[AutumnLove]

I have a friend whose baby does not like facing inward. She has a sleepy wrap. Anyone know of a safe way to wear that facing baby outward, or of a great carrier that accomodates. She said she read that its bad for the hips. If anyone has any advice or input I can share it will be greatly appreciated.

[kaycee]

I have the same concern about his hips. I've stopped using my Baby Bjorn since he hit 19 lbs. It goes up to 25, but the hip thing got me to stop. Currently, he's hanging on MY hip in a Hot Sling. I've misplaced my Sleepy Wrap. GAH!

I'll be stalking this post! Hope someone has a solution!

[Sk8ermaiden]

Gosh - there really aren't any safe facing out carries except the Buddha carry in a sling, but you can't really do that with them except when they're itty.

Has she tried other carriers to know that that's the actual issue? Maybe the baby doesn't like the wrap but would like a mei tai, beco or ergo.

Also, how big is the baby? If he/she is big enough to go on her back, a lot of babies like that because they can see pretty well.

[Sk8ermaiden]

Oh, also if s/he is big enough for hip carries in a wrap, ring sling, or pouch, that can be a happy compromise.

[Sk8ermaiden]

Oh. and she may be able to do the "burp" position - position the baby really high so s/he can see over mom's shoulder and position the crosses on the sleepy wrap that high.

[soImarriedAnerd]

My chiro also says no outward facing. I do on a rare occasion though. (belle carrier)
Ditto to the suggestions above

[nvr.4.gtn]

yae I did the outward carry with my wrap sometimes too. Not often though and made sure ler knees were up pretty hihg. Avery hates it so we only tried once and not since.
I would do a back carry that might solve the issue.

As a side not Some babies are particular. Avery HATES to be on my back, she will scream! but LOVES on my hip or front

[AutumnLove]

So, whats the deal with it being okay for their legs to be around our entire mid section, but not okay to be forward facing?

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Sk8ermaiden]

When a child faces forward, their entire weight is supported by their crotch/the base of their spine. It is also really bad for the developing hip socket. When a baby is in an ergonomic position, the knees are at the same height as the bottom, which distributes the weight along the thighs and bottom, like it would be if the baby was sitting. It also mimics the position in which you would carry the baby. Also, when the baby faces out, it forces their spines into an unnatural position as they kind of "lean" back into you, but babies' spines are curved and don't take to that position very well.

There is some evidence that FFO can contribute to hip dysplasia, and I personally know one mom whose baby needed hip surgery and the doctor attributed it to the Bjorn.

And even without all that, I do the common sense approach. I would much rather ride piggyback (or front) than dangle by my crotch any day of the week.

[love.our.logan579]

I would suggest a hip carry DH calls Logan pistol now because he's always in my "holster"

[AutumnLove]

thanks kellie, that makes perfect sense..

lol candace.. pistol! haha.

[Sk8ermaiden]

No prob.

Oh, and if it helps any, I've been reading through my babywearing forums, and it seems like this is a really common phase with some babies. Even the most staunch anti-FFO moms just seem to suck it up and let the kid face out for the 4-8 weeks, albeit limiting the amount of time they carry. The key is just to keep trying them facing in so you know when they get over it.

I personally (based on the looks of the carrier and absolutely no real evidence whatsoever) think that a FFO carry in a wrap is better than one in a Bjorn-type carrier. I got to get up close and personal with one today. It appears to be not wide enough to support the baby correctly, but just wide enough to push the hips outward a little bit. I bet that's where the hip dysplasia thing comes from. AT least the stretchy conforms to the natural shape of the body.

[nvr.4.gtn]

pistol is funny!
thanks Kellie

[lynnicka]

With my Moby if I do a forward face I do a lotus wrap wher I tuck his legs in a pocket in an idian stay sit. But I found that he likes the back carry the best now.