Something ain’t right—I just know it!

[u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

Can I please get some insight into how to fix this carry? The carrier is an older one: Ergobaby 360 (original—not Omni). Bubs is unhappy after 5-10mins and I’m uncomfortable. He keeps leaning to the right and his left shoulder pops up and peeks out over the top of the centre panel. I feel like too much of his chest is exposed above the centre panel so he looks like he’s riding too high. His legs also look dangly even after me scooping and re-scooping his butt repeatedly to get a pelvic tilt. If it’s relevant, he’s 12 months old and just about 20lbs (little guy). Is he just not the right build for this carrier and I need to look into getting a different one? (This one was a free hand-me-down from a relative so there’s fortunately no sunk cost if this just isn’t the right carrier for us.) Is this just not a great carrier for front carrying? Or is there something fit related that I could improve upon that would fix this carry? Things just don’t feel right so I can’t help but think I’m doing something wrong.

[u/little_butterfly_12]

Looks like the straps could be tightened a bit so he’s not hanging out of the carrier too much but honest world facing is never going to be particularly ergonomic or comfortable. If baby can sit unassisted, then a back carry will be much better for both of you. I’ll summon the automod safety comment since it has a section about world facing and the caveats. TL;DR, it’s likely not you, it’s the carrier and position!

[u/SqueeGBeckenheim → u/little_butterfly_12]

Totally fair; I didn’t realize world-facing basically wasn’t a recommended carry position. I figured it was fine since it’s an option the carrier provides for! Merp. I tried to get bubs into a back carry on my own and it was a terrifying ordeal lol, not sure I’m brave enough to attempt it again (I’m usually only wanting to baby wear when I am alone). I’ve watched videos people have recommended on this sub and they make it look so easy but me and my little guy struuuuugled. I did get my partner to help us get into a back carry once but my baby HATED it once he was back there. So I felt like a front carry was my only option. Now I feel like maybe my best option is a ring sling and I can wear my baby on my hip. Hmmm

[u/little_butterfly_12 → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

You’re not the only one! It’s so commonly marketed nowadays. 😅 I found scooting my daughter into a back carry easier with a woven wrap versus a structured carrier, so you might like trying different carriers to see what feels best and most secure for you and baby.

A ring sling is an awesome option! You can technically front and back wear with one too, but back carrying in a ring sling is a bit more advanced.

[u/SqueeGBeckenheim → u/little_butterfly_12]

Right, ok! For a hip carry on a ring sling, am I correct in thinking that I still need to have an arm on the baby for support?

[u/little_butterfly_12 → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

Nope, it can be hands free! The fabric of the carrier goes all the way up to baby’s neck or shoulders depending on age and is snug against them. Your arms are both pinned in one sense or another since one shoulder is capped and the other is stuck behind your baby so you don’t have a full range of motion, but can still do a lot.

Edited to add: ring slings are also safe for baby to sleep in provided they’re in a proper position. Enjoy the snuggles!

[u/SqueeGBeckenheim → u/little_butterfly_12]

Hmm yes I see what you mean about my movement being restricted. Still doesn’t sound too bad to me though! Better than trying to wrangle him with no support other than my own arm strength (which there ain’t much of haha). Thank you so much for your help!!

[u/little_butterfly_12 → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

No prob! I personally usually don’t mind the restricted arm movement, and if there’s a situation where I would mind I’d use a woven wrap. Once you learn how to tighten one, learning how to tighten the other is very similar.

[u/ShadowlessKat → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

I scoot my daughter from front to back while holding the carrier straps in one hand. It's like a hammock for her while I'm scooting her around. She likes it.

A ring sling is also a good option.

[u/Well_ImTrying → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

There are several techniques to get your baby on your back. The one I found easiest when I first started was to get it positioned like you would if you were inward facing front wearing, and then before you put your arm straps on you scoot him to your back. Practice over a bed. Once you do it a few times, he’ll get used to it and help you out (hopefully).

Mine preferred an onbuhimo for backwearing. You can get them nice and high so they can peer over your shoulder.

[u/Necessary-Sun1535 → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

Just in case. I like these videos on how to get baby on your back.

• Hipscoot: https://youtu.be/bGF6Nxhpc1I?
• One arm up/One arm down: https://youtu.be/lb8MqyhnEl4?

And both these methods are also something you can practice with a doll rather than a squirming baby so that you can first get comfortable with the techniques and movements you have to make.

[u/Hookedongutes → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

Try a backpacking carrier! Way easier to use if he can sit up, and so much more comfortable for you!

[u/SqueeGBeckenheim → u/Hookedongutes]

This is on my wish list for walks/hikes for sure! But I also want to be able to wear the baby around the house, ideally being able to pop him in and out fairly easily. Not sure such a structured carrier is gonna do that for me (but please correct me if I’m wrong!)

