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When Can My Baby Face Forward in a Carrier?

Written by Connor Bringas on April 13, 2023.

As your baby gets older and more curious, you’ll want to share the many things you see and experience with them. If you’ve adopted the ultimate parent hack of babywearing, you’ve probably considered various carrying positions, like the front-facing position, to give your baby more exposure. When done safely, front-facing carrying can provide your baby with a new view of the world around them. But as with any carrying method, safety for your baby (and yourself) is a top priority.

Typically, babies develop the strong neck muscles needed to support their heads between 4-6 months of age. Until your little one reaches this milestone, it's best to keep them facing inward to ensure proper head and neck support.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about when babies can face out in a carrier and if you’re searching for the best front-facing baby carrier, don’t worry, Tushbaby has you covered!

When Can I Face My Baby Forward in a Carrier?

Table of Contents

When Can my Baby Face Forward in a Carrier?

Babies have phased development, so it’s only natural for parents to wonder when you can wear your baby facing out of their carrier. The most important thing to know is that your baby needs to be strong enough to support their own head before trying a forward-facing carrying position. Front-facing carrying doesn’t allow your baby to rest their head on your chest, so it’s best to keep them facing you until they develop strong neck muscles. While all babies develop at different rates, this milestone typically occurs between 4-6 months of age.

How Long Should a Baby Be Forward Facing in a Carrier?

How long you carry your baby facing forward will depend on your baby's comfort and stimulation levels. As your baby is still getting used to a big world, they can become overstimulated if they’re facing forward for long periods of time. 

Start with short adventures! When introducing your baby to front-facing carrying, keep the initial sessions to 20-30 minutes. Babies can get over-excited by all the new sights and sounds, so watch for signs of discomfort or fussiness. If your baby seems overwhelmed, switch them back to facing you to help them feel secure and calm.

If you’re just starting out, try carrying them front-facing for no longer than 20-30 minutes at a time. Gauge how your baby responds and go from there—you’ll know what’s best for your baby.

Why Can’t Newborns Face Forward in a Carrier?

Newborns need extra head and neck support, which they can only get from facing inward. Without this support, their chins may fall forward and obstruct their airways. So, for those first few months, keep your baby nestled close to your chest for optimal safety and bonding. There’s plenty of time to enjoy that front-facing carrying as your baby develops.

Since you won’t always be carrying your baby, it’s also important to learn which way babies should face in a stroller when you’re out and about.

Can a 3-4 month Old Face Out in a Carrier?

At 3-4 months, your baby may start to poke their head around while you’re carrying them face-to-face. If you’re considering the transition to front-facing carrying,  keep in mind that your 3-4 month old must be able to fully support their head on their own. If your baby’s head tilts forward while sitting front-facing, that’s a sure sign this transition was too soon. Switch your baby back to facing you to keep them safe until they fully develop this strength.


The Tushbaby Carrier offers four carrying positions—front-facing, face-to-face, a side-carry position, and a feeding position—and is made to grow with you and your baby from birth to toddlerhood. Whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or just carrying, Tushbaby adapts to your needs and your baby’s comfort.

How Will I Know If My Baby Likes Facing Forward in a Carrier?

When the time comes for your baby to face forward in a carrier, your little one will likely let you know their preference! If they enjoy the new view, they'll be all smiles and curiosity. On the flip side, fussiness or signs of overstimulation mean it's time for a break or to switch them back to facing you. Make the experience engaging by pointing out different objects and talking about the sights around you.

Do Baby Carriers Cause Hip Dysplasia?

There’s some debate about front-facing carrying, mainly concerning hip placement. Tushbaby’s hip seat carrier is designed to support healthy hip development with what’s often referred to as the “super-squat” position. Ensure your baby has full head and neck control before trying this position. Always do a bit of research and talk to your doctor to find carriers that promote healthy hip growth, like Tushbaby.

How Can Carriers Aid Baby's Development?

Front-facing carrying can stimulate your baby’s curiosity and learning. As they observe the world around them, their brain development gets a boost. Naturally, your baby will start wanting to get down and explore as they get older, too. With Tushbaby’s hipseat carrier, your baby can easily get up and down to explore without you having to go through the hassle of taking on and off a complicated carrier—simply pop them off when they want “down!” and carry them comfortably when they want “up!!” again. Tushbaby is so popular because it makes the transition to facing forward a breeze.


Just be mindful of overstimulation in your baby—if your baby needs a break, simply turn them back to face you for some calming nuzzle time.

Switching from Forward Facing to Another Position with Tushbaby

Switching positions in other carriers can be a hassle, but not with Tushbaby. The simple, open design allows you to seamlessly transition between carrying positions without taking the carrier off. Just lift and flip your baby to face forward or inward as needed. Remember to keep the carrier high and tight above your hips for the best support, and always hold onto your baby with one arm for safety.

