We often use terms that many beginners in wrapping find confusing, especially when expirience wrapper give explanation. So we agreed that we need one quick visual beginners guide of wrap passes and hope it will help to better understand and easier to apply.
Horizontal – Torso Wrap pass
This one is probably the one most of learn first. Horizontal pass (also known as torso pass) which go straight across the baby’s back and under both of the wearers arms. This pass is used as the first pass in FWCC – Front Wrap Cross Carry and BWCC – Back Wrap Cross Carry. It is also used as a second or third pass in many carries to add support. This pass can be used also in traditional carry for example with Kanga wrap on a back but when baby is physically ready and it is lower carry then others.
Pros and cons of (horizontal) torso pass:
PROS: * We often use is with small babies in FWCC as this pass secures small baby nicely without leaving openings on a side and provide additonal warmth. * We use this pass also when we have a heavier child for additional support. * It is general rule to provide lower carries because wrap cannot go higher than the line of armpits. Wich can be useful gudeline with FWCC and small babies.
CONS: * Not ideal in hot summer weather
Kangaroo/Ruck Pass
Ruck pass also called kangaroo pass create a seat for the baby and then go up and over both of the wearers arms. This pass type is used in all of the ruck back carry variations and kangaroo front carry variations. Also this is usually the one we start learning when we start back carry.
Pros and cons of Kangaroo/Ruck pass:
PROS: * Ruck pass wich is used on ruck back carry aim create a nice high carry where baby can easily see over the wearer’s shoulder.
* It can be worn in one layer in ruck back carry and also it is not tight on sides so this pass is much cooler in summer.
* Kangaroo passes are really good choice for learners.
CONS: *Kangaroo passes do not protect leg straightening.
Sling pass
Sling pass is somehow best described as cross between two above mentioned. Sling pass go across the baby’s back at diagonal, staying high on baby’s back. They go over one of the wearer’s arms and under the other. This pass is used in most carries witch have “hammock” or “sling” as part of the name of carry.
Pros and cons of Sling pass:
PROS:
* Sling pass is good for kids which tend to lean. The position of the wrap protects baby.
* Sling pass tend to be slightly lower on the wearer’s back than for example ruck pass, but slightly higher on the back than horizontal pass.
CONS: * Sling pass do not protect against leg straightening
Bunched pass, Cross pass and Rainforcing pass
This passes are not stand alone passes but we use them to addtion to the main pass types. Many carries you will watch and try include bunched versions of passes, cross passes or reinforcing passes. As mentioned these passes cannot stand alone as a carry, but can add extra protection against leg straightening or extra reinforcement to the carry and extra layer and support for heavier kids. They can also vary in names so you will see different variations of this, like: Bunched Cross pass – over the wrappee’s knee, under bum, to end up under the wrappee’s opposite knee. It should support the wrappee from knee-to-knee. It looks the same in front carries as it does in back carries. Bunched Horizontal Pass – it goes from knee to knee to give extra support. Reinforcing Cross Pass – The wrap goes under one arm, across the wrappee’s back from the top rail at mid-back to the bottom rail under bum, and ends up under the wrappee’s knee. Wiggleproof Pass looks the same as a Cross Pass. Instead of starting at the wearer’s shoulder, a Wiggleproof pass starts under the wrappee’s knee, comes up across the wrappee’s back, and ends over the wearer’s shoulder.
And of course there are many more names or variations but this is basic which will provide you a good start to learn how to wrap woven wrap and when to use witch.
Ana Vuletić, certified babywearing consultant and LTC consultant team
Babywearing belongs to everyone 