In a KOKADI carrier, your baby should face towards your body. Do not turn them to face outwards when carrying them on your front. KOKADI does not recommend this position in its product guidance. If your child wants to see more, a back or hip carry may be an option, depending on the model and your child's stage of development.
There is an important distinction: carrying on your front does not necessarily mean carrying facing outwards. In an inward-facing front carry, your baby faces you, with their tummy against your body.
When can a baby face outwards in a carrier?
There is no age at which you can simply turn your baby around in any carrier. The intended carrying position, your child's size and development, and the instructions for the particular model all matter. With your KOKADI, follow the guidance for carrying your child facing towards your body.
Some other manufacturers offer specific models designed for outward-facing carrying. These have their own requirements, including stable head and neck control. Approval for one model does not apply to other carriers. Example: manufacturer guidance on outward-facing carrying
Why do positioning and support matter?
When carrying your baby, their thighs should be supported and their hips and knees bent, with room for their legs to spread naturally. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends this position for hip-friendly babywearing. Source: International Hip Dysplasia Institute
Our guide to the M-position explains what to look for. The direction your baby faces is not enough on its own to assess their position. Fit, adjustment and support also need to be right. If your baby has a diagnosed hip condition, seek medical advice about choosing and using a carrier.
What should you check while carrying your baby?
- Clear face: Neither fabric nor your body should cover your baby's nose or mouth. Check on your baby regularly.
- Supported head and back: Your baby must not slump. Their chin should stay off their chest.
- Close to your body: When carrying your baby on your front, they should be high enough for you to kiss the top of their head.
This advice follows the NHS TICKS guidelines and the American Academy of Pediatrics' safety guidance. It supplements your carrier's instructions.
My baby wants to see more. What are the alternatives?
If your child is looking around, keep following the carrier's instructions. Check which other position might suit you both:
- Back carrying: For Flip, TaiTai and WrapStar, KOKADI specifies secure head control as a requirement. Also follow the instructions and size guidance for your model.
- Hip carrying: According to KOKADI, TaiTai and WrapStar also allow hip carrying. Ask for help with the appropriate tying technique and adjustments.
- Using an Onbu: KOKADI describes the Onbu as a back carrier for children in the later sitting stage. It is therefore not an alternative for a newborn.
Source: KOKADI guidance for the individual models. Our carrying instructions help you use your carrier. If you are unsure, our free babywearing consultation can help.
Still unsure which model suits you and your baby? Our KOKADI baby carrier comparison explains the differences in shoulder straps, waist belts and how each carrier is put on.
Frequently asked questions about outward-facing carrying
Can my baby fall asleep facing outwards?
Your baby should not sleep in an outward-facing position. Manufacturers that offer this position for certain models also warn against it. Stop carrying in this position if your child becomes sleepy. Source: manufacturer guidance on tiredness and sleep
What should I do if my baby becomes unsettled?
Take a break and check the fit and your child's needs. Being unsettled does not necessarily mean your baby wants to face outwards. If a baby turns away or becomes tired while facing outwards, the manufacturer recommends changing position or taking a break. Source: guidance on overstimulation and tiredness
How do I find a suitable carrying position?
Have your carrier's model name and your child's size ready. During a consultation, you can discuss which carrying position is suitable and how to adjust your KOKADI for it.
Get a free babywearing consultation
Editorially updated on 10 September 2026. This guidance is based on the linked sources and the instructions for the relevant model.