A question that keeps coming up time and time again is whether a baby’s feet should be tucked inside or hanging free in your stretchy wrap. As Solly Baby's on-staff babywearing educator who’s been in the industry for over a decade now, I’m going to break it down in detail for you here.

You’ve probably seen photos of babies in the Solly Wrap with their feet hanging out—and others where their feet are covered by the wrap. To be clear: both can be done safely when done properly. That said, having baby’s feet covered requires extra nuance and specific guidelines.

Let’s break down when each option is appropriate and how to do it safely.

Feet Out: Best Practice From Birth

In most cases, feet out is best practice and suitable from birth. Wearing baby with their legs out supports the ideal, hip-healthy “M” position, where:

• Knees are higher than the bum

• Fabric supports baby from knee to knee

• Hips are gently spread and supported

This positioning:

• Promotes healthy hip development

• Prevents unnecessary pressure on knees and ankles

• Helps anchor baby securely and symmetrically in the wrap

When baby’s legs are out and supported knee-to-knee, the fabric stabilizes their body and makes it much easier to visually check for:

• Even hips

• A centered spine

• Proper alignment

In short: legs out makes it easier to get positioning right and keep it right.

RELATED: What To Know About Babywearing and Hip Health

When Is Feet In Appropriate?

There are situations where feet in can be used, particularly in the very early newborn days. Some babies strongly prefer having their feet tucked, as it can mimic the coziness of the womb. In the babywearing world, this wrapping technique is often referred to as The Newborn Carry. However, we only recommend feet in if baby clearly prefers it. Otherwise, feet out remains the preferred option.

It’s also important to know that once baby’s stepping/standing reflex kicks in (usually around 2 months), feet tucked can create challenges. If you do choose to wear baby with feet in, here’s what to watch for:

1. Wonky Positioning

When baby’s legs are out, the fabric supports them knee-to-knee and maintains the hip-healthy “M” shape.

With legs tucked:

• That stabilizing anchor is lost

• Baby can slide to one side more easily

• It’s harder to see if hips are even

• It’s more difficult to spot a sideways curve in the spine

• You simply have less visual feedback.

2. Weight on Feet

When baby’s legs are tucked under them, more of their weight can rest on:

• Lower legs

• Ankles 

• Feet

While this isn’t inherently dangerous, it’s often less comfortable, and because their feet are hidden in the fabric, uneven weight distribution can go unnoticed. If baby seems fussy in the tucked position, it may be discomfort or even that “pins and needles” sensation from pressure.

3. The Stepping Reflex

You may remember during your newborn check when the doctor or midwife gently held baby upright and made them “walk” along a surface. That’s the stepping reflex, and it typically lasts around two months. If you apply pressure to baby’s feet in the wrap, you may trigger this reflex. Baby may:

• Straighten their legs

• Push downward

• Bounce or appear uncomfortable

This makes maintaining safe, ergonomic positioning much harder and can make it seem like baby dislikes the wrap.

The TLDR Version

Stretchy wraps can technically be used with baby’s feet in or out, but from a positioning, comfort, and hip-health perspective, legs out (in an “M” position) is generally recommended from birth. Feet in can be appropriate in the early newborn days if baby clearly prefers it and you’re mindful of positioning, but it requires closer attention.

Need Help With Your Fit?

If you have questions about your wrap, you can email photos of your fit to advice@sollybaby.com, or schedule a free fit check at sollybaby.com/consult. A few small adjustments can make a big difference and we’d love to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way!