Getting a Good Fit

 
 

Visible & Kissable

When folks ask us if baby’s fit looks okay in a carrier, the first thing we look for is baby visible AND kissable. This means we can easily see baby’s face and kiss the top of their head without having to reach our neck way down to do so. While there is of course more to it than that, this is where we always start.
Read below for more details on how you can tell if baby is positioned properly in the carrier.

We always want to ensure baby’s airway is clear and unobstructed and that we are always able to see baby’s face, nose, and mouth. Baby’s head should be supported to ensure their chin is not falling towards their chest as this can compromise their airway, always make sure there is a bit of space between their chin and chest.

  • Is baby’s face easily visible when you look down at them?

  • Is baby’s head supported and not tippig forward into their chest?

  • Can you see their nose and mouth?

  • There is no fabric or clothing covering their head or face?

 

Upright

We position baby in an upright position with thier head, neck, and spine supported in a natural position and their weight on their bottom. Is baby’s head just below your collar bones so it is easy to kiss the top of their head?

  • Are baby’s head, neck, and spine in a stright line upright?

  • Is baby’s spine in a natural position for them? Not too rounded or too straight
    or pulled in?

  • Is baby’s weight supported by their bottom? Their legs are not curled under them in the carrier?

 

Snug

When we use a baby carrier, the goal is that the carrier will carry most of the load and give our arms and hands a break. The carrier needs to be snug enough across the baby’s body in order to do this. I always check my carrier is snug enough by gentley supporting baby’s head and back and taking a small bow forward. If the baby’s body falls away from mine, then I know I need to tighten the carrier a bit more. That said, breathing is important for everyone! It is key to make sure the carrier is not overly tightened making it hard for the baby or caregiver to breathe.

  • Is baby’s body supported by the carrier?

  • Do you feel confident in taking your hands off of baby while they are in the carrier?

  • When you take a gentle bow forward, does baby’s body stay snug to yours?

  • Can you and baby easily breathe