Ergobaby's new 360 carrier causes 'front facing' backlash

        According to ERGOBaby's website in July 2013, facing a baby forward: “will compromise its basic capability to regulate stress reactions, which in the long run can become detrimental to mental and physical health”. A few months later, and they release a four-position Ergobaby 360 that encourages the use of a forward-facing carry.

It hurts my back just to look at it.

        What is most shocking about this FAQ Ergobaby had on their site, is that it was removed just a few months before the 360 carrier was announced. I'm sorry to call them out on their blatant hypocrisy, but this isn't some new scientific study they have found that proves a forward-facing carry is healthy or even comfortable for you and your child.
        Ergobaby's new FAQ reads:

In the past you have championed the idea that children are subject to a great deal of distractions/overstimulation when carried "facing out". How can you reconcile this with your previous philosophy? Are you not sending mixed messages to parents?

We view the front-outward position ('facing out') as a supplemental option for short, active periods and not as the primary carrying method over multiple hours. Now and again, situations arise where parents — and children — prefer this position. Naturally, there is a greater risk of overstimulation than with the 'facing in' position, since the child cannot actively turn away. Yet on the other hand, the ergonomic posture ensures very close body contact that allows parents to actively perceive the signals their children are giving. Parents know their children best and can tell when their child is fussy, tired or "zoned out" and it is time to switch to the 'facing in' or back carrying position. As a manufacturer of comfortable, ergonomic carriers, we want to offer parents a choice of all options for ergonomic carrying. Our goal is to encourage and embrace all parents to wear their babies for as long as possible by giving them a comfortable, healthy way to do so. Additionally, by giving parents who insist that their carrier have a front-outward option a choice within our product line, it allows us to communicate with them about overstimulation in all of the activities and products that they choose for their baby. We are hoping that this will make new parents more educated about all of the situations that can lead to overstimulation and make them more attuned to baby's cues that she is overstimulated.

        Which only proves more-so that they are sending mixed signals to parents. This is a very poor marketing strategy on Ergobaby's part, although I understand that there is a demand for a deeper seat in a FF carry, there is also a demand for more Elmo toys and that doesn't mean that it is making your experience with your child better or safer. 

        I fear that this new carrier is a prime example of what we in the babywearing community call a "crotch dangler". Bjorns and other similar carriers are what we call crotch danglers. The baby is being dangled by his or her crotch which is a position that is at best uncomfortable for mom and/or baby but at worst can cause problems with your baby's hip and spinal development. I guess I should clarify, it is a bad idea to wear your baby facing out all the time or for long periods of time. However, as a parent you alone get to choose the products you will use with your baby and gauge their safety yourself. I, personally, don't find a forward-facing carry to be comfortable and much prefer a high back carry or even a ruck tie when using a wrap.

        Ergobaby also answers other FAQs about their new carrier such as:

What do midwives and baby wearing consultants have to say about Ergobaby's new Four Position 360 Carrier?

Is the Front-Outward position ergonomic for the baby?

How do I know if my baby is ready for Front-Outward facing position?

There is a belief that only the 'facing in' position puts children in the anatomically correct spread-legged sitting position. How did you resolve this problem?

As a parent, how do I decide: What is better for my child, facing in or facing out? And how can I know?

Is the new Four Position 360 Carrier safe?

Which you can find at the Ergobaby site.

The Moby Wrap Vs. The Ergobaby Wrap

        A good wrap/carrier should fit like a good bra, at least that's always been my opinion. Where as an over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder comes in different cup sizes, a wrap comes in many lengths.

There are three factors that you might consider in choosing the size of your wrap:
1. How you plan to use your wrap (e.g., which carrying positions you want to use)---this is by far the most important consideration;
2. Your size (height and weight)---this can play a role depending on #1; and
3. Your baby's size---surprisingly, this hardly matters at all. It's a good thing, too, because babies tend to change size rapidly.

        My very first baby wrap was a Moby, gifted to me at my Halloween-themed baby shower, and it was definitely my most-used present as I discovered the joys of babywearing. After using the Moby for Lily until she was three months old, I then found the Ergo baby wrap. 
        The main difference between the two is that the Ergobaby Wrap has a "4D stretch" material (explains the 5% spandex that Moby does not have) which is a sort of extra layer over the front of the wrap that will be up against your little one. I have heard that this extra piece of material makes for a better seat than the Moby, which means no hassle of repositioning and rewrapping. However, it is always in how well you wrap that provides a sturdy seat for your baby. 
        The weight limits of both wraps end around 35-45 lbs making them pretty equal in that respect. Both wraps claim to "grow with your baby", a definite plus for the economical mother.
        Overall, I much prefer the Ergobaby Wrap for my 11 pounder, since hug hold is her absolute favorite and she sleeps longer in the Ergobaby wrap because I don't have to unwrap and rewrap when I'm wearing her around the house.

Moby Wrap in action!

The Ergobaby Wrap:

•  The right amount of stretch makes it easy to tie right.
• Doesn’t sag throughout the day from baby’s weight.
• Moves in every direction with you and your baby.
• 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex
• Machine washable

The Moby wrap:

• Perfect for babies 8-35 lbs
• 100% natural cotton
• Machine washable
• Encourages parent/child bonding
• Adjusts to grow with your baby
• Petite and plus size friendly

I have provided several links for you to find your wrap, buy, and use it so please make use of them!


The Babywearer Chart of Wrap Styles w/ Lengths

Where to buy the Moby Wrap

Where to buy the Ergo Wrap

How to tie the Ergo Wrap (Newborn)

How to tie the Moby Wrap (Newborn Hug Hold)