The Ergobaby Embrace Newborn Baby Carrier is a perfect combination of simplicity and functionally. Designed for your daily adventures as a parent—walks, chores, errands, breastfeeding & more—it also helps foster bonds between you and your baby, and frees up your hands to tend to another child. The Embrace carrier features a minimal and streamlined design; it doesn’t require any complicated wrapping or tying, or an infant insert for your newborn. This lightweight and easy-to-use baby carrier won’t weigh you down.
Certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, the Embrace Soft Air Mesh keeps bub in an ergonomic position from birth (min. 3.18kg) to approximately 12 months (max. 11.3kg). Three carry modes available:
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Newborn (under 58.4cm)
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Facing in (over 58.4cm)
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Facing out (over 66cm)
The Embrace Newborn Baby Carrier features padded neck support to support your baby's head and neck. In addition to its original Ponte Knit fabric (a thick, double-knit, jersey-like fabric), it's now available in Soft Air Mesh fabric, which comprises aerated pin dot knit with soft air mesh for maximum breathability and comfort. It’s sweat-wicking as well, and that means it draws sweat away from you and your baby, and dries quickly to keep you both cool, dry and comfortable. No more sweating like buckets after your walks!
Thanks to its spreadable cross straps and supportive (and adjustable!) waist belt, the Embrace carrier helps to distribute bub’s weight more evenly across your back. The straps and belt also allows the carrier to fit different body types, perfect if grandparents want to have a go at babywearing! The crossable straps will stay on your shoulders no matter what your shoulders are like.
When not in use, simple roll it up and stash it into your diaper bag, so you can have it when you need it. It’s also machine washable for easy clean up. Comes with a free virtual fitting consultation with Deb (U.P. $60).
How does the Embrace Soft Air Mesh differ from the Embrace Knit?
Embrace Cozy Newborn carrier is the soft and simple way to wear your newborn, and is now available in two great fabrics. Embrace Soft Air Mesh is made from Aerated Pin Dot Knit (100% polyester) and Soft Air Mesh (a polyester and spandex blend), and features a vented back panel for targeted breathability creating a design that’s soft, cool, and breathable. Embrace Knit made from a ponte knit (a thick, double-knit, jersey-like fabric) is soft, comfortable and nestles baby in close for a supportive and snug fit.
What is the age/weight/height range for the Embrace carrier?
The Embrace baby carrier is suitable from birth (minimum weight 7 lbs./3.2 kg and minimum height 20 in/50.8 cm) to 25 lbs./11.3 kg, typically around 12-18 months.
Can I use the Embrace baby carrier with my newborn baby?
Yes, the Embrace baby carrier was designed for the newborn phase. Babies must meet the minimum 20 inches/50.8 cm height and 7 lbs./3.2 kg weight.
The Embrace baby carrier adjusts to your newborn baby when the waistbelt is folded in twice in the Newborn Mode – Facing In position by shortening the back panel and narrowing the seat width.
What is the maximum weight for baby to be carried in the Embrace baby carrier?
The Embrace baby carrier can be used until your baby weighs 25 lbs./11.3 kg; typically around 12-18 months old. For you and your baby’s comfort, we recommend carrying baby weighing more than 25 lbs./11.3 kg in one of our other carriers that carries up to 45 lbs./20.4 kg like the Original or 360 baby carrier or strolling in the Metro Compact City Stroller.
Can I breastfeed with the Embrace baby carrier? How does that work?
Yes, as with all Ergobaby Carriers you can breastfeed while on the go. This can be done in the facing in carry positions. Just loosen the shoulder straps a bit and slightly lower baby to position on your breast. For safety, always stay seated when nursing in a carrier. Always stay vigilant while baby is nursing, and reposition after feeding, so baby’s face is not pressed against your body. Baby should be moved to recommended carrying position immediately after breastfeeding, remove slack from straps, and adjust.
How many ways can I carry my baby?
