Let’s talk foward facing
You may have seen images online and from all the big brands of happy looking parents, with cute babies out facing the beautiful world and you want to give it a go. Maybe you feel like your baby is ‘nosey’ or that they are bored or worse yet, you turn your baby inwards only for them to scream like a banshee!
So I have my thoughts on outward facing, which I will save until the end of this blog, because first we need to set some truths around the real facts of wearing your baby world facing.
When can I outward face my baby?
Unfortunately there are carrier brands out there perpetuating the idea of facing babies from a young age. I can’t remember the amount of times over the last 10 years we've seen tiny babies outward facing and honestly; it's dangerous. And you know what? This isn’t the parents fault. These brands want you to buy their 360 carriers, because it's how they make money.
Baby needs to be sitting unaided (so around 5-6 months) and have good neck control and core strength. Facing in, or on your back they can lean against you and are provided with support so their body can fully relax. Facing out, they have to use quite a bit of core and neck strength to be in this position (even with the best carriers…which we will come to!).
How long can I outward face for?
Okay so I’m going to try not to swear but…fucking hell, the amount of “babywearing” fitness and dance classes we have seen that have babies facing out is unreal. Not only can it be dangerous, but it’s setting a president that this is how we are supposed to carry our babies.
The reality is it's only recommended for 15 - 20 minutes at a time. This is why we don’t do it in class and will support you to have baby facing towards you . We promise they will be happy (yes even if they usually kick off…more on that later).
It's also VERY overstimulating in certain environments. You may think they ‘need’ to see the world, but in reality if you have a well fitted carrier that supports up to the nape of their neck, they can see around just fine.
And you know what's better than seeing the world?...YOU! The benefits of facing their caregiver far outweigh the benefits of facing outwards. This will help you to bond, respond to them quicker, they are close to your heart beat and you will regulate their temperature. Not to mention all those oxytocin kisses to their beautiful face…oooh those sweet cheeks!
When is it not safe?
It's not safe before they are sitting unaided. So really anytime before 5-6 months. But also it's unsafe if they fall asleep. Their airway is constricted and can be a suffocation risk.
Also if you can’t hear your baby, you can't respond to their needs. I remember years ago going to a baby rave event. Unfortunately the music was quite loud and the room was very dark, with lots of flashing lights. A mum was chatting away to her mate, baby outward facing and he was crying his eyes out. She couldn’t hear him. My husband had to literally drag me away from going to tell her. She just couldn't see or hear him.
Baby in a carrier which doesn’t support the spine or hips
But my baby ‘hates’ outward facing
We recently had a Mum join us. Her baby was 8 months old and she had been told by a Manchester Sling Library that her baby hated facing in. On top of that she was recommended a carrier that wasn’t suitable for her body shape and the result was that she hardly wore her daughter as it was so uncomfortable.
We chatted about her concerns before class and I fitted her in a better carrier for her, her daughter facing in. I explained that it's normal for babies to fuss when going in the carrier to start with and often if they cry in the carrier this can be a sign that they are tired and fighting sleep or that Mum (carer) is feeling anxious and the baby picks up on this.
This is most common reason why parents feel their baby hates outward facing. They misinterpret a normal response as an issue and then understandably become anxious, exacerbating the problem further. I helped the Mum feel settled, reassured her and within 2 routines her Daughter was fast asleep, snuggled up close to her chest.
By the end of class she was quite emotional and a bit angry. She had missed out on all these cuddles and bonding time because she was misinformed by someone. The reality is it's rare that babies hate inward facing. If you find your baby seems unhappy in the carrier check out our other BLOG here for our top tips.
What carrier should I get If I still want to outward face
The majority of carriers we stock to use in class and recommend don’t outward face. This is mainly because these are the ones we have found the best over the years for our classes and to suit all body shapes of lovely Mums who attend.
Anyone who has been to one of my classes might be aware that I’m not a fan of a particular brand of carrier and unfortunately it's one that most people have and use for outward facing. Just because your mate has one or you keep seeing adverts for them (because they have money people!) doesn't mean they are the right one for you and your baby. Check out our BLOG on finding the best carrier for you here: If you still decide you would like to outward face you need to look for the following in a carrier:
The carrier can be adjusted to provide an M seated position for baby while outward facing (some say they are designed for this, but actually aren't (It’s a well known VERY expensive carrier!)
It fits your baby well, so knee to knee and fill torso support
Has a good support on lumbar and across the shoulders for you
The one we tend to favor is the Tula Explore https://babytula.co.uk/collections/baby-carrier-explore
Also remember you don’t have to buy new and there are great bargains on Vinted & Marketplace.
Tula Explore
It's a tool not a default
I saw this quote recently from another babywearing consultant and felt it summed it up beautifully. It shouldn’t be your everyday go to.
If your baby is old enough/strong enough, you have the right carrier to support their spine and hips, they are not sleepy and it's for a short time then it's okay. Yes, show them the beautiful trees, let them see the Christmas lights. But don't spend hundreds of pounds on a carrier, just because it faces outward. Because it's a waste of money for the short time you will use it for.
In the 4 years I wore Ellie I not once wore her outward facing. She was either on our front facing in or on our back. And I will always cherish those times feeling her snuggled up against me, as I know my husband does too.
Also due to the design for outward facing, we have found that most of these carriers do not last as long as they say they do, or as long as other carriers that don’t offer world facing.
My personal opinion
Okay, to be honest it’s not something I would ever really recommend. Our babies are literally designed to fit on our bodies and on our bodies. The natural way your babies spine curves, is to lean into you and mold around those beautiful, swollen bussoms of yours. This is how were were meant to carry our babies. Heartbeat to heartbeat. To look down at their gorgeous face and kiss it.
You have to remember some of these carrier companies are big brands. They are a business. They want you to believe that you need this style of carrier, because they want you to buy their products.
One day you will put your baby down and never pick them up again. I’m not saying this to guilt you, I’m saying this because it’s the truth (take it from a Mum of a 10 year old!) and you will miss having them on your chest, feeling them snuggled and sleepy.
I really hope this blog has helped you navigate outward facing and we are always on hand for any support. We are available
World facing can be a good tool, if everything is set up for it to be. But remember you are their world…and all they need is to see your face and cuddle up close. And don’t let any carrier brand or influencer tell you otherwise.
Happy Babywearing you lovely lot,
Nikki xx
If you need any support or further advice
Online - Message us via Instagram, Facebook or email and we are always happy to advise
In Class - You will always get 121 support for our trained instructors
Babywearing Hubs - We are now starting to offer 121 sessions in various locations. You can come when you are pregnant, with a newborn or older for a session. AS it's part of our CIC, it’s also pay as you feel. Bring your own carrier or get advice on the best for you and we will show you how to fit it safe and comfy.
121 in your home - We can also come out to your home and have a session if you require more time or find it hard to get out to one of our sessions