How to Check your Baby’s Position in a Baby Carrier
Parents love to wear their little ones to keep them close and cuddled, but it also means their hands are free to do all the other things they need to do in a day. But it can feel a little confusing to know if you are positioning your little one correctly or if you are doing it “right”. So we spoke to Ergobaby to ask for their recommendations and tips to correct a couple of the common mistakes parents make to keep baby in an optimal carry position.
“C” Shape Spine
Make sure your baby is cuddled into you and almost hugging you. Their spine should be in the naturally formed “C” shape like the picture below. 
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Here is some common mistakes and things to look out for...
What’s wrong in the picture below?
The baby is too close to the parent. This can restrict airways, increase the chance of the baby overheating and it holds the baby spine in the wrong curve.
How can you correct this?
Simply loosen the straps at the sides to allow the spine to relax, this will allow the spine to form it’s optimal “C” Shape.
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What’s wrong in the picture below?
Baby is not help close enough to the parent. This can create the risk that baby could slump down in the carrier which can restrict baby’s airways.
How can you correct this?
To stop this from happening, you simply need to tighten the straps at the sides, this will mean they are pulled closer to you in a cuddled position and their 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.
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“M” Shape Position
This position is focused on the legs of your little one. Their legs should be positioned so the knees are above the hips creating the optimal “M” shape like the picture below.
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Here is some common mistakes and things to look out for...
What’s wrong in the picture below?
In this position the baby’s legs are hanging with the knees sitting lower than the hips.
How can you 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.
Doing a pelvic tuck will help keep your baby’s hips in the optimal position. Simply put your hands under your little ones thighs inside the carrier. Hold your baby’s legs under their knee pits and gently scoop them towards your body in an upwards motion. Make sure your baby is supported with the wrap or carrier from knee pit to knee pit and across their back up to their necks!
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What’s wrong in the picture below?
The baby’s legs are splayed and being pushed too far apart. The fabric of the carrier is pulled too far across, preventing their 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.
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Watch this handy video from Ergobaby which shows 3 quick checks you can make when you're wearing baby in the inward facing carry position.
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