Introducing the Lillebaby Carrier

Carrying your baby in a soft, fabric baby carrier allows for bonding through touch and movement. It leaves your hands free for other tasks and gives your arms and back a break from carrying the car seat. The Lillebaby Complete Carrier is designed to be comfortable for both baby and caregiver while providing proper ergonomic support for baby’s physical development. Let’s look at how to get the most out of this popular babywearing option!

Choosing Your Lillebaby Model

Lillebaby offers several versions of their soft structured carrier to suit different needs and stages:

Lillebaby Complete: The original Lillebaby model, suitable for babies 7-45 lbs. Offers 6 carry positions and adjusts for a growing child.
Lillebaby Complete Airflow: Mesh panel versions to keep baby’s back cooler.
Lillebaby Complete All Seasons: zip down panel reveals mesh for warmer weather.
Lillebaby The Complete Embossed: Stylish embossed pattern versions.
Lillebaby Complete 6-in-1: Adjustable seat narrows for younger babies.

Consider airflow for hot climates, patterns for style, and the 6-in-1 for maximum versatility.

Getting the Right Fit

A proper fit is key to comfort and safety when babywearing. Follow these tips for fitting your Lillebaby carrier:

Adjust the Straps

The shoulder straps have sliders to raise, lower, tighten or loosen for caregiver’s torso length and comfort. Waistbelt adjusts the same way.

Use the Back Panel

Loosen the straps fully and clip the back panel around your waist. Tighten the waistbelt first, then shoulder straps.

Position Baby Correctly

Baby should face inward toward your chest in the early months. Make sure their chin and nose are above the top of the carrier with room to breathe.

Spread the Fabric

Create a deep seat for baby by pulling the bottom of the carrier outwards and spreading the fabric from knee to knee.

Getting Baby In and Out

With a little practice, you’ll find easy ways to get your baby in and out of the carrier. Try these tips:

Use Two Hands

Use both hands to support baby’s head, neck and bottom when taking them in and out. Go slow.

Unbuckle First

Always unbuckle the waist and shoulder straps before moving baby out of the carrier.

Loose Straps

Keep straps loosened while putting baby into position, then tighten. Reverse for taking them out.

Hip Snap

Open the hip snap while putting baby in, then close for a secure seat. Reverse for taking out.

Sit Down

Sitting allows you to hold baby close to your chest while latching straps. Stand carefully.

Lift the Panel

The back panel easily lifts to place baby inside against your body.

Front Carry Facing In

The front carry facing in toward your chest is the go-to position for newborns through about 6 months old. Here are some tips for this comfy, bonding carry:

Ensure baby’s airway is open by keeping the head above the edge of the carrier.
Make sure infant’s legs are in a natural spread “froggy” position, not dangling.
Bouce gently or sway side to side to soothe baby to sleep. Enjoy those baby cuddles!
Once baby is older and has good head and neck control, they can face outward for a change of view.

Front Carry Facing Out

Around 6 months, babies are ready to switch to facing forward in the front carry position. Here’s how:

Switch only when baby has head, neck and trunk control to handle the motion. Check with pediatrician.
Baby still sits in a deep seat with legs spread in proper “M” position.
Bounce baby gently and keep a close watch since you can’t see their face.
Chat with baby as you walk to engage them with motion and sensory stimulation.
Switch back to facing in if baby seems tired, overstimulated or frustrated.

Hip Carry

The hip carry facing in is great for an older, heavier baby who still needs front carrying. Follow these tips:

Only use for babies who can sit up unassisted. Usually 8 months+.
Baby sits on your hip with legs straddling your waist.
Use hip snap to secure baby firmly against your body.
Bounce baby gently side to side or front to back.
Supervise closely since baby’s face is hidden from your view.

Back Carries

Back carrying offers the caregiver a hands free option while still keeping baby close. Some tips:

Start back carries around 6-8 months when baby has good head and trunk control.
Use a mirror or take a selfie to ensure baby is properly positioned.
Bounce gently up and down to soothe baby to sleep against your back.
Keep checking on baby by tilting your head back and asking “How ya doin’ back there?”
Stop for breaks every 15-20 minutes to interact face to face and reassess fit.

Easy In and Out for Back Carries

With practice, back carries can become second nature. Try these tricks:

Loosen straps fully before placing baby against your back.
Reach both arms over shoulders to grab baby under arms or armpits. Lift baby straight up and over.
Or, “hip scoot” baby around from your hip onto your back.
Use your chest to press baby gently into a good position.
Sway, bounce, or shimmy side to side to settle baby in place before tightening straps.
Unbuckle completely before lifting baby up and over your shoulder to remove.

Adjusting for Two

Expecting another bundle of joy? The Litle baby can transition to comfortably carry two littles. Here’s how:

Use for toddlers over a year who can sit unassisted. Or preschoolers up to 45 lbs.
Shorten shoulder straps all the way for the child on your back.
Use a rolled receiving blanket under the youngest baby for extra head support.
Let the toddler climb onto your back first. Then add the baby to your front.
Take frequent breaks to reassess fit, redistribute weight and check on the kiddos.

Hands-Free Breastfeeding

The Lillebaby offers discreet, easy nursing on the go. Follow these tips for breastfeeding while babywearing:

Loosen shoulder strap on nursing side and lower baby into position.
Keep one arm securely around baby for safety and support.
Pull down front of shirt or bra cup. Latch baby on fully.
Pull fabric over baby’s head for privacy while they nurse.
When finished, gently remove baby and then readjust straps.

Safety Best Practices

While babywearing offers many benefits, always keep safety top of mind:

Ensure baby’s chin is up and airway is open at all times.
Monitor baby closely, especially when facing out or on your back.
Take frequent breaks to reposition baby and redistribute weight.
Avoid cooking at the stove or other hazardous activities while wearing baby.
Remove sleep hoods or head coverings as soon as baby falls asleep.
Stop use if carrier is damaged or straps loosen during wear.

Cleaning and Care

Follow these tips to keep your Lilte baby clean, fresh and ready for use:

Spot clean with warm water and mild detergent after wear if needed.
For deeper cleaning, remove padding and wash/air dry shell and padding separately.
Check for fraying straps, damaged buckles or fabric tears regularly. Discontinue use if any are detected.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use.
Consider purchasing a second Lillebaby for alternate caregivers or baby spit-up back-ups!

Conclusion

The award-winning Lillebaby Complete Carrier enables you to bond with baby while keeping your hands free. With proper positioning and adjustment, both baby and caregiver can move through the day in ergonomic comfort. Follow these carrying tips and safety guidelines to get the most out of your Lillebaby baby carrier experience. Those snuggly babywearing cuddles make it all worthwhile!