Many babies aged 3 to 6 months are starting to enjoy looking at the world around them. By this time, babies' neck and upper back muscles are strengthening so they can support and turn their heads. Their eyesight is also improving, which makes front outward facing so much fun as there is a whole new world for them to look at! But there are many different opinions about when and whether this carrying position is suitable. Here's all you need to know before purchasing a front-facing baby carrier.
When to use a front-facing baby carrier?
To carry your baby facing outward safely, your baby's neck should be strong enough to fully stabilize their head against the movement of your body. This means they need to have total control of their head to completely stop their head from bobbing and flopping around as you walk.
And for most babies, this won't happen until they are 4 to 5 months old but it differs from baby to baby. They also need to be tall enough for their chin to sit above the top of the baby carrier. This phase usually lasts until they are around 9 to 10 months.
Beyond this, your baby will be able to turn around to look at things, so it is better for you to try a back or hip carrying position to allow a bigger baby to look around your shoulders.
Is a front outward facing baby carrier safe for baby's hips?
For optimal hip support, ensure the baby carrier holds your baby in a seated position — their knees tucked up higher than their hips. Also, do check that the fabric of the baby carrier supports your baby's bottom and thighs fully across their seated width, from the back of one knee to another.
What are the downsides of front outward facing?
Your baby can easily become overstimulated and overwhelmed, hence while your baby is in the front outward facing position, your baby can become fussy or agitated. To overcome this, it is best that you switch to inward facing.
Also, when your baby is facing outward, they are being cut off from having a clear view of your face. This is especially problematic in the first 6 months, where interactions with a caregiver's face are important for the optimum neurological development of the baby's brain. Babies respond well when they can see their parents or caregivers and this also allows you to see your baby's cues when you can see your baby's face. Hence, it is recommended to carry your baby facing outward only for a short period of time.
Do ensure your baby is strong enough to support their head and always turn them back to face you (facing inward) for sleeping to protect their airways.
How comfortable is front outward facing?
Front-facing can be comfortable provided you are using a suitable and well-fitted baby carrier. Since there will be more weight pulling forward when wearing your baby in this position, you will more likely to feel the weight on your back or shoulders.
Recommended baby carriers for front-facing position
Ergobaby Omni™ Breeze Baby Carrier
