Snugli to Ergonomical Carrier Transformation

Step 1: Warnings

While I have done this transformation twice now, and have successfully carried my baby in the carriers I have made... I would like to state I'm not responsible for the safety of your child after using these instructions. When DIYing baby carriers, it is always best to use your finest judgement as a momma as to whether or not the product you created will be a safe carrier for your baby. Always check DIY carriers thoroughly, especially those with weight-bearing seams, before and after each use to check for rips, tears, loose seams, etc.

Handmade baby carriers should never be sold, given away, or even gifted. They have not been through the testing that makes carriers in the USA available for safe use.

I'm always available to answer questions to the best of my ability while you are creating! jerricajaneen@gmail.com

Step 2: Items Your Carrier Must Feature

For tutorial compatibility, here are some items your carrier must feature.

- Adustable waist belt
- Shoulder straps
- webbing & buckles that attach the shoulder straps to the body, and that allow for fit adjustment.

Optional:
- extra webbing & buckles for a hood.

Step 3: The First Cut

I first removed the body from the original carrier. I unclipped the sides (a feature on the original Snugli), and cut the seat away from the waist belt.

Step 4: Shoulder Straps

Save as much shoulder strap as you can by cutting just above the plastic clips (found in this model of Snugli).

Step 5: Waist Belt

Inside the Snugli is a hard piece of plastic that you may not be able to cut through. I just used regular fabric scissors to cut a hole in the fabric and cut all the way around the plastic piece. IMPORTANT: Make sure you cut as high above the webbing & buckles as you can. Please see next step before completing this step.

The plastic piece should then slide out as you cut all the way around it.

Step 6: Webbing and Buckles

When cutting into the fabric to remove that hard plastic piece, I mentioned it was important to cut as high above the webbing and buckles as possible.

After removing the plastic, you should be able to cut the waist belt straight across, while also salvaging the webbing and buckles directly above it.

After making the cut in between the waist belt and buckles, you can cut down the center to separate the two buckles.

Step 7: Optional: Buckles for Hood

If you're interested in making a hood that fastens into the shoulder strap buckles featured in this model of Snugli, you can salvage these connector pieces from the original Snugli body.

Remember to cut as much off as possible, so you have enough to play around with as you sew.

Step 8: Final Photo of What to Save

Final photo of what to save.

Step 9: Photos of Body & Buckle Attachments

Have you ever made a mei tai? I used the concept of cutting a mei tai body out of sturdy layers of fabric, and added the buckles and straps accordingly. I made the body extra extra extra long, so there was enough fabric to wrap around the waist strap in order to sew enough reinforcing seams to make it sturdy.