For a beginner a podaegi is easier to use it with your baby or toddler arms out rather than in, and it's also easier not to spread out the wrap straps in a back carry as that can be hard to do at first. When doing a rucksack style carry experiment to see which height works best for you, higher is generally better (although I do like my toddler to be slightly lower than a small baby would be). Small babies should be high enough that you can feel their breath on your neck.

I was thinking of taking some videos myself but since my toddler is a little camera shy at the moment (as soon as I go outside where there is better lighting and background - he wants to hop down and play with his trucks!) I thought I would add some of the best online tutorials I have found.  If you know of any more helpful videos let me know and I'll add them.


Rucksack carry (padded to wrap straps with a toddler)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE32i8OkwIM

Rucksack Carry (wrap straps and padded, with a small baby)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gyaV5qiVuY

Rucksack Carry (how to spread wrap straps over your baby for more support)

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCen4tQA41g

Rucksack Carry with a toddler (this video shows how quick and easy it is!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GefWZGYyNfw

Rucksack Carry with a lexie twist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYRC7rRTBOA

Back Wrap Cross Carry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEoHthFqlks

Torso Carry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz81Vqo4B4Q

Front Carry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAP2-iMHUv8

Front Carry Variation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsFzUYA58sk

Front Carry (how to fold up the blanket so it doesn't hang down)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0EMY264lv0&list=PL6icYMSgqiJbESaCwZ2ZBz2y2WWLQ2fPz

Double Hammock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhAC6KFdjfc&feature=youtu.be

Hip Carry (standard and robin's)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QWFtrJ4pPE

​Rucksack Carry and a Hip Carry (You will need to join DIY Babywearing and Support to view the video)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151600849437232&set=o.334070496681248&&theater

An angled strap pod feels a little different to wear than the straight strap version - it feels like a cross between a mei tai and a wrap  (whereas the straight strap feels more like a wrap with training wheels to me).  There are not as many tying positions as the straight straight (you can't do a torso carry for example) but some people prefer the feel of an angled strap in a rucksack carry so if that is mainly what you would like to use a pod for it's a good option. However it will tend to put more weight on your shoulders if not positioned correctly (higher is better), so if your shoulders are picky you may prefer a straight strap pod (for a torso carry option).

Hold your baby with one arm and place the carrier over your baby.

Bring the straps over your shoulders, cross them and bring them around to the front again over your baby's legs.

Cross the straps and bring them under your baby's legs and tie in back.  Check that your baby is in a good seated position with knees higher that bum.

Done!

This method shows a hip scoot which can be used with a baby who is sitting well.  For smaller babies I like to use the santa toss method to get baby on my back.  You can find instructions for this in the straight strap podaegi instructions.

Put your baby on your hip and scoot your baby onto your back.

Pull the straps over your shoulders and pull one strap so there is no slack.  Put the strap between your knees and repeat for the other side.

Tuck some of the podegi blanket under your baby's bum and knees.

Bring the straps back behind you (or alternatively cross them over your chest).

Cross the straps over and then under baby's legs and bring back around to the front.

Tie in front or tie tibetan style (see next series of pictures).

Tibetan variation:  Hold one strap between your knees.  Bring the other strap across your chest and under the shoulder strap.

Repeat on the other side.

Pull both straps to get out any slack and tie in front with a square knot.

Hip carry in a podaegi is easy to do and comfortable.  Here's how to do it.

Sit baby on your hip with the podaegi centred over their back and the top edge of the carrier up to their armpit or higher.

Reach around your back for the strap and pull it over your opposite shoulder.

Place the other strap on top of the first and bring it behind you.

Cross the straps under baby's bum and tie in a knot at your hip.

This carry is tied in a similar way to a Front Wrap Cross Carry in a wraparound sling.  It is easier to partly tie the podaegi before putting your baby in but you can also tie around your baby if you wish.

Put the podaegi on by holding the middle of the headrest against your waist, then bring the straps around to the back then up and over your shoulders, crossing at the back.

Pick up your baby and slide them down into the poadegi blanket.

Pull the straps horizontally to make sure they are tight against your back.  Hold your baby and the other strap with your free hand.

Cross the straps under your baby's bum and under (or over legs) and then back around to your back to tie (or you can tie under baby's bum if the strap isn't long enough).

Pull on the top of the blanket to pull out any slack and check the straps are lying flat and not twisted.  Also check your baby has a good seat with the straps supporting thier knees and kness higher than bum.

This carry distributes most of your baby's weight to your torso and lower body.

Torso Carry With Shoulder Support

First place baby on your back and pull the blanket straight - see the rucksack carry instructions  for how to do this.

Cross the straps with a half knot.

Toss one strap over your shoulder (or for a torso carry simply  bring the straps back behind) then cross over over or over under your baby's legs and tuck the strap between your knees, then repeat for the other side. Check your baby has a good seat (straps under knees and knees higher than bum).

Back view - straps crossed over then over baby's legs again. (Ideally the blanket should be more centred than in the photo).

Back view - straps crossed over then under baby's legs.

Here are some quick instructions for the podaegi.  I will add more instructions soon.

Rucksack Carry

Lay the podaegi on a flat surface such as a sofa or bed.  Place your baby on top of the podaegi centred in the middle of the headrest with the headrest under their armpits. Alternatively if you don't have a soft surface handy you can wrap the podaegi around your baby. (The blanket should be centred more than it is in the photo).

Lift your baby over your shoulder holding the straps tightly so your baby is safely supported.

Separate the shoulder straps - make sure you are holding the straps or your baby at all times.

Pull the blanket straight.  Hold the straps between your knees.

If you want your baby to be arms in lift the straps one at a time over your child's arm.

Hold one strap between your knees.  Bring the other stap over one leg, then under or over the opposite leg.  Repeat for the other side.  Tie in front or if the straps are too long bring it back behind and then in front. Check your baby has a good seat (staps under knees and knees higher than bum).