Facing out is not going to be the most comfy position for you or baby, but can be enjoyable in short bursts if done safely - using the following guidance below:
As with any carry you'll want to remember your ABCs.
Please do not allow your little one to fall asleep in this position - think AIRWAYS – when carrying we want to ensure our baby has good airflow, with their chin off their chest. When facing baby in we can easily encourage this - placing hands up by the chin, having them close enough to kiss - but a heavy head that is unsupported by a parent’s chest will droop forwards, putting baby’s chest under slight compression and pressing the chin downwards, potentially compromising the airways.
Then in terms of Body Positioning and Comfort checks:
MAKE SURE YOU'VE GOT AN ERGONOMIC S.S.C SUITABLE FOR F.O
Soft Structured Carriers (ssc) have adjustable widths - perfect for facing out (FO), as you'll likely need to set the legs a little narrower. The best position to promote a healthy development of spine and hip is the spread squat position or “frog-leg position". If you tilt baby's legs upwards as you seat them deep into the carrier you'll stop them from hanging straight down meaning things should be much more supportive & comfortable for you both!
DEVELOPMENTALLY YOUR BABY SHOULD HAVE VERY GOOD HEAD CONTROL AND BE TALL ENOUGH
At minimum your baby will be four months old, and their head should fully clear the carrier panel facing out height, past 12 months this really will put too much pressure on your back, so I really wouldn't advise it!
DO IT IN SHORT BURSTS ONLY
30 minutes at a time as a rough guide - this position is quite stimulating - when you hold a baby in arms outwards they have the ability to look up at you to check-in, and you have the ability to adjust babies position as your arms tire etc, whereas in the carrier they are in a fixed position, and carrying is far less reactive. When we overstimulate babies they will often become sleepy too - so paying extra attention to drowsiness is key.
REMOVE SLACK
With any carry you'll want to ensure your straps / passes, are tightened correctly, removing the slack so that your baby's natural spinal curve is properly supported, and they can't slump down into the carrier, this not only will make things uncomfortable, but poor positioning could also be another factor which may compromise your baby's airways.
A HIP CARRY MIGHT FEEL BETTER (not possible with all carriers)
Get the benefits of inward and outward facing and more with a hip carry, if baby can sit unaided and you can cross your back straps you'll be able to do a hip carry with your buckle, stretchy, meh dai, or woven. Baby can be carried for regular amount of time, and sleep in this position too.
A BACK CARRY MIGHT FEEL BETTER TOO (not possible with all carriers)
Although you can back carry a newborn you'd be looking at certain sling types, and wanting to feel very confident. With most buckle carriers (as a rough guideline) you'll want to wait til baby is sitting unaided (around 6m) ensuring they have good torso and head control to aid positioning. Make sure your sling is suitable for good supportive back carries - stretchy wraps for example are really tricky to do this with - instead you could look at at a woven wrap, or Meh Dai, and get confident front carrying with these first. With certain slings you can back carry from newborn - but this takes time, confidence, and learning. A back carry is also an option that's safe for sleeping, plus baby has the option to nuzzle into your back instead of looking out.
Unsure about how to do this safely? Come along to a
pop-up or book into a consult.
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