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I love this!! We have an original Ergo and DH hates that it cant be worn forward-facing. Now that C is older, she doesn't tolerate being on my front facing in too much anymore.

I would buy it!

The Beco Gemini does all those carries too, and isn't demonized. If your child doesn't get over stimulated and it's got a safe seat (i.e. not a crotch dangler), I don't see a problem with it :).

Forward-facing isn't for us, but I see no problem with it so long as 1. Your child doesn't get over-stimulated, 2. It's ergonomically correct, and 3. It doesn't hurt your back.

I think, though, that most of what a FF carry offers can also be achieved with a hip or back carry, and both of those are easier on mom and baby too.

@rachiecakes: Yeah um, she might have some over attachment issues, lol. (IMO!)

This is the first I've heard of it. I personally dont like forward facing, no matter the design I feel like facing in lets the baby sit more naturally in the carrier because their legs can 'hug" your body

@ShootingStar: TETO but my son was not shy - at an early age - telling me what he would and would not tolerate. I choose to keep him (safe and) happy.
He's always been super active (he's hitting a pitched whiffle ball with a bat and he's two months shy of 2 yrs old, haha), never a snuggly, calm baby. He had busted out of the swaddles before we even left the hospital.
Every kid's different, and so are the mamas! The world's better and more interesting that way. (IMO)

My son loves facing out, he has from the beginning, I think it's good for him to see the world, he's very outgoing so it works for his personality. It's one of those things that it depends on the kid and what suits them.
As for the backlash, I find that there are people are always searching for a reason to be indignant and no better forum than parenting for that so I wouldn't even pay attention!

I got the beco Gemini just so I would have the option of facing out sometimes. I plan to keep her facing in as much as possible but I don't see a problem with keeping her happy by facing out occasionally. I was careful to get one that would be better for her hips and my back than the bjorn. She's only 12 weeks so we haven't faced out yet, but I feel like there will be occasions where front facing out is more practical than a high back carry- like on public transportation I need to see her and would not want her behind me.

But hey, it gives the angry mommy mobs something to complain about I guess

I'm glad that there is an option that takes into consideration the hip issue. Still won't make it more comfortable for the parent though! I prefer a hip carry so that's why I got a ring sling.

@banana: I myself had dreams of wrapping my baby in the Moby and going on peaceful strolls (hell, even the supermarket! lol) but it was not in the cards. DS is a wild one. Just like me shoulda known, haha

@rachiecakes: Oh I had dreams of tons of things that I would've loved to do with/for my kids (extended BFing, longer baby wearing, staying at home). Unfortunately, everything doesn't always work out and you shouldn't judge other moms for it. (not YOU you....I'm speaking about general "you"!) Just because you don't end up accomplishing everything on your list, doesn't mean your intentions weren't there. Like you said "not one size fits all". I that!!!

We didn't care for forward facing... Even if there was an ergonomic option.

She sounds like a crazy person with attachment issues. It's fine if forward facing isn't for her, but to act like anyone who does forward face is uneducated about baby wearing and it's her duty to educate them and suggest other options, is just obnoxious.

That being said, I'm going with the Beco Gemini so that safe, forward facing is an option should we decide we want that.

@hilsy85: that's the thing I don't understand - and that caused me unnecessary mommy-guilt. Babies are not all born at the same time, come in all shapes and sizes, get teeth at different ages, sit/crawl/walk at different stages. So many variables.

I feel like Ergo "sold out" in making this carrier.

They used to have a huge post on their site discussing how unhealthy for both the wearer and the wearee to FFO but they took those pages down when they revealed the 360.

As someone who WAS worn FFO in a carrier who has slight scoliosis, a tendency to rupture discs, and hip issues I will NEVER agree with front facing out options. Hip carries and high back carries make it totally possible for a baby to look around.

I think if you don't like it ... don't buy one, but also, mind your own business if other people find it to be a good option.

I saw a picture of it and it looked kind of awkward and uncomfortable FF (or maybe that was just that particular baby/mama combo), but the mama-facing looked nicer, more streamlined. I tried the K'tan once FF with K. She loved it - I hated it. She kept kicking me, and my back hurt within minutes. I;d maybe try it with the next one, but the classic Ergo is fine.

@MsMini @yellowbird:: +2

I had no idea FF was "controversial". Why on earth would anyone care how someone else carries their child? The mommy wars make me sad.

I think dd would have liked it but the only carrier we used with her was the (regular) Ergo and she wasn't a huge fan of that either.

@MsMini: +1!!

@hilsy85: In my very brief stint working with infants I realized this was actually an issue in that particular center... there were a few babies who were pretty behind in their gross motor development and many of the teachers attributed it to spending an excessive amount of time in carriers. Not to judge the moms- these babies I'm thinking of were also upset when put down and let you know, so maybe this was also a response to that, and maybe the carriers had nothing to do with it, there's just no telling- but I do think there is a need for independent/floor time.