By the time your little one reaches the 3 to 6 months mark, their neck and upper back muscles are strengthening so that they can support and turn their head. Their eyesight is also improving so they enjoy looking at the world around them. And one of the ways for you to help them do this is by carrying them on your front, facing outwards looking at the world. However, there are many different opinions about when and whether this carrying position is suitable for your baby.
Is the front-facing carrying position safe?
The limited research available suggests that carrying your baby facing outwards for short durations is very unlikely to cause any harm to them. But it is important to make sure that your baby is strong enough to support their head, and always turn them back to face you for sleeping to protect their airway.
Is the front-facing baby carrier safe for baby's hips?
For optimum hip support, ensure that your baby carrier holds your baby in a seated position with their knees tucked up higher than their hips. Thus, before you decide to buy a baby carrier, check that the fabric of the baby carrier supports your baby's bottoms and thighs fully across their seated width, from the back of one knee to the back of the other.
When is the right time to use a front-facing baby carrier?
To carry front-facing safely, your baby's neck needs to be strong enough to be able to fully stabilise their head against the movements of your body. This means that your baby needs to have full control of their head to entirely stop their head from flopping or bobbing around as you walk. For most infants, this happens when they are around 4 to 5 months, but, it varies from baby to baby. They also need to be tall enough for their chin to sit above the top of the baby carrier.
Is the front-facing position comfortable for the wearer?
In general, front-facing positions are normally less comfortable than positions where your baby is facing towards you. But, wearing your baby in the outwards position can be comfortable, given you have a suitable and well-fitted baby carrier. And since there is more weight pulling forward when carrying your baby in this position, you will likely feel more weight on your back or shoulders.
Is there anything to take note of?
Wearing your baby front-facing for long periods of time can be overwhelming or overstimulating for some babies as they cannot see their parents and turn away from strange situations if they are uncomfortable. So, do change to an inward-facing position if your little one needs to sleep, seems unsettled or uncomfortable.
Checklist for ergonomic front-facing position
- legs are properly supported from knee to knee and no dangling
- baby is supported by the thighs
- knees tucked up higher than their hips
- pelvis is tilted
- back is slightly round
Here are the top 3 recommended front-facing baby carriers that offer the best ergonomic support.
Ergobaby Omni™ Breeze Baby Carrier
