Introducing the Ergobaby 360
The Ergobaby OMNI 360 is ultimate “all positions” Ergobaby carrier. Featuring the best bits of their other carriers, it is suitable from birth with jo infant insert and offers front, back, hip and world-facing carrying positions.
The straps can be worn straight, or crossed.
Ergobaby 360: features and functionality
- Features parent facing, world facing, hip and back carrying positions.
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort and support.
- Straps can be worn rucksack style or crossed.
- Suitable from birth with the Ergobaby Infant Insert.
- Swap between parent facing and world facing using easy-to-use concealed buttons.
- Features one of the most ergonomic world facing positions of any carrier.
All about the Ergobaby 360
The Ergobaby 360 carrier was the first forward facing carrying option in the Ergobaby range. It has now been joined by the Ergobaby OMNI 360: see our Spotlight on the OMNI 360. It is one of the top selling baby carriers from one of the most well-known baby carrying brands. The name “360” comes from its ergonomic forward or world-facing positions. It can be used on the front, in both inward and outward facing positions, and for hip and back carries.
The Ergobaby 360 features a highly structured panel. This creates the deep and wide seated position, that supports an optimum healthy hip position even in its facing out configuration. The adjustment of the panel between outward and inward facing is as simple as changing two button fastenings. These fasten on the outer buttons for parent facing, and the inner buttons for outward facing.
The standard Ergobaby 360 has a velcro waistband, which is the most marmite feature of the carrier. Velcro can be noisy, waking sleeping babies, and hard to readjust whilst wearing. However, it means the waistband is unpadded and flexible which some people prefer. The cool air mesh version of the carrier has a padded and buckled waistband.
The Ergobaby 360 is suitable from around 4 months to 2 years old, and can be used from birth with the infant insert (sold separately).
Age range and positions
The Ergobaby 360 is suitable from around 4-5 months old, once your baby can sit in the panel and still bend their knees freely. If you have the infant insert it can be used from birth.
The 360 is safe to use for as long as the top of the panel still comes up to your child’s armpits. However many parents may find other larger panelled carriers more comfortable before this point. Many parents we work with find they want to try something larger around 18 months to 2 years.
The outward facing position is advised from 5 months old, and the hip and back carry positions are advised from 6 months old.
Tips and Tricks
Using the infant insert
Getting the infant insert right can be tricky. There are two parts to the insert; the cushion and the outer padded section. Newborn babies will need the full insert until around 8-12 weeks until the carrier fits snugly around their body without it. . After this they usually need only the booster cushion part for several more months. They no longer need the cushion once they can sit in the carrier and bend their knees freely and the panel comes only to the top of their neck without the cushion.
Whether your baby needs the insert is dependent on the size and leg length of your baby rather than weight or age.
Most babies will no longer need the insert in the Ergobaby 360 around 5 or 6 months.
Fastening the chest strap
The Ergobaby OMNI 360 can be worn rucksack style. Some people find it tricky to get the chest strap fastened or positioned comfortably. Often people find that they are most comfortable with the chest strap level with their shoulder blades.
This video shows 3 different techniques for fastening the chest strap
World facing in the Ergobaby 360
The world facing option the Ergobaby 360 is one of the most ergonomic world facing positions of any carrier. It positions your baby into a wide, deep seated position, keeping legs supported to the knee and their spine curved even when facing forward.
The Ergobaby 360’s design makes it incredibly easy to switch from world facing to parent facing positions without disturbing baby too much. Simply change the button and turn baby round!
What's the fuss about forward facing?
Outward facing positions can be a contentious topic. Some people believe that it is not an appropriate position for carrying babies. Our article offers a balanced perspective considering the evidence to help you make up your own mind. .
What to be particularly aware of when world-facing:
Airways
A key concern when carrying in any carrier or position is ensuring that your baby’s airway remains clear at all times. In a world facing position it is easier for your baby’s airway to become compromised if their head drops forward.
The following two precautions reduce this risk:
- Your baby needs excellent head control to support their airways whilst forward facing. This usually develops around 4-6 months.
- Only use the world-facing position whilst your baby is awake.
Responsivity to cues
Young babies can become overwhelmed very quickly when world-facing. When we carry in arms we naturally change position regularly, and turn babies towards us if they grow unsettled whilst facing outwards.
In a carrier it is possible to carry your baby more passively. This makes it easier to miss early cues that your child is getting overwhelmed. We recommend staying responsive to your baby in all carrying positions. When forward facing it is harder to see their face to read their cues, so check them regularly and remain attentive to signs that they are overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Forward facing in slings
Forward facing in slings can be a contentious issue. Our article considers the evidence around forward facing in slings so that you can make your own informed decision about what is right for you and your baby.
How can I try the Ergobaby 360?
We have the Ergobaby 360 available to hire in both standard and cool air mesh versions. Simply enter “Ergobaby 360” into the search box to see all currently available Ergobaby 360 carriers.
We sell the Ergobaby OMNI 360, rather than the Ergobaby 360, and offer both ‘Try before you buy’ and payment plans on these in our shop.
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