If you’re pregnant or navigating the fourth trimester, babywearing can be a lifesaver, freeing up your hands while keeping your baby close and comforted. But for first-time parents, one of the biggest questions is: Am I wearing my baby correctly?
Whether you're using an Ergobaby carrier or just getting started, checking your baby’s positioning is essential for safety, comfort, and healthy development. This guide walks you through the basics of how to position a newborn in a baby carrier, step-by-step.
Why Positioning Matters: Safe & Supportive from Day One
A properly worn baby carrier helps regulate your newborn’s body temperature, supports spinal and hip development, keeps baby safe and makes daily life easier. But just like installing a car seat, correct setup matters. This is especially important in the early weeks, when babies have limited neck and core strength.
Let’s break down two of the most important alignment cues every parent should know:
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The “M” position for hips and legs
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The “C” shape for the spine and body
1. The “M” Position: Hip-Safe Carrying for All Ages
The M position baby carrier setup refers to how your baby’s legs should be positioned when worn. This helps promote healthy hip development and reduces the risk of hip dysplasia.
What it looks like: Your baby’s knees are slightly higher than their bottom, thighs supported by the baby carrier from knee to knee, forming a natural “M” shape.
What to Watch For
❌ Hanging legs or straight posture: If baby’s legs are dangling, their hips may be under stress.
✅ How to fix it: Adjust the seat width so the fabric supports baby from knee to knee. If you're using a Ergobaby Baby Carrier it has specific settings you can adjust for babies' size, age and carrying position.
2. The “C” Curve: Protecting Baby’s Spine and Airway
The natural “C” shape mirrors the fetal position, helping newborns feel secure and keeping airways open.
What it looks like: Baby’s spine is gently rounded, their head is resting on your chest, and you can easily kiss the top of their head. Keep them high with their face insight.
What to Watch For
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❌ Baby is hugged in too close to mum. This can restrict the airways, increase the chance of baby overheating and hold the baby's spine in a natural curve.
✅ Fix it: Loosen the straps at the sides of baby to allow the spine to relax and form the optimal 'C' shape but keep baby high and face insight and visible.
Ergobaby: How to Wear Your Carrier for Newborns and Beyond
Some simple quick tips for any new parent using a baby carrier for the first time.
Ergobaby Carrier: How to Use – A Quick Guide for New Parents
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Use the front-inward position for newborns (the safest option until baby has strong head and neck control).
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Always check that baby’s knees are higher than their bum (the M position) and that their spine maintains a soft C-curve.
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Ensure baby's head is “close enough to kiss”—a simple rule for checking height and closeness.
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ALWAYS ensure you can see babies face and that their face is visible allowing free and clear airways.
Tip: Don’t forget the Pelvic Tuck! After buckling, gently lift baby’s thighs and rotate their hips under. This helps seat baby deeper into the carrier and improves both spinal and hip alignment.
Baby Carrier Positions by Age: What to Know
As your baby grows, so will their carrier position options. Here’s a general age guide:
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Newborn (0–6 months): Front-inward only, with ergonomic support and seat adjustments.
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6+ months: With head and neck control, you can explore outward-facing, hip, or back carry positions—based on the baby carrier model you choose.
Always refer to your product manual for detailed baby carrier positions by age and weight recommendations to ensure a safe, developmentally appropriate fit.
Not Sure if Baby’s Positioned Correctly?
You’re not alone—many new parents second-guess babywearing at first.
Here are three ways to check:
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Is baby’s head close enough to kiss and visible?
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Is baby’s back supported in a gentle C curve?
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Are baby’s legs forming an M shape, with thighs fully supported?
If you're still unsure how to position Ergobaby for a newborn, check out our YouTube tutorials for easy step-by-step guides OR book a free consultation in with one of our babywearing consultants.
Final Thoughts: Babywearing Should Feel Good
Using a baby carrier should feel empowering—not stressful. Once you’ve mastered the basics of correct baby carrier position for newborns, you'll start to notice how quickly it becomes second nature. If your still unsure here are 5 key reasons to wear your baby.
Still figuring out which baby carrier to use? We’ve got you – try the Which carrier is right for you quiz and don’t forget ALL Ergobaby carriers come with the ErgoPromise – Lifetime Warranty.