What is the outward facing position? How to carry a baby facing out?
Why is this position so controversial?
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
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
Is this outward facing position comfortable?
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.