Women in South Africa have mastered the art of carrying babies. All one needs is a bath towel and a little practice. No need for fancy or expensive baby backpacks or front-style slings. I don’t go a day without seeing babies carried this way. In fact, it is truly rare to see a baby being carried on the hip or in any other manner.

I have observed very young infants carried in this manner as well as young children who are easily 3-4 years old. Surprisingly, I have not seen the first child squirm or struggle to get out of the wrap.

It is still a little fascinating to watch the moms wrap the babies on their back. A woman will typically bend at the waist and somewhat deftly and one-handed place the child onto her back. She will then toss the towel over her back and stand up straight while securing the towel with a knot in front. Lastly, she will secure the towel in the front along the bottom to keep the child from slipping down. Kia (bottom pic) is perfecting the art of doing so with her stuffed bear.