My favorite pouch tip

Pouches are supposed to be simple: there’s nothing to adjust or tie, you just pop your baby in and go.  But here’s the thing: it’s entirely too easy to pop your baby in a pouch improperly in the cradle position and end up with a squished baby with a restricted airway. That is not good. Babies need to breathe. There are some workarounds if your baby just really loves the cradle position. Go read M’Liss Stelzer’s article on correct newborn positioning. If your baby doesn’t insist on lying down, though, try the tummy to tummy position:

 

Many people don’t even realize that the tummy to tummy position is an option for their newborns. But yes, a pouch can hold a newborn in an upright position, and most babies like it. His feet will just curl up under him in the fetal position … which he’s used to! Pull the fabric on the outside of the pouch high enough to support his back well, but make sure there’s still fabric between the baby and your body. If you need to tighten the fabric, try a shoulder flip (see step six here). 

Older babies like this position as well. There comes a time when he’ll need to change from being “feet in” to “feet out.”  When that happens, remember to make sure his bottom is well below his knees … his weight should be on his bottom, not the backs of his legs. Also, you may need to pull the fabric back from behind his knees so it doesn’t dig in to the backs of his knees.