Should You Wear Your Baby Facing In or Out?

When it comes to carrying your baby, many different options are available. But what is the best way to carry your baby?

There is a lot of debate on this topic, but a science-based view can help clear things up.

When it comes to carrying your baby, the two main options are facing in or facing out, and here, we'll discuss them both:

What Is Baby Carrying?

Baby carrying is a practice that has been around for centuries, and it has gained popularity among parents in recent years. Baby carriers are an excellent way to keep your little one close to you while having your hands free to do other tasks. When it comes to baby-carrying positions, there are two main options: facing in and facing out. But which one is the best for your baby?

Facing In

Facing In is the most common baby-carrying position and for good reason. It is a safe and comfortable way to carry your baby. When your baby is facing in, they are close to your body and can hear your heartbeat, which is soothing for them. It also allows you to easily monitor your baby's breathing and body temperature. 

Physical Development

One of the main benefits of facing in position is its impact on your baby's physical development. When your baby is facing in, their spine is in a natural C-curve position, which supports their neck and back. It also helps to develop their core muscles, which are essential for sitting and crawling.

Emotional Development

Facing in also has emotional benefits for your baby. It promotes bonding between you and your baby, which is essential for their emotional development. It provides a sense of security and comfort for your baby, which can help to reduce their stress levels.

Facing Out

Facing Out is a baby-carrying position that has gained popularity in recent years. It allows your baby to face forward and see the world around them. While it may seem like a great option, there are some things to consider when deciding if it's the right choice for your baby.

Physical Development

When your baby is facing out, it puts more strain on their neck and spine. Monitoring your baby's breathing and body temperature is also more challenging. The position can cause your baby's hips to be in an unnatural position, which can lead to hip dysplasia.

Emotional Development

While facing out can be exciting for your baby, it can also be overwhelming. Babies need a sense of security and comfort, and facing out can be overstimulating for them. It can also make it challenging for you to monitor your baby's emotional state.

The Verdict

When it comes to baby-carrying positions, facing in is the clear winner. It provides numerous benefits for your baby's physical and emotional development. However, if you want to try facing out, it's important to do so when your baby is old enough to support their neck and spine. It's also essential to monitor your baby's body temperature and breathing and switch to facing in if they become overwhelmed.

When Can You Try the Facing Out Position?

Some babies will protest when you switch them to the front inward-facing position in a baby carrier, because they want to be able to see the world around them. You can usually switch them to the front outward-facing position around six months old when they have good head and neck control. At this time, you can also move your baby to the back or hip positions as long as the baby is ergonomically supported.

We recommend only using a forward-facing baby carrier for short periods of time in calm and familiar environments.

Conclusion

Baby carrying is an excellent way to keep your baby close to you while having your hands free. Facing In is the safest and most comfortable position for your baby. It supports their physical and emotional development, promotes bonding, and provides a sense of security and comfort. While facing out can be exciting for your baby, it can also be overstimulating and put unnecessary strain on their neck and spine. As a parent, it's essential to make an informed decision about which position is best for your little one's needs when you use a baby carrier.

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