Using your new Heart to Heart insert should be comfortable for both you and your new baby. Recently we have had some enquires about how best to position baby in the insert. This post will walk you through how to ensure that your baby has the best ride possible in your ERGObaby carrier with the help of your Heart to Heart insert.
When using your Heart to Heart insert, your baby’s legs and feet need to be observed. With a newborn,the feet will be together. However, over time, the legs will gradually and naturally open into a spread position. As this happens you can reach in and gently place the legs into a spread position. Be sure to check that the legs and feet are not constricted in any way by the carrier.
Check often for correct positioning, the way you use the Infant Insert changes as the baby develops.
In smaller babies the feet, not the legs, will be touching in what we refer to as the frog position. As babies grow the feet will begin to spread apart as the hips open more. As this development progresses the legs and feet will assume the spread-squat position or natural sitting position:
The Natural Sitting Position is one which supports the natural rounding of a baby’s spine, supporting a forward pelvic tilt and proper development of the hip joints. In the Natural Sitting Position, the baby’s legs are bent with his knees level with his bellybutton, and spread apart at about a 45 degree angle. This position, also referred to as the Spread-Squat Position, mimics the natural position for optimal joint and spinal support; hence, the Natural Sitting Position.
The picture above shows the ideal position. It is our experience that some babies legs are not ready to be spread to that much of an angle so less than 45 degrees is fine. The important thing is that the knees are bent, legs slightly spread so that the baby is almost straddling your belly. The knees should be spread as much as comfortable but can be fairly close. I like to reach in with my hands and adjust the position in a way similar to the picture above: bent, slightly raised and spread. I will also make sure the pelvis is tilted forward at this time. It is important to do this periodically to avoid squished legs. Depending on the length of the legs and the development of the baby, the feet will either be straight down under your navel or off to the side either slightly resting on the waist belt or straddling your sides. Every baby is different so use your best judgement in determining how exactly to position your baby.
It is important to keep the pillow in the insert at least until your baby’s legs spread out to the side more and the feet are no longer close together. We do not recommend using the Infant Insert Heart-to-Heart in the sling position.
If you have any further queries about how to use your Heart-to-Heart insert, please feel free to contact us here or during business hours on 1300 725 276.
