By Brooke Maree
Make sure your carrier supports optimal forward facing where the knees can raise higher than the bottom in the hip healthy M position, and their spine can be curved in it’s natural J-like shape.
You can start forward facing from generally 5 months of age, no younger than 4 months, and up to 12-18 months of age. Check your individual carrier guidelines before you proceed. Beyond 18 months your little one is generally a bit too big here, and while still doable, you’d be more comfy having them on your back in the carrier, or on your hip in a ring sling.
As long as you carry your baby high, have their pelvis/bottom tucked, their legs in the M position, and your back clip on your bra line not up near your neck, you and your baby will be really comfortable here and enjoy a different way of carrying and connecting.
Pick your time and place. For younger bubs, try avoid super stimulating and noisy settings as they don’t have your chest to retreat into.
A good guideline for facing out, especially for younger bubs, is to keep it to 20 minutes and then turn them back to face in. BUT, if your bub is a bit older and you’ve assessed the situation (i.e. you’re still feeling super comfortable and your little one is having a ball looking around), you can continue past 20 minutes. Just continue to monitor your child, checking they aren’t getting overwhelmed or tired and needing your chest to lay onto.
PLEASE DONT BASH FORWARD FACING. Carrier designs have come a LONG way in making sure your baby is still comfortable, safe, and in an optimal position when carried this way. Forward facing isn’t bad. You still get a lot of the benefits of regular babywearing – closeness, hands free, bonding with your child, etc. It isn’t necessarily unsafe ether, as long as your baby has good head and neck control, and the carrier is designed for it.
This all just a guide and some recommendations. You will know your baby best and their need for stimulation vs. calm.
Follow your baby’s lead but be mindful of the length of time and the environment in which you carry them.
Also be sure to check your manufacturer instructions to check you are adhering to these.
A carried baby, whatever form that is, is a loved baby. Be safe, be informed, and be confident.
Find tips like this and more in my online training series Babywearing Download, or at my In-Person Babywearing training events! Need further help? I can do a one-to-one consult with you too x
Brooke Maree is a Babywearing Educator and mother of two based in Brisbane, Australia. She is passionate about parents finding joy and confidence in their roles by using a baby carrier or sling to make their lives easier. An expert in her field, she provides educational blogs, video tutorials, a monthly podcast, private consultations, and is soon launching an online program. Find out more about her services at babywearingaustralia.com.au.
