Designed with Safety at the Centre
Everything you need to know about FORWARD
When can my baby face forward?
We recommend forward-facing from approximately 4–6 months+, once your baby is developmentally ready. Baby should have strong and consistent head and neck control, good upper-body and trunk strength, and their chin must sit safely above the top of the carrier panel. Look for signs that baby is actively curious about and ready to engage with the world around them.
Can my newborn use the FORWARD Carrier?
Yes. The FORWARD Carrier can be used for inward, chest-to-chest carrying from the newborn stage, when correctly adjusted to your baby’s size.
Forward-facing, however, is not suitable for newborns and should only be introduced once baby meets the developmental readiness guidelines.
Can FORWARD still be used inward-facing?
Absolutely.
Inward-facing remains the position we recommend most, and FORWARD has been designed to provide a comfortable, ergonomic inward-facing position throughout your babywearing journey. Forward-facing simply gives you another option when baby is developmentally ready.
How long can baby face forward?
We recommend keeping forward-facing carries to short periods of approximately 15–20 minutes at a time.
Think of it as a position for active exploration rather than long periods of carrying.
Watch your baby closely and return them to an inward-facing position if they become tired, unsettled or overstimulated.
Can baby sleep forward-facing?
No.
Baby should never sleep in the forward-facing position.
If your baby becomes tired or falls asleep, reposition them inward-facing and ensure their head, neck and airway are appropriately supported.
How do I know if my baby is overstimulated?
Every baby communicates differently, but signs can include turning or looking away, becoming fussy or unsettled, stiffening their body, rubbing their eyes, yawning, becoming unusually quiet or appearing tired.
If baby seems uncomfortable or overwhelmed, turn them inward so they can retreat from the stimulation and reconnect with you.
How do I adjust the carrier for forward-facing?
Your FORWARD Carrier needs to be correctly adjusted to your baby's size and the forward-facing position before use.
This includes adjusting the seat to the WIDEST setting and securing the clips correctly on the torso panel, positioning the Seat Placement Pad correctly and ensuring baby is sitting at the appropriate height with their chin safely clearing the carrier panel.
We recommend following our FORWARD How-To Video and Fit Guide the first time you set up your carrier.
What makes the FORWARD Carrier different?
We didn't simply add a forward-facing position to our existing carrier — we reconsidered how the position could be supported.
FORWARD features a considered seat and panel design to support baby's pelvis, hips and developing body, an adjustable torso panel to allow comfortable upper-body movement, and our Seat Placement Pad, which helps position baby higher in the carrier for better alignment and support while facing forward.
And importantly, we've paired the carrier with the education and support parents need to use the position confidently.
Is forward-facing ergonomic?
When baby is developmentally ready, the carrier is correctly adjusted and forward-facing is used for appropriate periods, FORWARD has been specifically designed to support a comfortable, ergonomic seated position while baby faces outward.
Baby's positioning matters, which is why the carrier supports the thighs, pelvis and developing body rather than simply allowing baby's legs to hang freely.
Forward-facing is an optional position, not a developmental milestone or something every baby needs to do.
Can I back carry with FORWARD?
Yes.
FORWARD has been designed for inward-facing, forward-facing and back carrying, giving you more carrying options as your baby grows. Always follow the developmental guidance and instructions for the carry position you're using.
What safety testing has the carrier undergone?
FORWARD has been endorsed by the Australian Babywearing Association (ABA), reflecting our commitment to safe, informed and best-practice babywearing.
It has also been independently tested to comply with the ASTM F2236 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers, assessing important aspects of carrier safety, performance and durability.
How do I get help with my carrier fit?
We're here long after your carrier arrives. Chekoh has three trained Babywearing Educators in-house, and every customer has access to ongoing fit and babywearing support.
You can send us photos for a personalised fit check, email us with your questions, follow our detailed video tutorials or book a complimentary 15-minute one-on-one video consultation with one of our Babywearing Educators BOOK HERE
Need a little extra reassurance? We're always happy to check your fit.