All You Need To Know About Outward Facing Position

When it comes to a carrier for babies, there is so much to consider in terms of safety and flexibility. This rings even more true when it comes to the outward-facing position when you're carrying a baby. In this position, a baby is being held with their backs to the person who's carrying them.

At Mamapod, we understand the importance of ensuring your baby's safety and comfort while on our carriers. Today, we'll discuss all you need to know about the outward-facing position. We'll also go over what you can do to ensure safety and comfort for your baby while in this position. 

Is The Outward Facing Position Good Or Bad While On A Carrier For Babies?

Recently, there has been debate whether this position has been good or not for babies on carriers. In years past, there was widespread opposition to this position. A big reason why was because carriers during those days were not ergonomic in this position. 

Since that time, baby carriers have evolved to the point where they now offer an ergonomic face-out position. In fact, the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) has taken steps to acknowledge baby carriers. This helps them recognize products that encourage healthy hip development regardless of what position the baby is in.

Here in this list, you'll find baby carriers that have been approved as hip-healthy by IHDI. Of course, you'll find that Mamapod is proud to be on that list. After all, we take pride to make sure that babies are safe while in our carriers.

Best Ways To Ensure That Your Infant Is In An Ergonomic Hip-Healthy Position

With a baby carrier, you want to take steps to ensure that your infant is safe in an ergonomic position that's hip-healthy. Before we go over that, we must first discuss how not to seat the baby while in the face-out position.

How Not To Seat Your Baby

In this list, you'll find the many ways on how not to seat a baby in a position that is hip-healthy.

  • Never leave your baby's legs dangling.
  • Don't put your baby in a position where he/she is supported by the crotch.
  • It's not advised that you position your baby where the pelvis is not tilted.
  • Never position your baby to the point where his/her back is straight. 

Putting your baby in any of these positions is not safe for your baby. Thankfully, there are much better ways on how to seat your infant while on a carrier for babies. 

Best Ways To Seat Your Baby

When seating your baby in the face-out position, you want to ensure that your baby is safe and cozy. With this list below on how to seat a baby, you'll exactly that for your little one.

  • Work to make sure that your baby's legs are properly supported from knee to knee.
  • Check to see if your baby is supported by the thighs.
  • Make sure that the baby's pelvis is tilted.
  • Work to ensure that the baby's back is slightly round.
  • Always see if the baby's knees are tucked up higher than their hips. If not, perform the pelvic tuck or scoop.

All this helps ensure that your baby is comfy and safe while on a baby carrier.

When Is It Safe For Your Baby To Be Seated In The Outward-Faced Position And When Is It Not

You must also keep in mind,  when is it safe for your baby to be seated in the outward-faced position? There are two instances where you should never seat your baby in this position.

  • Don't seat your baby in this position if younger than three months. Babies at this age don't have enough neck control to support their own heads.
  • Never seat your baby in this position while sleeping, as this could compromise their airways.

When your carrier for babies is in use, you always want to put the safety of your baby first.

Safety List To Follow When Seating Your Baby In This Position

To ensure your baby's safety, there are many steps to keep in mind. The list below covers all you need to know to achieve exactly that.

  • Make sure your baby is tall enough. This means that your baby's chin should sit above the top of the carrier panel.
  • Check to see if your baby's neck is strong enough to have full head control against the movements of the body. For most babies, their neck muscles are strong enough at 4-6 months, but it can vary from baby to baby.
  • Only carry your baby in this position for 20-30 minutes. Long periods in this position can be too much for some babies.
  • Follow your baby's cues for signs of over-simulation. Once you feel that your baby is tired or stressed, turn your baby back into the face-in position.

All this helps keep your baby is safe while your little one enjoys the views.

Mamapod Baby Carriers Give Your Baby Safety And Flexibility

At Mamapod, safety and flexibility are our top priorities regardless of which position you seat your baby in. That's why we've designed our carrier for babies to give much-needed support to both you and your baby. With our carriers, you'll rest easy knowing that you and your baby will enjoy flexibility and comfort. Contact us today and let's set you up in a carrier for your baby to enjoy the world in.


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