Knowing which mode to carry baby in will depend on baby’s height and the developmental milestones they’ve hit. Newborns under 23 in./58.4 cm should be carried in the Newborn Mode – Facing In with the waistbelt flipped inwards twice.
However, once they reach 23 in/58.4 cm, you can begin carrying in the ‘Baby Mode - Facing In’ and you no longer need to flip the waistbelt.
As your baby grows older and can see above the front panel of the carrier, has strong head & neck control, and has a natural curiosity to see and interact with the world, they are ready for front-outward carry. We recommend starting with short durations (5-10 minutes) to prevent over-stimulation.
Here are some signs that baby is becoming over-stimulated and ready to switch back to baby facing in mode:
- Baby seems tired, cranky, or fussy
- Baby is rubbing its eyes
- Baby is spreading fingers and toes, making fists
- Baby is laying hands in front of face
- Baby is ‘spacing out,’ sometimes baby will turn away and simply space out
- Baby is turning away again and again, trying to ‘switch off’
- If this all becomes too much for baby, baby may become drowsy
- Baby becomes hyper-vigilant (overly attentive). Instead of relaxed, baby’s body may stiffen
If you notice these cues, we recommend switching baby to inward facing carry position and/or create a quiet, calm environment to help baby relax and recharge.