Facing Forward: the “kangaroo” Position

Posted on June 27, 2008 by Orit

Facing forward is not my favorite position, because there are several arguments against it.

However, some babies start showing signs of interest in the world before they are big enough to hold their heads firmly and be carried without head support in the tummy-to tummy position. If such a baby refuses to be carried facing inward while awake, you can either avoid using the carrier until he becomes tired again or carry him in what I call the “kangaroo” position, that is facing out with the legs folded on baby’s tummy inside the carrier (as opposed to this facing out position), so it is actually a more erect form of the cradle hold, with most of its benefits. It is not a good position for a nap though- so if you see the little head starts nodding, it would be best to switch to another position (either tummy to tummy or cradle, whichever you and your child prefer).

Kangaroo position is possible in most carriers- ringslings, pouch slings, Mei tai and wraps.