Boba X
We want you to have the fullest, most comfortable, and magical babywearing experience with this feature-heavy carrier, so we've compiled all our instructional content in one place!
How it works...
This will be amazingly snug and comfortable but remember — it’s a new experience for both you and your baby!
Make sure that baby is well-fed and not overtired when you first start using the carrier. Try practicing in front of the mirror.
If baby starts getting fussy, just take a deep breath and a few steps around the room until you’re both ready to continue.
Once positioned correctly, your baby should be snug against your body, high on your chest, enabling you to stand normally, just as if you were holding them in your arms.
For personalized one-on-one support from the comfort of your home, book a free fit consultation!
Newborn Front Carry
ADJUSTING THE SEAT
The Boba X’s adjustability enables optimal ergonomic positioning from birth to toddlerhood and beyond - supporting them gently from the knee pits up to the back of the head and allowing you to wear your baby without an infant insert, but rather with an adjustable seat!
Look for the velcro on the inside of the waistband under the fabric and pull the sides of the panel as close to the center of the panel as needed, so your baby is supported from knee to knee and attach it with a flat press of your hand. Adjust the seat width as your baby grows for optimal support and comfort!
Simple as that!
Infant Front Carry
The facing in, “tummy to tummy”, position keeps the baby as close to your center of gravity as possible, so their weight is distributed evenly around your body as baby curls in. When babies are carried facing out wearers often need to lean back to compensate for the baby’s weight.
The spread squat oriented towards the parent position allows for good airflow, spine and hip support. It is also a safe position for babies to sleep - not to mention a common favorite place to nap with their little head resting on your chest surrounded by the familiar smell and sound of your heartbeat!
Crossed Straps Variation
Did you know you can even cross the straps on your Boba X? Some wearers find that it helps distribute baby’s weight more evenly across their back!
The most common trouble with crossed straps is the straps digging into your neck. If that is the case, simply pull each strap vertically down your back before clipping it into the buckle.
Before tightening, move the straps further out on your shoulder and make sure the cross is in the middle of your back.
Welcome to Palo Alt
Checklist for comfortable & ergonomic babywearing
A. baby’s face is close enough to kiss and in view at all times
B. baby’s nose is parallel to the ground or higher
C. baby’s spine, pelvis, and legs are well supported
D. baby’s spine forms a gentle "J" shaped curve
E. baby’s legs are in a spread-squat position & supported knee-to-knee
Back Carry
Back carry is only recommended for babies with full head/neck control and who can sit unassisted (6+ months).
To feel as confident as possible, you can try getting baby on and off your back without a carrier first! Practice over a soft surface or with a spotter, and you'll be a pro in no time!
This is just one way to get baby on your back effortlessly and securely, but fret not, there are many other beginner-friendly maneuvers!
The seat that truly grows with your little (big) one
ATTACHING TODDLER SEAT EXTENDERS
Once they've outgrown the full width of the carrier, simply zip in the toddler seat extenders and continue carrying them comfortably and ergonomically!
Lift the flap to expose the zipper, zip in the extender, and attach it to the velcro under the waistband to keep it in place!
Optimal support for those developing hips!
Ergonomic positioning matters (especially in those first 6 months)!
Your baby should be supported from knee-to-knee, all across their back up to the back of the neck, with knees at hip height or higher.
To ensure your baby is in an optimal ergonomic position, you can hold your baby’s legs under their knee pits and gently scoop them towards your body in an upwards motion. This is called the "pelvic tuck". Check out the blog post to learn more!
Adjusting the height of the carrier panel
Hight or low, we've got you (and your baby) covered!
Adjust the back of the carrier as needed so it reaches up to the back of their neck. Not only will that support that natural curve in their spine, but it will also keep baby close to your center of gravity, making it easier for you to carry the load.
When wearing a toddler who likes to have their arms out, you can shorten the panel to reach up to their armpits.
If you're wearing a newborn, the hood pocket is a good reference point - see the section below for more info!
Using the Boba X detachable hood
The hood pocket is a good reference point for adjusting the height of the panel when wearing a small baby that doesn’t have sufficient head control yet - just shorten the panel, so the hood pocket is at the back of the baby’s neck (with the hood rolled in that acts as additional head support for small babies).
You can unroll the hood for protection from the elements, extra privacy for nursing, or additional support for sleeping babies (especially useful when back carrying!)
Breastfeeding in the Boba X
Enjoy hassle-free breastfeeding on the go!
STEP 1: Loosen the waistband buckle and release the breastfeeding access buckle to get some slack
STEP 2: Scoot baby down and reach under the shoulder strap
STEP 3: Hold your breast and latch!
Once your baby is done nursing, scoot them back up and re-tighten straps as needed.
Learn more tricks for simple and convenient feeding in the carrier!
Ergonomics aren't just for baby!
We've compiled a few useful tricks to ensure comfortable and effortless babywearing for parents too!
Optimal waistband positioning
For ultimate comfort and even weight distribution, buckle the waistband, so it sits parallel to the floor rather than tipping forward. It should rest firmly on your hips (imagine how one might carry a hiking backpack) instead of you having to compensate for an off-center load resulting in shoulder and back pain.
The exact position of the waistband will depend on the size of your baby - the top of their head should always be close enough to kiss. This means you might wear the waistband quite high when your baby is small and move it further down your body as they grow bigger!
Utilizing the signature curved shoulder straps
All our carriers feature a chest strap that is attached to sliders to make it super easy to adjust even as you're wearing your baby!
The height of the chest strap will depend on how broad your shoulders are, whether you might be breastfeeding, where on your back you might need the most support, so we do advise you to play with the height of the chest strap - a few inches can go the extra mile!
HOW TO REACH THAT BACK STRAP
You don't need to be a gymnast or always have another pair of hands on deck to buckle!
Using the PFA's (Perfect Fit Adjusters)
Petite parents - this one is for you!
Have you ever felt you needed to tighten the straps of your other carriers just a little bit more?
By tightening the PFAs you bring the padded part of your Boba X straps closer to the panel of the carrier for better weight distribution and a much more comfortable ride!
On your Boba X, you can adjust the length of the straps with a double adjustable buckle AND the PFAs, so there is just the right fit for every body.
We found that a good reference point is aiming to have the purse strap on top of your shoulder and go from there.
That extra touch...
...that will make parenthood just a little bit easier.
USING THE BAG STRAP
Buckle your purse, bag, or backpack and grab your kid's hand or your coffee cup, push the swing (or stroller if you need to), hold your umbrella or walk your pup!
It's also a great reference point when adjusting the length of your straps - you want the purse strap to sit on top of your shoulders.