All babywearing parents are familiar with the inward carry position. It feels natural and is the ultimate comfort zone for your baby in those early months.
But when they reach 4-6 months of age, and they have developed head and neck control, you have the option to explore more positions in your baby carrier.
Facing your baby outwards opens up a whole new world for them! But not all baby carriers are built to accommodate this position.
In this article, we will look at the best baby carriers where you can hold your baby in the outward frontal position. We will also cover how this can help in your baby’s physical and mental development through the different positioning exposure to the varied stimuli.
In this article we will be reviewing the following baby carriers with the outward-facing position:
Best Forward Facing Infant Carriers of 2024
1. Lillebaby 360 Ergonomic
The LILLEbaby 360⁰ carrier is a versatile carrier that can be used in six different positions – the fetal frontal, infant frontal, toddler facing in and facing out, hip seat carry and backpack carry. It offers advanced support for both the babies and the parents.
It has wide belts and wide shoulder straps to ensure that the weight is equally distributed. It has other cool features such as the hood and head support for the baby. This is a great safety feature and allows for use with young infants right up to toddler age.
It features the COMPLETE AIRFLOW technology that helps in temperature control. The mesh fabric also helps in air circulation making babies more comfortable than ever.
Full Lillebaby 360 Review Here
Pro
- 45lbs weight capacity
- Unique air mesh creates a comfortable environment for baby
- Secure forward facing position
Con
- Can be bulky if you have a small frame
- Not to be used for newborns
2. NimNik 4 In 1 Baby Carrier
What makes the NimNik Baby Sling Carrier unique is its hipseat feature making it safe and comfortable for babies. This also minimizes the risk of hip dysplasia developing – one of the major concerns in using baby carriers and slings.
The carrier is also well-ventilated due to the seat area not being closed in like on some designs. Moms living in places with a hot climate can use this carrier.
It gives adequate lumbar support for the moms and the dads out there. This minimizes stress on your frame even after carrying your babies for hours. It has padded shoulder pads also help avoid shoulder pain.
You can use this carrier in four different positions including the front-facing position.
Full Nimnik Baby Carrier Review Here
Pro
- Roomy and ventilated seat area
- Includes removable hip seat for additional support
Con
- The zipper can be a bit flimsy
3. Infantino Flip 2 Front
The Infantino Flip Front 2 Back is budget-friendly and it can be used both as a front carrier and a back carrier. Great for someone who is new to babywearing and wants to try it out.
It has padded shoulder straps and a chest strap for added support. Babies are definitely going to feel comfortable because its interior is lined with BreatheMesh Fabric.
The design is clever with the seat pocket being removable so that if your baby is asleep you can lay them down without disturbing them.
Full Infantino Flip 2 Front Review Here
Pro
- Affordable option
- Included bib to protect the carrier material
- Detachable seat
Con
- Max weight of 32lbs
- Less durable material than more expensive models
4. Bebamour Designer Baby Carrier
This is another sleekly designed baby carrier. For a carrier with a hipseat feature, the Bebamour is pretty affordable. One can use this as a frontal baby carrier for smaller babies. Those who have bigger children can use this as a backpack carrier.
It has other features that you can find in some of the more expensive baby carriers out there such as good lumbar support, a well-padded shoulder pad, and a ventilated mesh fabric.
Full Bebamour Baby Carrier Review Here
Pro
- Up to six positions that can cover newborns up to 44lbs
- Included head hood and bib
- Detachable seat
Con
- The polyester material can be a bit rough on the skin
5. Britax Baby Carrier
Britax Baby Carrier is an easy-to-use baby carrier that offers features similar to other more complicated baby carriers out there. It offers full support by distributing the weight of the baby all across the back, shoulders, and waist.
When using this carrier, you can front carry your baby either facing inward or outward. Babies are also comfortable using this carrier because of the padded leg support and contoured design that aids in circulation.
There are two types of frontal baby carrying. The inward frontal baby carrying and the outward frontal baby carrying. It is best to determine what scenarios are most suited to each position.
Pro
- Padded leg openings and contoured design for baby comfort
- The newborn insert gives great versatility of use
- Cotton material that is softer on the skin
Con
- Max weight of 32lbs
Forward vs Inward carrying
Inward Frontal Baby Carrying
When a mother carries her baby in the Inward Frontal Baby Carrying position, it means that the baby is facing her. This is the standard carrying position that most parents would be immediately familiar with.
You can use this carry position from birth provided the baby carrier used has sufficient support for a newborn. You will be face to face with your baby and will have a lot of fun bonding, and learning about each other’s cues, behaviors and mannerisms.
Not all parents venture beyond this position – and you don’t have to – but there are benefits to doing so.
Outward Frontal Baby Carrying
When your baby is stronger and able to support their head and neck then turning them around to face outwards provides a whole new experience in a number of ways.
Without being able to lean into your chest your baby will have to support their own weight as they shift in the carrier.
This will challenge different muscles and promote strong spinal development.
The other major change is the increased stimulus in their environment. They are no longer staring at you all of the time, they are looking at their surroundings.
Not all babies will handle this well. But if it becomes too much you can always sping them around again to the comfort of your chest.
However, having the opportunity to stay curious about the world around them can help nurture that curiosity and independence while always knowing you are right there.
A potential downside is that outward carrying can be tougher on the body for moms and dads. The weight is centered further away from your body which places additional strain on the lower back and shoulders.
Read our full summary of when your baby will be ready to forward carry here.
Final Word
There is a big variance in the price you will pay for each of these carriers. We love the Lillebaby as it offers the most complete solution and will have you covered from a very young age right through to toddler.
The higher entry cost is often cheaper over the long term as you may not need an interim baby wrap when the little one is still at the infant stage.
The durability of the higher quality fabric and stitching also minimizes the likelihood of any future surprises.
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