How to Check Your Baby's Position in a Baby Carrier — Safe Babywearing Guide

Getting your baby's position right in a baby carrier is one of the most important things you'll do as a new babywearer and it's something every Australian parent should check every single time they carry, not just the first few times

A correctly positioned baby in an ergonomic baby carrier is safe, comfortable and actively supported in their development. An incorrectly positioned baby even in the best baby carrier can be at risk of airway restriction, hip stress or spinal discomfort. The good news is that checking your baby's position takes less than 30 seconds once you know what to look for

Whether you're using an Ergobaby carrier, a BabyBjorn carrier, a baby wrap, or any other style of infant carrier, the positioning principles are the same. This guide walks you through exactly what to check from chin position and airway clearance to the ergonomic M position for healthy hip development so you can carry with complete confidence every time

If you're new to babywearing, this is the guide to bookmark, share with your partner and come back to every time you put your carrier on. And if you've been babywearing for a while, a positioning refresh is always worthwhile small adjustments can make a significant difference to both comfort and safety

‘C’ Shape Spine

	Baby is cuddled in to mum, with his spine in a naturally formed ‘C’ shape.
	What’s Wrong? Baby is hugged in too close to mum This can restrict the airways, increase the chance of baby overheating and holds baby’s spine in an natural curve How do I correct this? Loosen the straps at the sides of baby to allow the spine to relax and form the optimal ‘C’ shape
	What’s Wrong? Baby is not held close enough to mum There is a risk that baby could slump down in the carrier, restricting baby’s airway How do I correct this? Tighten the straps to the sides of baby, so he is cuddled in to your body and his spine is in the optimal ‘C’ shape This should also make baby’s head “close enough to kiss”, one of the TICKS safety rules of babywearing

‘M’ Shape Position

	Baby’s legs are positioned, so the knees are above the hips creating the optimal ‘M’ shape
	What’s Wrong? Baby’s legs are hanging, knees are positioned lower than the hips How do I correct this? Ensure that the seat of the carrier is adjusted to suit your baby’s size and carrying position, according to the carrier’s instructions. If you are wearing an Ergobaby 360 or Omni 360 carrier, make sure to use the black seat buttons when baby is carried in the front inward position. Watch This… The Pelvic Tuck is a little trick that helps to keep baby’s hips in the optimal position. Hannah from the Harrow Sling Consultancy shows how it’s done in this handy video.
	What’s Wrong? Baby’s legs are splayed,  as the fabric of the carrier is preventing his knees from bending How do I correct this? Ensure that the seat of the carrier is adjusted to suit your baby’s size and carrying position, according to the carrier’s instructions

If you’re unconfident about your baby’s position, there are more resources at your fingertips! Visit Ergobaby YouTube channel, where you can see video tutorials for all ergo carriers which show good positioning and discover top tips

If you’d like more help, we thoroughly recommend giving us a call to discuss 

Related Articles

Choosing the right Baby Carrier for your family!

Best Baby Carrier for Newborns Australia

The T.I.C.K.S Rule for Safe Babywearing