Every Things You Need To Know About Face-Out Positioning

Blogs

Every Things You Need To Know About Face-Out Positioning

Author : Kim Hồng | 21/07/2022

Between three and six months old, many newborns start to like to look about. Baby's neck and upper back muscles are developing at this age, enabling the head to be supported and rotated. Your baby's vision is also developing, which makes them more curious and eager to explore their surroundings.

Holding your baby lying in front of you, facing the world, can assist them view their surroundings like they do while cuddling next to you. However, there are mixed opinions about when and whether this face-out carrying position is appropriate or not.

How do you know when your baby is ready for the face-out position? Is facing-out comfortable? Is it convenient? Is it safe? What should parents pay attention to? The answers will be in this blog.

What is the outward facing position? How to carry a baby facing out?

In the inward facing position, the baby's face will be placed on the carrier's chest. Meanwhile, in the facing-out position, the baby's back will be pressed against the carrier's chest. When we asked why parents choose to carry their babies facing out, most of EmBé Sling's customers answer because babies like to look around. This is also completely understandable since around 3 to 6 months, when babies develop their eyesight and begin to become curious about the world around them.

Why is this position so controversial?

However, compared to the popular and widely used inward facing, this facing outward is quite controversial. The biggest reason is often because experts say there are many risks that come from this position, such as parents not being able to see their baby's face while in a sling, possibly ignoring signs of discomfort. In addition, this position does not really support the baby's head or neck (which is also the main reason this position is not used with babies under 6 months old). If your baby can't control his head yet, facing forward can cause suffocation as their airway is blocked as their chin drops toward their chest. Even babies who can raise their necks can experience this if they sleep in a facing-out position.
The position of the baby's legs when facing out is also a concern because babies often let their legs fall down instead of the M-leg shape recommended when carrying.

When is it appropriate for the baby to face outward?

In fact, as long as parents pay attention to properly carry the baby and when the baby is fully developed, carrying the facing-out position will not be too much of a concern. Your baby's neck must be strong enough to properly stabilize their head against the movements of your body when they are carried facing outwards in order for them to be safe. This means that babies need to have full control of their heads to completely prevent their heads from falling when you move. Each baby will develop differently, but most of the time, babies at least 6 months old or older are strong enough to carry the facing-out position.

What to pay attention to when carrying the baby facing out?

ABOUT THE LEG POSITION

Like the M position, parents must spread the sling completely over the entire thigh, and the wings should support the baby's bottom, thighs, and legs. After your baby is fully seated in the sling, your baby's legs should rise up to the letter M as in the facing-in position.

SWITCHING BETWEEN INWARD POSITION AND OUTWARD POSITION

Long periods of time facing out can be overwhelming or overstimulating for some babies because they cannot see their parents and turn away from unfamiliar situations if they are uncomfortable. Switch to an inward-facing position if your baby needs to sleep, or seems restless or uncomfortable.

DO NOT LET THE BABY SLEEP IN THIS POSITION

Currently there is not much documentation on this issue. But it's true that when your baby puts his head down to sleep in the face-out position, they can have trouble breathing. Therefore, when the baby shows signs of sleepiness, parents should change the child to the M position so that they can be easily observed and ensure the baby is most comfortable and safe.

Is this outward facing position comfortable?

As long as parents use the sling appropriately and in accordance with the directions and fit properly, facing out can be comfortable. However, the carrier is more likely to feel the weight on his or her back or shoulders in this position since more weight is being pulled forward. In comparison to the inward facing position, the outward facing position is frequently less comfortable.

Additionally, parents can consult the list of slings/ carriers that The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) has acknowledged as baby carriers that encourage their infant's healthy hip development. This list includes the EmBé Sling, along with other babywearing experts recognized by the IHDI.

Checkpoints to note when carrying the baby facing the outside with EmBé Sling

Your baby must be at least 6 months old to be in the facing-out position.
The carrier should spread the baby's legs evenly, and fully support the baby's legs to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.
Baby should only be carried for a short time with the sling facing out, and should always be checked to see if the baby is comfortable in the sling.
Do not let your baby sleep in an outward facing position
Should get used to carrying with the M position facing inward first to know the correct foot position
Should switch back and forth between the M pose and the facing out position

Alternative position for facing outwards

Newborn position is for babies under 1 month: Put the baby horizontally like a mother nursing or often holding the baby. This position is very convenient when going out because the mother can both carry the baby and breastfeed the baby discreetly.

Face-inward position (M-position) is a position for babies from 1 month of age and older: The most common sling position for newborns, when using the M-position if the baby cannot control their neck yet, you can use a sling to support your baby's neck. This position is very good for the development of the baby's leg bones.

Note: both of these positions should only be used with babies over 3kg, if the baby is born prematurely, parents should wait for the baby to be at least 3kg or 4kg before starting to use the sling.