Thari Sling instruction leaflet

About the Kalafong Kangaroo Mother Care Thari wrap

How to tie the wrap
The wrap is made from one piece of cotton fabric. It is three metres long and about half a metre wide. The wrap has two straps on each side of a middle piece (centre piece E).
Total Length 3 metres
Length from midpoint 150cm Width 12,5cm
+ - 50-55cm wide

Strap A

Midpoint

Strap B

Central piece E 70-75cm wide

Strap Length 115cm

Strap C

35-37cm

Strap D

Figure 1: the basic pieces that make up the wrap

Hold the wrap with the centre piece against your chest under your chin, with the straps hanging from each side (two on each side).

Bring the bottom straps (C and D) around your back.

Cross the bottom straps at your back and bring them to front, just below your breasts, as shown.

Tie a double knot where the straps join in front under your breasts and on top of the centre piece (E). This is where your babys legs and bottom will go.

Wrap the top straps (A and B) around your back, under your arms then cross the straps at the back and bring them over your shoulders to the front. Let the straps hang in front away from the centre piece so that the top edge of the centre piece is loose, so that it forms a pouch for your baby.

Pick up your baby and gently lift him or her into the pouch created by the centre piece. (You may want to do this while sitting if you feel unsure.) Make sure your babys legs are stretched out on each side of your waist and that the hands are next to the head. Gently turn your babys head to the side if necessary. Your baby is sitting correctly if the top edge of the centre piece is level with the middle of their ear.

Once your baby is settled, pull the hanging top straps forward until your baby is secure against your chest. With one arm stretched across to hold your baby, tie one top strap to one bottom strap with a double knot. Swapping sides, tie the other top strap to the second bottom strap with a double knot.

These pictures just demonstrate how the wrap should be tied and how the infant should be position. A doll was used for this demonstration.

Important safety points

Make sure you have tied the wrap securely and firmly so you can let go and move your arms freely while your baby is safe and snug inside the pouch. Make sure that the top edge of the pouch created by the centre piece holds your babys head at the level of the ear. This is very important so your babys breathing isnt affected in any way. If youre breastfeeding or if you need to express, you need to loosen the top straps a bit to allow your baby to move onto your breast. Remember to reposition your baby correctly and tighten the straps again once youve finished.

Looking after the wrap

The wrap can be machine washed and tumble dried. If you want to, iron it on a medium steam setting.

The Kalafong Kangaroo Mother Care Thari wrap was designed & created by Dr Elise van Rooyen, Department of Paediatrics, Kalafong Hospital, Private Bag x396, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa. E-mail address: elise.vanrooyen@up.ac.za, Tel: +27 (12) 3731036 / 1009, Fax: +27(12) 373 7977

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