Baby carrier: front vs. rear carrying position

Nelly0918

Is it important to be able to carry your child on the front of your body as well as on your back when using a baby carrier?  

aubreyalise

i'm not quite sure what you mean 'front vs rear' position...

if you mean facing out and facing towards you, i don't think it's that important. the period of time where my kid wanted to face out was very small, so on those rare occasions, i faced him out in my ring sling. if i hadn't had the ring sling, i don't think he would have missed out on anything.

if you mean front vs. back carry, then i do think that's important. now that my kid is a toddler, he's only ever in a back carry. 

Nelly0918

that's exactly what I meant - how important is it to front vs. back carry.  Very helpful info! 

Nelly0918

Very helpful input.  I'm trying to do some research and understand carrying the baby/toddler in the front position, but wasn't so sure about carrying them on the back.  Seems a little scary to do that given you can't see your child.  

MouseInLux

Nelly0918:

Very helpful input.  I'm trying to do some research and understand carrying the baby/toddler in the front position, but wasn't so sure about carrying them on the back.  Seems a little scary to do that given you can't see your child.  

It's not scary at all, I have a "rear view mirror" which I use to see DD to check on her but by the time you put them on your back (6+ months) they are moving and making noises etc. I find it less scary than putting your child in a stroller facing out, I can't see my child and I can't feel my child!

CarlaAndJames

I didn't start back carrying until around a year. Trust me, a one year old will let you know back there if they aren't ok. Plus you know because they would stop pulling your hair, bopping you on the head, reaching around to pet your nose, etc.

I do love back carrying in my Ergo, I definitely would recommend a carrier that can do that!

 

SaraAlexine

If you need a rec, I love my Ergo carrier, and it goes both front and back.

Nelly0918

Thanks for the rec!  Isn't it hard to actually get the child on your back if you don't have your partner or a soft surface?  Seems dangerous to do it by yourself on the go.  My partner is always traveling for work and having a soft surface just isn't feasible.  

CarlaAndJames

Nelly0918:

Thanks for the rec!  Isn't it hard to actually get the child on your back if you don't have your partner or a soft surface?  Seems dangerous to do it by yourself on the go.  My partner is always traveling for work and having a soft surface just isn't feasible.  

this is delayed but in case you are still checking i wanted to answer. I practiced a few times over the bed, but now I feel comfortable throwing her on my back in public parking lots. I basically grab her under the armpits and put her on my back like you would a jacket or backpack, then lift up the straps of the carrier. Check out youtube for videos, that's how I learned!

Nelly0918

Thanks!  That's helpful, however, it still scares me a bit since no matter how comfy you are doing that maneuver, there is still room for error,  Guess you just have to learn how to do it.