Forward Facing Baby Carriers

Facing Out In a Baby Carrier

Many babies enjoy being carried in the facing out or forward facing position. They enjoy the extra interaction with their world. Some babies prefer this world-facing position as it’s more comfortable for them - there's reduced pressure against their chest, or perhaps there are sensory issues are at play that mean it is more comfortable for them to be carried in this way.

When Can Babies Be Forward Facing in a Carrier?

At about the age of five months, when your baby’s neck muscles are stronger, you can start carrying in the facing-out position — curious babies usually enjoy seeing what’s happening around them. Experts recommend that when your baby is one year old, you can start carrying them on your back, which often feels more comfortable as your child grows heavier.

Is the Forward Facing Position Bad for Baby?

Carrying your baby in the forward facing position for short periods of time is unlikely to cause any harm. If baby gets sleepy or shows signs of overstimulation, turn baby around to face you. Baby should be removed completely from the carrier for repositioning. The facing out position should be used for shorter durations of carrying only, around 20 minutes maximum.

Is it Safe to Carry Baby Facing Outwards?

It's best to start off with carrying in this position for short durations (5-10 minutes) to prevent over-stimulation. If your baby shows signs of over-stimulation (for example, if they seem zoned out, catatonic, fussy or tired) or sleepiness, just turn them back around to front-inward, so they can find comfort in you and rest.

Remember that It is never safe for baby to sleep whilst outwards facing.

It's always best to remember that even if your baby seems strong, with good head and neck control for their age, it is still not advised to use the forward-facing position. Remember, baby’s airway can become compromised if they do not have the strength to hold up their head steadily for a longer period of time. In this instance, continue to face inwards until baby reaches the age and has the strength, head and neck control to allow for forward-facing.

Which Baby Carriers Have an Outwards Facing Position?

The baby carriers we stock that offer outwards facing as an option are the best on the market. From the BabyBjörn The One, to the Ergobaby Omni 360 and the Tula Explore, you can rest assured that these will offer both you and your baby the most comfortable, ergonomic babywearing experience, and the option of the forward facing position if required.

Don't be fooled by other cheaper carriers on the high street or in supermarkets that say they offer the world facing position - they will unlikely be ergonomic baby carriers that won't be comfortable for you or baby, and won't last as long as they say they will.

When Can I Carry Baby in the World Facing Position?

Experts recommend carrying your child facing inwards at least up until 5 months. Around that age your child’s neck, spine and hips will be strong enough for you to either carry your child facing inwards or outwards. When you carry your baby in the facing-out position, they should be at least five months old and weigh a maximum of 11 kg (24 lbs).

What Alternative Positions Are There Apart from Forward Facing?

Even if your baby hates the inward facing position in your baby carrier and only seems to want to be held facing out, there are other, more appropriate positions you can try that will allow for extended periods of carrying. You can try a ring sling - as baby is positioned on your hip, it can give them a better view of the world if they wish, but also allows them to tuck themselves into you if they feel overstimulated.

You can also try back carrying in a carrier such as the Tula Free To Grow or the Manduca XT - babies often like to be carried 'arms out' where they feel less constrained by the carrier but can also see where they're going.

If you'd like to know more about carrying your baby in the forward facing position or if you have any questions, just get in touch with our expert team who will be more than happy to help.

Last updated 29 April 2023