For our next installment of Ask Morgan (that’s me! Solly Baby’s on-staff babywearing educator), we’re tackling the topic of wearing baby forward-facing.
Wearing baby facing out or “world-facing” can be a controversial topic, and doing your own research can be discouraging when there’s so much old + outdated information to weed through online. So, we’re excited to share current safety recommendations on wearing baby forward-facing and shed some light on a few of the finer points for consideration.
Can the Solly Wrap be worn forward-facing?
The Solly Wrap—and, in fact, any stretchy wrap—is not designed to be worn with baby forward-facing. That’s because baby and wearer cannot be properly supported in this position, and doing so creates a higher fall risk for baby.
What should I do if I want to wear baby forward-facing?
If you’re interested in carrying baby forward-facing or have related questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out (advice@sollybaby.com or @sollybabyadvice). I’d love to chat with you.
In the meantime, here are a few things to consider:
- Is there a reason you are wanting baby to face out?
- Is baby showing signs that lead you to believe they need to be facing out?
- Are there special circumstances that make world-facing seem better suited your little one?
If baby—or you—are uncomfortable facing inward, let’s troubleshoot together! We can also discuss other adjustments + options to accommodate your needs or preferences. (For example, it’s possible to achieve a similar positioning to forward-facing—in a safe and supported way—by off-centering your classic carry to create a hip-hold. I can show you how!)
Are other carriers safe for forward-facing?
Baby can be forward-facing in other styles of carriers that have been specifically designed for forward-facing. To do so safely, it’s imperative for baby to have hit all the milestones for forward-facing outlined by the manufacturer. The checklist often includes some degree of head and neck control (which typically develops around 4+ months), as well as being of a height that allows them to see over the front panel or material of the chosen carrier.
If you begin wearing baby facing out (in a carrier other than the Solly Wrap, of course!), it is recommended to start with shorter stints and monitor baby closely for overstimulation. If baby falls asleep while facing out, they’ll need to be adjusted to face inward toward the wearer to ensure their air passages stay unobstructed and protected.
Remember, for any baby carrier and/or product, the most recent manual is the best place to look for up-to-date safety recommendations.
Have a question you’d like to see answered in an upcoming column? Feel free to send it my way (email advice@sollybaby.com, DM @sollybabyadvice, or comment below!). It's all but guaranteed you're not the only one with the question, and I'd love to help answer it for you and anyone else who might be curious about it.
