Facing in or facing out - what's a baby to do?

We are often asked if babies can face out in our wrap.  The answer is yes, however we do not recommend doing it and here’s why:

Facing In: Your baby’s weight is held close to you and is distributed evenly throughout your back, shoulders and hips.

Facing Out: Your baby’s legs hang down and their weight pulls away from you, making them feel heavier as your body strains to compensate.

Facing In: Baby’s hips and spine are well supported with his/her knees positioned above the bum and legs spread wide as though in a sitting position.

Facing Out:  Baby’s weight rests on the crotch as legs hang down.  Hips and spine are not supported and in tall babies their feet can dangle at the crotch level of the wearer (not cool, if they are at all interested in swinging those little tootsies)

Facing In: Baby can see you, rest their head on your chest or hide their faces if they need a break from the world around them.  If they fall asleep their heads can be tucked in (remember to always keep their face visible) so their neck is supported and they are cozy.

Facing Out: Baby is ‘hung out to dry’ and is not able to physically connect with you if he/she becomes scared, over stimulated or tired.  If baby falls asleep his/her head slouches down leaving their necks unsupported.

Now, I know what you are thinking – “but my baby wants to see the world!”  As they should, there are so many things to see!  Here’s how to make it work:

Get in the habit of turning sideways when you are talking to someone or looking at something.  If you are turned to the side and involve your baby in conversation and talk about the things you are looking at.

If your baby is really persistent, you can tie your wrap off to the side a little so your baby sits more on your hip increasing visibility even more.