So you're frustrated, sweaty, and on the verge of tears?

- Some little tips on learning back carries

Tip 1: NO BABY JEANS!
Yes baby jeans are OMG IM DYING ADBORBS! but they have zero give which makes getting that nice "M" position and a deep seat hard esp if you're a new back wrapper.

Tip 2: Feetie PJs once size too big If you feel your child needs to wear feetie PJs only wrap in ones with PLENTY of feet room! When making the seat in a wrap job it takes some of the material in the pants and it can squish their toes or cause issues with you being able to get a good seat because the fabric is too taunt on the PJs. If you aren't addicted to feeties skip them and opt for leggings and socks ;)

Tip 3: Just do it naked! Learning to back wrap has a serious learning curve by itself if at all possible when learning do it at home and with minimal clothing in the way (for both you and your baby). For more info on this go to thebabywearer.com and look for the naked double hammock thread ;)

Tip 4: Both rails matter! When making your seat I know we all always focus on that top rail being snug! But the bottom rail being loose is just as important so that it's free to have the width to get it nice and deep seat. (see video at the bottom).

Tip 5: Start simple Focus on getting comfortable before you start trying to do the world's most complex 20 step carries. If you're terrified of how you're going to get your baby on and off your back? Just do that! When I first started back wrapping I practiced that first. Explore all your "getting baby back there" options and try them out and see what works for you! Get comfortable.

Tip 6: Distraction! If your baby is a little bigger and frustrated with how long you're taking to learn your new skill give them something MAGICAL! something they aren't usually supposed to play with ;) suggestions your phone, the TV remote, and maybe even bribing with food (this is much cleaner if you're following tip 3).

Tip 7: Mirror mirror This will differ with people but some people really are helped by being in front of a mirror when wrapping so they can see what they are doing. Other people may find this more difficult and prefer to feel what they are doing instead.

Tip 8: NO TOUCHING! If you have a spotter ask them not to touch the wrap unless you know you're about to drop the baby (have a code word lol).

Here is a video for a visual aid (sorry for the sake of your eyes I am clothed ;) ):

In case you were confused. A toy buying guide brought to you by Target.

Have you ever walked in to the toy section and felt just so very overwhelmed with all the options? How on earth am I to know what to purchase? Well Target hears you and is here to help!

What you need to know:
1) The age of the child you are buying for
2) The sex of the child you are buying for
3) No personal likes or preferences needed!

Are you buying for a child under the age of 3? You're in luck! For this age group the sex of the child does not matter you may pick a toy you think the child will enjoy from either of the yellow backed aisles. Feel free to browse and choose based on the child's likes or developmental level.

Buying for a child over the age of 3?
Now this is where people were confused! Target has made your life easier by color coding the toy aisles based on the sex of the child you're buying for!

If you're buying for a girl you can buy from any of the pink backed aisles. With all the lovely selections like Barbies, dolls, and those lovely new "girl Lego" kits called something like "Lego Friends" (be warned though if the child you are buying for has had confused gifters before that didn't have this lovely system Target has provided and got boy Legos these girl Legos WILL NOT FIT! How it should be of course! Boy and girl toys should not mix!).

Now on your boy aisles you'll have the lovely blue backed shelves with everything a boy would ever want! Like regular Legos, action figures, toy cars (you know cause girls shouldn't drive so we shouldn't let our daughters play with these! Smart move), and other various mucho stuff. These aisles will keep you safe from any unfortunate gifting blunders like accidentally encouraging nurturing fathering actions or God forbid encouraging a boy to want to cook or become a chef (come on that's a female dominated career!).

Now if you feel you've mastered gift buying you may venture into the arts and crafts section back in green. But BE WARNED! this is not for the toy shopping novice! There are no signs here to keep you from buying a friendship bracelet kit for a boy! Be careful!