ERGObaby Carrier Back Position

What age is best to move my baby to the back carry position?

This is an individual developmental milestone for our babies. Usually around 6 months, a child will be happy moving to your back. However, it is not unheard of that a 3-½ month old baby can be very happy on the back as well. If a child is fussing in the back carry position for the first time, bringing them to a mirror, where they find comfort in seeing themselves, will often settle them. Also, bouncing and movement may help.

Do I need to have someone help me get my child into the carrier?

You can get your baby in the carrier by yourself without the help of anyone or anything. However, we recommend you practice several times with the help of someone until you feel comfortable with the process. Older babies also become familiar and will help by lifting their leg and hanging on to your back. In the back carry position it also helps to practice in front of a mirror so both you and your baby can make visual connection with what you are doing.

ERGObaby Carrier Back Position Video

This video explains how to safely maneuver your child into the carrier in the back carry position, once the baby is 6 months old and can hold her head up. It is advised to sit on a soft surface or get another person to help you when you are still unfamiliar with this position. Once you are more accustomed to the back carry position, fasten the waist belt and place one shoulder strap on. Put your baby on your hip and reach around with one hand to take hold of your child’s foot and pull it through the carrier. Bend forward, adjusting your child on your back, and place the second shoulder strap on. Tighten the shoulder straps by pulling the nylon straps towards your child.

ERGObaby Carrier Back Position From the Hip

This video shows how to place your child in the back carry position from the hip. Fasten the waist belt with the carrier on your hip, then place your child on your hip as well. Hold your child and the body of the carrier in one hand and both shoulder straps in the other. Shift your child round into the back position; bouncing slightly will help this. Put one shoulder strap on while holding the other strap in front of you. Repeat with opposite shoulder strap. Close and tighten the chest strap, and tighten the shoulder straps.

How to remove your child from the ERGObaby Carrier Back Position

This video shows you how to safely remove your child from the carrier in the back carry position, whether they are sleeping or awake. For an awake child, unfasten the chest strap, bend forward slightly, and hold your baby with one hand while removing the opposite shoulder strap. Repeat this with the other shoulder strap; then carefully move your child around to your front. You can then unfasten the waist belt and take off the carrier. For a sleeping child, find a suitable flat surface and gently lean back until your baby is on it. Remove the shoulder straps, unfasten the waist belt and then take your baby out of the carrier.

How to remove your child from the ERGObaby Carrier Back Position

This video explains how to use the piggy-back method of back carry. This should only be used when your child is older and can hold on to your back by himself. First, tighten the waist belt and let the body of the carrier hang down. Bring your child into a piggy back position on your back. Bend forward and support your child with one hand. Hold on to your child and reach for one shoulder strap, then reach for the second shoulder strap and tighten both. Stand up and position your child. Fasten and tighten chest strap at arm-pit level. Tighten nylon straps by pulling towards your child.

Moving your child from the Back Carry Position to the Front

This video shows how to move your child from the back carry position to a front carry position. First, loosen the shoulder straps and unbuckle the chest strap. Slide one shoulder strap off your shoulder and support your child with one hand. Pull the carrier around onto your hip. Hold your child and remove the second shoulder strap. Center your child and the carrier, and slip on the shoulder straps again. Buckle and tighten the chest strap. Tighten and adjust the shoulder straps so they are comfortable.

Moving your child from the Front Carry Position to the Back

This video explains how to move your child from the front carry position to the back carry position. First, loosen the shoulder straps and unbuckle the chest strap. Slide one shoulder strap off and pull your child and the carrier towards your hip. Hold your child and remove the second shoulder strap. Hold both straps tightly in one hand and move your child’s weight to your back. Reach back and grab one shoulder strap, pull it onto your shoulder. Grab the second shoulder strap and slide it on too. Buckle and adjust the chest strap. Finally, tighten the shoulder straps.

I feel like I have to bend forward to feel like he is sitting upright...it feels like he could flip out backwards, what am I doing wrong?

The shoulder straps may be too loose. If you are in an upright ‘normal’ stance, i.e., not leaning forward or backward to balance the added weight of your child on your body, then you have the carrier correctly positioned. If not, tighten the shoulder straps so that your baby is being held closer to your body. With their legs down around your waist and their body strapped close to yours, your child is secure in the carrier.

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