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FAQ

FAQ frequently asked questions

General

What is the optimum position to carry a child in?

The froggie or squat position is the ultimate position. Basically this is with bum below knees, child upright, like they would be in the womb.  This is because the weight is safely off the spine, the hips are in the correct position, and the digestive system and airways are not constricted. Positions where the baby is carried sideways can actually bring on colic and reflux if the baby is constricted, and airways can also get constricted.

The straddle position that frontpacks and framed backpacks put a child in, put pressure on the spine and crotch in an unhealthy way, and aren't great for hips.  Frontpacks actually encourage the ball of the femur out of the hip with every step the wearer takes - ouch!! I know they are common, but hey so was asbestos once!!

The positioning in the Puku Pouch Wrap and Pack is the optimum positioning for children. This is one of the main reasons Puku Pouch has chosen to make these two particular style of carriers over all the other types out there!

I would love to have a Puku Pouch Wrap and a Puku Pouch Pack but by the time I buy a buggy as well, and all the other things baby needs on one income, well it adds up!!

I suggest you do the Pack and Wrap Combo and buy a second hand buggy. You can get a good one secondhand for very little. Then you can sell the Pack, Buggy, and if your baby hasnt burped up on the Wrap too much you can sell that too! Then you will probably only have outlayed half the cost of a new buggy, and by the time you sell everything you will have spent not much over $100 all up!! Of course you can use the Pack and the Wrap for subsequent children.

Why Organic?

Organic cotton is stronger and more durable than non organic cotton as the chemicals used in non organic cotton (during growing, processing and dying) break down some of the fibres.

Chemicals in non organic cotton can react with babies skin.

The cotton plant has the biggest volume of harmful chemicals applied to it of any other commercially grown plant. You can show your respect for the environment; people growing cotton and your babys' sensitive system by investing in organic cotton.

When is it best to use the Puku Pouch Pack, and the Puku Pouch Hybrid Wrap?

The Wrap is super supportive and cosy with maximum spine, neck and head support. For this reason we recommend the Puku Pouch Wrap from newborn till a child can at least (usually beyond) crawl well, and therefore can support themselves well.

The Pack is great when your child has more mobility and wants in and out lots, and is heavier.

We have created the Puku Pouch Pack Wrap Combo discount to try and encourage age appropriateness in carriers. Remember you can always sell your carriers once you have finished with them, or use them for subsequent children.

However you may find that certain circumstances change this. For example I loved the Wrap over the Pack in airports even at 17 months as it is snugglier on the plane - more like a blanket! There is also always personal preference. It is possible to use the Pack 0-3 years plus, and the Wrap 0-2.

What about wearing 2 children at once?

Two young babies can be worn within the Puku Pouch Wrap shoulder straps - please contact us for how'. Otherwise a Puku Pouch Wrap on the front and a Puku Pouch Pack on the back works well.

Puku Pouch Wrap

Is it one size fits all?

The standard Puku Pouch Wrap is made to fit size 8 – 18 and is 5.5m long. This covers tall Rugby type Dads and little petite Mamas. If you want a smaller or larger size just ask. Larger sizes will cost more and may take longer to complete.

Will  I get too hot in summer wearing it?

See the gallery photos, that's me in hot Tonga feeling fine! You can leave the pocket piece down off the child. This doesn't give quite as much back support, however it is one layer less.

What age can you use the three positions on the DVD?

Newborn and up can be placed in all the positions on the DVD ie on the front facing in, out and on the back.....Except facing out on the front! A baby needs to be able to hold their head well to do this position, usually 3-4 months.

At what age can you wear the Puku Pouch Wrap till?

As long as you and the passenger are happy!  I personally wore the Puku Pouch wrap solely till my son was 10 months. Then I slowly phased in the Pack. A little at first, then by 15 months I mostly used the Pack. However I still wear him in the wrap for an hour or so and at the time of writing this he is almost 2. I find it more snuggly when he is teething than the pack.

Is the Puku Pouch Wrap hard to use?

I haven't had anyone get stuck yet! The DVD is so great, written instructions are a lot harder to understand. It is personal preference but I personally have found the Puku Pouch Wrap is harder to tie than a one shoulder sling, but a lot easier to place a child correctly and comfortably every time. You can tie your wrap at the start of the day and leave it on taking your child in and out as necessary – great for shopping trips!

How come I can use The Puku Pouch Wrap so much longer than a front pack?

The Puku Pouch Wrap puts most of the weight on the hips where 85% of the body's carrying capacity is. Most front packs have no hip load. Wide shoulder support also makes a huge difference, unlike skinny straps. Also front packs do    not have baby in the optimum babywearing position of bum below knees squatting. The straddle position in front packs (and framed packs for older children) puts pressure on the spine and groin in a harmful way. 

