s
leg, while supporting baby
with your hand.
18. Holding outer seams of one
band pull tightly and spread
across back of baby.
21. Holding outer seams of other
band, pull tightly and spread
across back of baby. Continue to
support baby with your arm.
Make sure your baby is high and
tight against you. You should be
able to kiss your baby’s head
easily.
23. Pulling tight, wrap bands
around your hips and tie a
square knot. Make sure to stay
UNDER baby’s legs.
22. Pass band under baby’s leg
and take both bands in your
hands. Keep fabric tight at all
times.
If baby is sleeping, you can
support his head by pulling
the band over him.
lift him out of the scarf. and after taking his legs out of
the crossed bands
To remove your baby,
simply spread open the bands
Your baby can keep his
arms out of the bands to
interact with the world.
OUT
TIP
TIP
TIP

15
FRONT > WRAP CROSS II
This position is great when you want to tie the scarf
completely before putting your baby inside. For ex-
ample, put on the scarf before going out in the car.
Upon arrival, you don’t have to do any adjustments on
the sidewalk, just put your baby in directly from her
car seat and you’re off!
With the three bands around the baby, this position
provides a lot of support and is very comfortable for
carrying your baby for a long period of time.
FRONT > WRAP CROSS II
1. Place the middle of the scarf
across your waist.
5. Resting the baby high on your
shoulder, place his leg through
the inner band.
4. Wrap the ends around your
hips and tie a square knot.
3. Cross the bands in front
and place them through the
waist band.
2. Cross the bands across
your back and place them on
your shoulders. Make sure not
to twist them.
6. Put his leg through the waist
band.

9. Spread out the inner band
of fabric and sit the baby down
into it.
12. The baby can choose to
keep his arms in or out.
11. Pull open the waist band
over the back of the baby.
10. Spread out the outer band.
Make sure the fabric is pulled
out to the baby’s knees on both
sides.
8. Put this leg through the waist
band.
7. Shift the baby to your oppo-
site shoulder and place his leg
through the outer band.

17
FRONT > CROSS
The cross position is
great for taking a baby
or toddler in and out
of the scarf often. The
scarf can be left on and
does not need to be re-
tied each time.
All these positions start
with the same method.
NOTE: We recommend always
crossing the bands in the same
order. The inner band will be
the one the baby is placed into
first.
CRADLE BHUDDA
UPRIGHT
ARMS IN
UPRIGHT
ARMS OUT
FRONT > CROSS
TYING FOR ALL
4 POSITIONS
1. Place the middle of the fabric
across your back.
2. Cross it in front of you and
place on your shoulders.
3. Reach behind you and take
the two bands in your hands.
4. Cross the bands across
your back – careful not to twist
them!
5. Bring them around to the
front and tie a knot (slip or
square).
6. A slip knot will allow you to
adjust the tension of the bands
after putting them on.

Tying the bands low around
your hips will help distribute
the weight more comfortably.
5. You now have the two bands
across your chest as with the
Cross.
2. Create a loop in the center of
your back.
4. Wrap the ends around your
hips and tie a knot.
1. Start with one end slightly
longer than the other.
3. Pass the longer end through
the loop.
Once your baby is placed in the
bands, pull down on the bands
to make the cross low on your
back. This will distribute the
weight more evenly.
7. Pull down on the two bands
in front to create room for the
baby to be placed.
TYING > variation
The various positions of the
Cross can also be done with
this knot. We don’t find it as
comfortable, however, because
of the loop on your back which
does not lay flat.
But NOT be too loose that they
do not provide enough support.
The bands should be left loose
enough to leave room for the
baby,
YES NO TIP
TIP

19
See page 17 to begin.
CROSS > Cradle
FRONT > CROSS
3. Rest your baby high on free
shoulder.
7. Tuck the fabric up under your
baby as you place her inside.
6. Place your baby’s hips and
head into the band of fabric.
10. Spread the band evenly
across your shoulder.
2. Spread open the inner band
of fabric to create room to place
the baby.
5. guiding them down and
around your waist.
1. Slip the outside band off your
shoulder.
9. Return the outside band to
your free shoulder.
4. Slide your baby’s feet into
the band
8. Once your baby is in the
right position, remove your
arm from the band.

See page 17 to begin.
OUT
11. Spread out the band so that
it supports the length of your
baby.
open the inner band
2. pull baby’s leg through the
inside band.
To take baby out, simply pull
back the outside band
1. Place your baby over the op-
posite shoulder of inside band,
and reaching up under the
band,
13. Seated in an L position with
her head resting up on your
chest, your baby can choose to
interact with the outside world
or sleep.
and pull baby out with both
hands.
12. To raise the head of your
baby or adjust tension, take the
top fold of fabric and fold out-
wards.
CROSS > Upright
4. pull the other leg through the
outside band.
3. Shift your baby to the oppo-
site shoulder and