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Why we love back carry baby carriers – and how to get your baby into one
Discover when and how to start back carrying your baby safely with Ergobaby carriers – for hands-free comfort, support, and connection on every adventure.
As your baby grows, they can become too heavy to carry on your front. But just because you can no longer see around their sunhat, it doesn’t mean it’s time for the adventures to end – you can carry your baby on your back well into toddlerhood (or up to 20.4 kg) with an Ergobaby back carry.
When is your baby ready for back carrying?
You can carry your baby on your back from the time they:
• Can sit unassisted
• Demonstrate strong head and neck control
• Exceed 17/2 lb / 7.8 kg
All babies are different but most will reach these milestones at about 6 months old. And remember no matter which carry position baby is in, your carrier should be worn high and tight and baby’s face and airways should remain clear of any obstructions.
Advantages of an Ergobaby back carry
Carrying your baby on your back in an ergonomic baby carrier has many advantages. From more even weight distribution (which is easier on your back), to better mobility and visibility – for both you and your little one! – while still bringing all the advantages of baby wearing, such as closeness and connection, plus the physical and sensory advantages of being in the carrier – things like balance, visual orientation via the eyes, coordination, foot development and the support reaction of the hands.
The advantages are numerous, which is why almost all Ergobaby baby carriers can be used for back carrying.
- With the Adapt: which grows with your baby up to a weight of 20.4 kg
- With the Aerloom: machine-knitted and cosy, it carries baby up to a weight of 15.9 kg
- With the Away: ultra-light and compact, it carries baby up to 15.9 kg
- With Alta : a versatile 2-in-1 up-and-down carrier, it carries baby up to a weight of 20.4 kg
- And of course with the Omni Deluxe, our best baby carrier, this sleek and stylish all-rounder safely carries babies up to 20.4kg (and of course with all other Omni models too).
The right way to carry your baby on your back
So you want to back carry – but how do you actually do it? Like all things parenting, it gets easier with practice. The first time you attempt it, it’s best to have a second person with you for support. It can also help to put the carrier on sitting down or over a soft surface like a bed.
Watch this video to see how to put on the Omni Deluxe in the back carry position:
Or follow these steps:
- Prepare the Omni Deluxe for back carrying by making sure the carrier is set up appropriately for your baby’s height and the sliders are in their widest position. Loosen the shoulder straps before you put it on.
- Buckle the waistband around your waist so that it fits snugly and securely. Position the back panel to the side of you and place your baby on your hip. Keeping one hand on your baby at all times, use the other hand to grab a shoulder strap and pull it on, then swap hands and repeat that step with the other strap. Bending forwards will make you all feel more secure at this point!
- Shimmy the carrier gently into position, ensuring your baby is now central on your back and fasten the chest strap. Carefully tighten the shoulder straps so that your baby is securely positioned on your back. You’re done – well done!
For older babies and toddlers, you can use the ‘superhero’ method, where you get them into position on your back and holding onto your shoulders, with the back carrier already in position but hanging loosely, while you put on the shoulder straps and tighten them up. (You’ll still need to use one hand to keep your little one in place.)
If your baby is in a front carry position and you want to move them to a back carry position, undo the backstrap and loosen the shoulder straps and waist belt – remembering to keep one hand on your baby at all times. Slip one hand down under its shoulder strap so the whole strap is now sitting up on your shoulder, then slip the opposite hand the opposite way out the shoulder strap - up and over the top so the whole strap now sits below your armpit. Shimmy the carrier and baby around onto your back and put your arms back through the straps before clipping the back strap across your chest and retightening all the straps.
Once you’ve tightened your straps and made sure your carrier is high and tight on your body then have a look in a mirror to check how your baby is sitting in the carrier and make any necessary adjustments, such as a pelvic tuck. Make sure their face and airways remain clear at all times. Getting baby onto your back by yourself might take a little bit of practice but it’ll soon be second nature and you can enjoy exploring the world together from a new perspective.
One last tip
Even though your baby is no longer in your field of vision, you can still keep an eye on them with a pocket mirror, your front camera or when walking past a shop window, for example. If they fall asleep, it’s best to move them back into a front carry position if you can, but if not just make sure to stabilise their head with the headrest and make sure that they continue to get enough air.
Enjoy more hands free adventures with your little one!
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