The best baby carriers make your life easier, not harder. Enjoy life's adventures with your baby, whether they’re facing forward or not, with Tushbaby’s supportive hip seat carrier. 

With four carry positions, Tushbaby carriers make it easy to transition your baby as they develop. Simply lift and flip your baby to front-facing for the finest seat and view in the house. Just be sure the carrier is strapped high and tight above your hips at your natural waist for the best benefits, and be sure that you’re always holding onto your baby with one arm for safety. 

Discover all the Tushbaby products designed to streamline and simplify your parenting journey. Explore the world with your baby in tow—shop Tushbaby today.

 

Written by Connor Bringas

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Tushbaby™ Hip Carrier

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The best baby hip carrier for infants and toddlers.

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$85
Color: Grey
Design: Tushbaby
Tushbaby Lite Color:
A streamlined version of the original Tushbaby with fewer pockets and a slimmer profile, the Tushbaby Lite is perfect for quick errands or hot days outdoors where less is more.

Embroidered Tushbabies are not eligible for returns. Please note that your order will take an additional 1-2 days to fulfill.

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Description

Tushbaby is the single carrier that supports your body, your stuff, and your kids from 0-3 years old. Gear up and carry your little ones effortlessly with carriers that look good, feel good, and store more—freeing you up to do more.

A streamlined version of the original Tushbaby with fewer pockets and a slimmer profile, the Tushbaby Lite is perfect for quick errands or hot days outdoors where less is more.

Details & Specs

  • Fits newborns to 36 months, and up to 45lbs (can also be used for feeding support)
  • Fits 23-44 inch waist (add up to 23 more inches with our Waistband Extender)
  • Four carry positions
  • Five storage pockets
  • Hideable bottle holder
  • Stain-resistant and easy-to-clean
  • Waistband 47"L x 6"H. Seat 6"L x 7.5"W (at base/widest part)
  • Weighs under 1lb
  • 1 Year Warranty
  • Keep one arm around child at all times
  • Snug, Pod, and Crossbody Strap sold separately
  • Please note: Items with matching prints will naturally have some variation in color due to differences in material.
  • Fits newborns to 36 months, and up to 45lbs (can also be used for breastfeeding support)
  • Fits 23-44 inch waist (add up to 24 more inches with our Waistband Extender)
  • 4 carry positions
  • 5 Storage pockets
  • Hideable Bottle Holder
  • Wipe down for an easy clean
  • Snug, Pod, and Crossbody Strap sold separately
  • Waistband 47"L x 6"H. Seat 6"L x 7.5"W (at base/widest part)
  • Weighs under 1lb
  • 1 Year Warranty
  • Fits newborns to 36 months, and up to 45lbs (can also be used for breastfeeding support)
  • Fits 23-44 inch waist (add up to 24 more inches with our Waistband Extender)
  • 4 carry positions
  • 5 Storage pockets
  • Hideable Bottle Holder
  • Wipe down for an easy clean
  • Snug, Pod, and Crossbody Strap sold separately
  • Waistband 47"L x 6"H. Seat 6"L x 7.5"W (at base/widest part)
  • Weighs under 1lb
  • 1 Year Warranty
  • Fits newborns to 36 months, and up to 45lbs (can also be used for breastfeeding support)
  • Fits 23-44 inch waist (add up to 24 more inches with our Waistband Extender)
  • 4 carry positions
  • 5 Storage pockets
  • Hideable Bottle Holder
  • Wipe down for an easy clean
  • Snug, Pod, and Crossbody Strap sold separately
  • Waistband 47"L x 6"H. Seat 6"L x 7.5"W (at base/widest part)
  • Weighs under 1lb
  • 1 Year Warranty
  • Fits newborns to 36 months, and up to 45lbs (can also be used for breastfeeding support)
  • Fits 23-44 inch waist (add up to 23 more inches with our Waistband Extender)
  • 4 carry positions
  • 3 Storage pockets
  • Wipe down for an easy clean
  • Snug, Pod, and Crossbody Strap sold separately
  • Waistband 47"L x 4"H. Seat 6"L x 7.5"W (at base/widest part)
  • Weighs under 1lb
  • 1 Year Warranty

Shipping & Returns

We offer fast and free shipping for orders over $60 within the contiguous United States (does not include Hawaii, Alaska, or US territories). Orders shipped outside of the United States are subject to taxes and duties that are paid for by the customer.

Need to return? Send your Tushbaby back within 30 days—with the user manual and the tags still attached—and we’ll refund 100% of your purchase. We will provide a prepaid shipping label for all Tushbaby Carrier returns within the contiguous United States at no cost to you.

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