On the Go: Make Your Own Baby Carrier
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Turn your old jeans into a sturdy denim baby carrier!
You'll need TWO pair of adult jeans, with no worn spots on the backside.
Remove the back of the jeans from the fronts, leaving the thick side seams attached to the discarded fronts.
Cut off waist-band, belt loops and leg hems. Make a T-shaped cut up the centre from each crotch, as follows:
-- On one jean-back - T
is through the centre of the back pockets.
-- On the other jean-back - T
is midway between the crotch and bottom of back pockets.
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| How to Make a Baby Sling From Old Jeans |
-- Double-stitch along the length of both sides of these straps.
-- Place one jean-back on top of the other, to form an
Hshape - lining up one jean-back along the top of the other's pockets.
-- Double-stitch the two jean-backs together.
Tie the shorter straps around your waist.
For a front carrier, have a friend help place baby's stomach against your stomach, baby's legs on either side of the carrier seat.
For a back carrier, baby's stomach is against your back.
Bring carrier and longer straps up over baby, with one strap over each of your shoulders.
For a front carrier, you could cross the straps at your back.
While you hold securely onto the longer straps to support the baby, have your friend mark or pin where these longer straps meet the seat part, making sure this is a comfortable position for baby and you.
Remove the baby and carrier, double-stitch longer straps to marked spots, on the inside of the seat part.
Finish by folding and hemming any remaining cut edges.
Make sure all stitching seams are strong and sturdy for safety.
Thanks to Catherine for this Frugal Baby Tip!
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS WITH PICTURES:
• For more pictures and instructions, including a slideshow: How to Make a Baby Sling From Old Jeans, by E. A. Byrnes, May/June 1982, MOTHER EARTH NEWS
Category: Carriers/Slings, On the Go
I made the free baby carrier from 2 pairs of jeans and gave it to a friend (I myself already have a good mei tai and want to spread
the babywearing love). Love it, love it, love it! It was so easy to make and looks so good. I did take the leg-material from the pant fronts, double stitched
(and triple stitched them...) them to the original straps to make a tieable mei tai style carrier (and am thinking about using what scraps I have left to make a
matching small bag). Lined with an old fleece blankie it's an awesome carrier made out of almost nothing :)
Just wanted to say thank you for the instructions. I made my friend and her baby very happy with a very special gift (and a link to your site, I might add).
Blessings and once again thank you for a wonderful website,
Heiða D., Reykjavík, Iceland.