Can I breastfeed in the Puku Pouch Wrap?

Yes!! The DVD shows you how to breastfeed a newborn and an older child in the Front facing in position.

I have a bad back/shoulder etc, can I use the Puku Pouch Wrap?

Because the Puku Pouch Wrap distributes weight evenly over the whole torso even those with various ailments can use it. Carrying a child in the Puku Pouch Wrap is better for your body than carrying them in your arms. However always trust your body and instincts and consult medical advice if you have any concerns. Ultimately you answer this question!

Washing instructions

The Puku Pouch Wrap can be frequently washed in the washing machine as you would a T-shirt. It will fade over time as only non natural fabrics hold colour fast. It is best to not use pegs as this can stretch the Wrap where the pegs go.

What about safety standards?

NZ doesn't have specific safety standards for carriers like the Puku Pouch Wrap. However the Puku Pouch Wrap is praised by Midwives, Occupational Therapists, Doctors , Physios and Osteopaths.

Wraps like the Puku Pouch Wrap are used in hospitals in special care nurseries to help  babies who have medical conditions and/or are premature with wonderful results in overall health. Puku Pouch has donated a Wrap for use in one such hospital in France.

When worn correctly a baby cannot fall out of the Puku Pouch Wrap. There are no clips or buckles to pinch or chaff babies skin.

The Puku Pouch Wrap is made of 100% cotton so there are less chemicals to react to babies skin. This is even more so with the Organic Puku Pouch Wrap.

Please practice with a mirror over a soft surface till you are confident of using the Puku Pouch Wrap. Always watch the instructional DVD before using the Wrap. Having a friend with you can also be helpful.

Puku Pouch Pack

What age is the Puku Pouch Pack suitable for?

The Puku Pouch Pack can be used from newborn till 3 years - or as long as you are comfortable to use it. However.......................we recommend that a Puku Pouch Wrap be used till  at least 5 months, preferably 10 months. This is because the Puku Pouch Wrap provides such great support for a little ones spine, neck and head. A good indication of when your child is ready for the Pack is when they can crawl well. At this point the child will have a strong spine and neck muscles.

Young babies will need to be placed differently in the Puku Pouch Pack - mainly with legs totally in the Pack. The instructional DVD that comes with each Puku Pouch Pack shows you how to do this.

What is the difference between the Puku Pouch Pack and a framed Pack where the child sits up high?

A lot!! A framed pack has the child sitting up high so most of the weight is up high too - on your shoulders. The Puku Pouch Pack has most of the weight on your hips where 85% of our carrying capacity is. This means you can carry heavier children in the Puku Pouch Pack. Positioning for the child is healthier and safer in the Puku Pouch Pack - see general questions - positioning.

The Puku Pouch Pack also folds down to the size of a long brick which makes it great for travelling. It is designed with no metal parts - great for airport scanners! Framed Packs take up a lot of room. When not in use the Puku Pouch Pack can be worn as a bumbag.

What is the difference between the Puku Pouch Pack with clips or with ties?

Overall not a lot! The ties require slightly more effort, but have a lovely traditional look that some love.

Can the child breathe well when the sleeping hood is up?

Yes! There is still a good airflow even when you cant see your child! The 100% cotton hood means the child doesn't breathe-in nasty chemicals.

Why is wool padding on the Puku Pouch Pack so good?

Foam padding that is usually used for packs has many toxic chemicals in it. Puku Pouch Packs use 100% natural NZ wool. Your child gets quite up close and personal with the padding in the Pack - some children even chew it, so this is important.

Washing instructions

The Puku Pouch Pack can be machine washed however we recommend spot cleaning and washing infrequently to stop colours fading. The colours will eventually fade as with all 100% cotton fabrics. The non organic Puku Pouch Packs are not prewashed so please wash them separately the first time they are washed. As a caution the organic Puku Pouch Pack should not be soaked or dried in direct sunlight. Washing the Pack separately is generally a good idea so fluff etc doesn't effect it.

What about safety standards?

NZ doesn't have specific safety standards for carriers like the Puku Pouch Pack. However the Puku Pouch Pack is praised by Midwives, Occupational Therapists, Doctors , Physios and Osteopaths.

The Puku Pouch Pack is made in NZ from excellent quality, NZ woven and dyed cotton. All the padding is 100% compressed NZ wool. The clips and webbing used are to sailing quality where large weights are supported. We take all care to ensure a safe product. Please practice with a mirror over a soft surface till you are confident of using the Puku Pouch Pack. Always watch the instructional DVD before using the Pack. Having a friend with you can also be helpful.

Overall enjoy Puku Pouch products and always use your intuition and commonsense!