Happy March, Babywearers! This month, we're breathing some life into an old standard: The Front Wrap Cross Carry! There's a reason you see this carry around a lot, and an even better reason we teach it at almost every Chapter Meeting. Wanna know why? Read on!
- FWCC, as the abbreviation goes, is the bread-and-butter of woven wrapping skills. It has one of the lowest learning curves of any wrap carry. Entirely symmetrical, whatever you do on one side of your body, you'll repeat on the other side.
- The process for starting FWCC is super similar to tying on a stretchy wrap (remember your old Moby days?). Yes, there is a good amount of fabric to work with, but in a woven wrap, it's going to be nice and supportive. The only real difference is at what point in the process you put your baby into the carrier.
- This carry is forgiving. New wrappers sometimes feel challenged by the skills needed to snug up a wrap job-- tightening strand-by-strand, maintaining tension, and figuring out how to hold baby and wrangle fabric all at the same time. The beauty of FWCC is that the three passes going over baby's body means she's not going anywhere-- even if things aren't perfectly snug.
- Speaking of three passes going over baby's body, this carry is about as supportive as it gets! Not only is baby snug as a bug in a rug within those passes, but your body will thank you for the two shoulder passes and the waistbelt. This means fantastic weight distribution and a carry that will feel like it's melting into your own body. From birth until college (er... late toddlerhood), you and baby will be well-supported for whatever adventures the day brings your way.
- FWCC uses (and is usually the standard for finding) your base size. The size you'll use to comfortably tie off FWCC will henceforth be known as your "Base" size-- which will clue you into what size wrap you'll need to try other carries with shorter and longer wraps. For most wearers, a size 6 (4.6m) will do. Fluffier wearers will need a 7 (5.2m), and petite wearers can get away with a 5 (4.1m). Check out this chart which compares carries by size, all relative to your base size.
- FWCC is also beautifully versatile!
- Hot weather? Bunch up the cross passes (the ones that come down and go between baby's legs) to let some air in! (As seen in the photo above)
- Nap time cuddles in order? Spread out the cross passes over baby's body for extra closeness and support.
- Better yet-- you can use the top of a cross pass to support a sleepy newborn head against your chest (pardon me while my ovaries explode).
- Does one of the passes get in baby's face? Flip it at the shoulder when tying on for a pretty twist and a little more face room.
- Are the shoulder straps digging a bit? You can spread them over the caps of your shoulders to ease the bulk.
- Leg passes getting in the way of baby's legs? Try a Lexi Twist under the bum to get reduce the competition between baby feet and woven wrap.
- Are you wanting something new and interesting to try with an old favorite? Try out the Poppin's finish to showcase that wrap print you're in love with!
- Don't have enough length? Tie it off under the bum (FWCC-TUB)!
Front Wrap Cross Carry from Babywearing Faith
Front Wrap Cross Carry Tied Under Bum from Wrapping Rachel
Front Wrap Cross Carry with a Twist from Wrap You In Love
Front Wrap Cross Carry with a Poppins Finish from Keep Calm and Carry Them
If this is a carry you are unfamiliar with, try it out over a soft bed or sofa, and make sure to keep one hand on your baby until you've securely tied off. If you have any questions about the execution of these carries or variations, let a Volunteer Babywearing Educator know, or get-yo-self to a meeting for some hands-on assistance.