New Born Front Carry
IMPORTANT: Read this first!
When carrying newborns and small babies in any carrier, it is important to ensure that their faces and airways are clear, and their back and neck are supported. For small babies who are not yet able to control their own head position, I would only carry them on your front so that you can check on them easily. Shoulder straps must be tied behind baby’s back (for newborns) in order to provide support and prevent slipping.
Until your baby is able to sit comfortably in the carrier with their legs out, they can be carried with their legs tucked in front of them in a foetal position, or "froggy style". This still allows their hips to be correctly flexed with their bottom down and knees up, a position recommended for facilitating proper hip development.
Newborn Carry "Front Tie"
- Tie the shorter straps around your waist with the side you want facing out against your legs. The carrier should look like an apron hanging down to your knees.
- Hold the baby against your chest with feet up in the "froggy" position (this is the natural position newborns hold their legs in)
- While supporting the baby, pull the body of the carrier up and over baby's back.
- Toss the top straps over your shoulders and position baby deep into the carrier pulling any slack out of the carrier. Baby's head should be completely supported by the headrest.
- Use one hand to support your baby and the other to grab both of the top straps that are now over your shoulders and hanging down your back.
- Cross the straps across your back, making sure you are pulling them tight enough to support the baby
- Bring the straps around your front and tie them with a secure double knot behind the middle of your baby's back.