[u/Hookedongutes → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

I find it easier than trying to make the soft carriers back carry.

But by the time he was that big, I honestly just set him on the floor of whatever room I need to get something done it. He found the fly swatter in the laundry room and was fairly distracted. 😆

[u/AutoModerator → u/little_butterfly_12]

Airway Safety & How to Position Baby Ergonomically

• Baby should always be worn high on your chest, with the top of their head resting on your collarbones. Their head should be uncovered and free from fabric and headrests. Their legs should be in a spread squat position with knees higher than their bottom, and their spine should gently curve outward. The carrier should mimic how you naturally hold baby on your chest. Don't forget to do a pelvic tuck once baby is situated.

• This is a quick video of the safety checklist you'll want to run through when putting baby into any carrier or wrap. There's an acronym to remember, TICKS.

• This is a great babywearing safety overview. It's worth noting that carriers are not inherently safe, and there have been injuries and even fatalities from misuse.

• Here is an album of safe newborn carrier fits.

• Unfortunately, some carriers don't include very good instructions (or include dated or dangerous instructions that can potentially be a hazard for baby's airway). The TICKS of babywearing (referenced above) should take precedence over the manufacturer's instructions. The most important thing to remember is that your human baby must have access to fresh air at all times. They cannot have their head swaddled in fabric, or their mouth or nose obstructed. Seeing the top of their head down in a carrier, or a sliver of their face between wrap passes is not good enough. It's also crucial that you don't world face in any stretchy wraps or stretch carriers, despite some brands recklessly recommending it. Baby can sag and slump, and the fabric can end up cutting into their neck or even choke them.

• World facing (where baby is facing forward away from your body) is never necessary. If you feel it's a feature you want it's important that your baby is developed enough for that position. They must be at minimum tripod sitting, but ideally sitting unassisted without support. They need to be developed enough to hold open their own airway. Forward facing a newborn who can't support their own head, or forward facing a sleeping baby of any age, is a positional asphyxiation hazard. Most manufacturers recommend limiting wear sessions in this position to ~20 minutes, as it's very awkward for baby's hips and spine, as well as your spine. It's also important to use a big bulky carrier with lots of padding to cushion that awkward position, like an Ergobaby. You do not want a carrier where baby hangs from their crotch with zero hip support. Here's a more detailed article on world facing.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/tgtka]

I have the same carrier and I loved it when my guy was smaller and facing me but facing out always feels kinda awkward and he doesn’t seem to like it for very long either. I also agree with the other commenter!

[u/SqueeGBeckenheim → u/tgtka]

Good to know! Thanks!

[u/tertullian321]

Definitely the position. It's really not recommended for toddlers because it's just never going to be comfortable for anyone. I'd do back carry or front carry facing in. It will be so much easier on both of your bodies. 

[u/SqueeGBeckenheim → u/tertullian321]

I would totally do front carry facing in but my baby spends the whole time craning his neck around to try to see what’s going on behind him, ugh. As I mentioned in another comment, my couple of attempts at back carrying haven’t gone well so far but maybe I just need to keep trying and give my baby a chance to get used to the new setup.

[u/tertullian321 → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

It's totally ok for them to just move their heads around. It doesn't hurt them at all. You can also turn your body. Our oldest didn't ever like back carry but she loved hip carry in a ring sling! Our youngest was wrapped on my back by two months and always loves it. He even has me wrap his stuffies on his back now. 

[u/SqueeGBeckenheim → u/tertullian321]

Oh gosh how sweet that he wants to “baby wear” just like you!! And yeah I wasn’t quite clear enough I guess haha, when I say my baby cranes his neck around to try to see what’s happening behind him, I mean that he does that and then, when he accepts that he can’t see the same view as me, he revolts. Strains and cries and wants OUT of the carrier NOW. Hahaha. So it’s not the head movements that are an issue; it’s what happens afterwards 😅

[u/tertullian321 → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

Woven wraps, meh dais, and onbuhimos all do high back carries where baby is shoulder to shoulder with you. I personally only really wrap and it's so comfortable and then we really are experiencing the world together. I know he's fallen asleep on our hike when he stops babbling about digs and I feel his warm head on the back of my neck. 

[u/SqueeGBeckenheim → u/tertullian321]

Oh my goodness 🥺 I want that!!! 🥰 May I ask what wrap you use for a hike like that?

[u/tertullian321 → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

I use woven wraps. I have a lot of different ones and I truly believe in using them all. From most to least budget friendly my brands/weavers are little frog, apple blossom wovens, oscha, stewed rhubarb, handwoven honey, and paper street weaving. 

[u/CharmingPianist4265 → u/SqueeGBeckenheim]

Definitely keep trying! I like the hip scoot. Loosen the straps so you can easily put your arms through and do it over a bed until you’re more confident in your technique.