It may be a rather small part of your carrier but using your baby carriers’ neck support correctly can make a difference to both baby’s safety and comfort so we think it’s really important! It’s designed to be super easy to adjust depending on your baby’s age and stage, and how you’re carrying them.
Before we get started, please note that the first two points relate solely to our Adapt and Omni carriers as our older Original or All Position 360 carriers need an infant insert for the early stages so the rules change a little here, and our Embrace and Aerloom carriers’ neck support isn’t moveable.
When your Ergobaby baby carrier arrives it will be ‘set up’ as if for a newborn, with the neck support buttoned onto the inside of the carrier. So if you have just bought your carrier new and have a newborn (7lb+) baby then you’re good to go. But for everyone else you may need to adjust the support’s position before you start wearing your little one. Here’s how you should be wearing it:
For a newborn baby
When baby is 6 weeks and under (as long as they weigh a minimum 7 lbs / 3.2 kg) fold the head and neck support on the inside of the carrier panel, and button it to the lower buttons on the front from the side using the tabs for a tighter support. Ensure the top edge of the carrier is at your baby’s mid-ear level for proper support – you may need to wear the carrier higher or lower (but always close enough to kiss) on your body to achieve this.
From around 7 weeks (ish!)
When baby starts to turn their head from side to side and to hold their head for a few moments (this usually happens around 7 weeks but all babies are different) you can fold the neck and head support on the outside and button it to the lower buttons. The top edge of the carrier can sit from around the nape of the neck as baby starts to gain more neck control too.
For older babies
When baby has full head and neck control the support can remain on the outside and buttoned down but as they grow taller you can also button up the head and neck support to the higher buttons when they need extra support e.g. if they are sleeping or are in a back carry.
Facing outwards
Once baby has full head and neck control and if your carrier supports it (our All Position 360 and Omni carriers are both suitable) you can wear your baby facing outwards – make sure the head and neck support is folded down on the outside and buttoned to the lower buttons, and that your baby is tall enough for their chin to come over the top edge of the carrier body.
