Wearing Baby Facing Out ?

momquixote · September 2009

I've read the reasons why the Bjorn is not good for babies, but is part of the problem facing out or just the way the Bjorn is built?

Or is facing out just not recommended as a way of keeping baby close to mama, etc.?

I can't decide whether or not to get a Pikkolo over an Ergo or Becco because it allows baby to face out...thoughts?

BetchySprout · September 2009

It is the structure of the carrier, facing in or out, the Bjorn dangles the baby by their crotch. The other carriers create a "seat" for them.

We have a Chicco (similar to Bjorn) which faces out. We use it for short trips only. The problem lies when people use the Bjorn all day every day. Not good for anyone's back or anyone's hips.

ncbelle · September 2009

If you can get a front facing carrier that really makes a seat for kiddo and supports by the bum, it can be ok - but that is pretty hard to do. I don't really know anything about the pikkalo as to whether it does that or not.

Another problem is that it isn't nearly as comfortable for the wearer since kiddo's weight is away from your center of gravity (think about how much easier it is to carry 20 pounds held next to your body verses away from.

Finally, there's the argument that front facing carries don't allow kiddo's to "escape" stimulation if needed. In carries where they face the wearer, they can bury their heads if needed. It's also really hard to sleep front facing as there is no head support really.

Generally high back carries or hip carries are recommended when kiddo wants to be able to see out.

momquixote · September 2009

Yeah, I had to stop wearing the Bjorn with Wes facing out because it pulls out too much and boy is it uncomfortable. Now it's just my husband who uses it every once in a while.

I've been mainly using my Vatanai, but I still need something I can throw on much more quickly when Wes becomes instantly bored and wants to go out for a walk, or the dog is antsy, too, etc.

I wonder if the pulling issues will still be there with the Pikkolo...someone else here said they liked it exactly because the baby could face out. Now I'm really torn between the three buckle carriers I mentioned!!!

ncbelle · September 2009

Well, you could always try it and if it wasn't that comfortable use it for regular front or back carries. You might check on thebabywearer.com - either the reviews or asking in the forums.

Or you could try a shortie wrap for quickie carries - sorry, I'm a wrap pusher and couldn't resist ;-)

julygal · September 2009

We have the ergo and right now DS sits in it sideways in the front position without the infant insert. It is basically how they tell you to put them in with the infant insert, but we just don't use the insert. He doesn't have great head control but he has some, and at his current length when he sits sideways the carrier's strap hits him just right that it offers enough support and sometimes we roll a blanket to put behind his neck to offer him more support. He loves it. He can see out, but he also can totally snuggle into me. I would imagine that we could continue to let him sit sideways until he gains enough head control to move him to the hip or back position. (I hope I'm making sense...please let me know if I'm not.)

mrs.baum · September 2009

My understanding is that baby's weight hangs away from you, making it very uncomfortable to wear baby for an extended period of time. Also, baby has nowhere to "escape."

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