The Embrace baby carrier has three modes you can use to carry baby:
- Newborn Mode - Facing In
- Baby Mode - Facing In
- Baby Mode - Facing Out
Your baby's height and developmental milestones will determine the best mode to use.
- Newborn Mode - Facing In: From birth (at least 7 lbs./3.2 kg and 20 in/50.8 cm) to 23 in/58.4 cm (around 2 months). The Embrace baby carrier adjusts to your newborn baby when the waistbelt is folded in twice in the Newborn Mode – Facing In position by shortening the back panel and narrowing the seat width.
- Baby Mode - Facing In: From 23 in/58.4 cm (around 2 months) and up to 25 lbs./11.3 kg
- Baby Mode - Facing Out: An additional option for babies with strong head and neck control and taller than 26 in/66 cm (around 5-6 months). Baby’s face and chin must always clear the top of the panel.
Please refer to the instruction manual and instruction videos for each carry mode before using your Embrace carrier and before attempting new modes or positions.
Do I need to use the Ergobaby infant insert with the Embrace?
No, the Embrace baby carrier has been specifically designed so you can carry your newborn baby (minimum 7 lbs./3.2 kg and 20 in/50.8 cm) without the need of an infant insert. The Embrace baby carrier adjusts to your newborn baby when the waistbelt is folded in twice in the Newborn Mode – Facing In position by shortening the back panel and narrowing the seat width.
When is baby ready to be carried in Baby Mode - Facing In carry position?
Baby is ready to be carried in the Baby Mode (facing in) when they are taller than 23 in/58.4 cm - typically around 2 months. Because the waistbelt is secured with the panel hanging down like an apron, the Baby Mode - Facing In position allows for a longer back panel and wider supported seat for baby.
Babies shorter than 23 in/58.4 cm should be carried in the Newborn Mode – Facing In position, where the waistbelt is flipped inward twice to make the back panel shorter and seat width narrower.
When is baby ready to be worn in Baby Mode - Facing Out carry position?
Every baby develops differently. You can start wearing your baby facing out once your baby demonstrates all the following: strong head and neck control, starts showing interest in the world around them, chin above the carrier panel, and taller than 26 in/66 cm. This is usually around 5-6 months. If baby gets sleepy or shows signs of overstimulation, turn baby around to face you. Therefore, we recommend the Facing Out position to be used for shorter durations of carrying only, so around 20 minutes. Baby should be removed completely from the carrier for repositioning.
As a parent, how do I decide which mode is better for my child: newborn mode, baby facing in mode, or baby facing out mode? And how can I know?
Knowing which mode to carry baby in will depend on baby’s height and the developmental milestones they’ve hit. Newborns under 23 in./58.4 cm should be carried in the Newborn Mode – Facing In with the waistbelt flipped inwards twice.
However, once they reach 23 in/58.4 cm, you can begin carrying in the Baby Mode - Facing In position with the unclipped waistbelt and the panel hanging down like an apron to ensure head and neck support as well as proper support of thighs.
As your baby grows older and can see above the front panel of the carrier, has strong head & neck control, and has a natural curiosity to see and interact with the world, they are ready for front-outward carry. We recommend starting with short durations (5-10 minutes) to prevent over-stimulation.
Here are some signs that baby is becoming over-stimulated and ready to switch back to baby facing in mode:
- Baby seems tired, cranky, or fussy
- Baby is rubbing its eyes
- Baby is spreading fingers and toes, making fists
- Baby is laying hands in front of face
- Baby is ‘spacing out,’ sometimes baby will turn away and simply space out
- Baby is turning away again and again, trying to ‘switch off’
- If this all becomes too much for baby, baby may become drowsy
- Baby becomes hyper-vigilant (overly attentive). Instead of relaxed, baby’s body may stiffen
If you notice these cues, we recommend switching baby to inward facing carry position and/or create a quiet, calm environment to help baby relax and recharge.
Can I carry my newborn baby in the facing out position?
No. You should never carry your baby facing out until the following developmental milestones are met:
- Once they are over 26 in/66 cm
- Display good head and neck control
- Chin clears the back panel when in good positioning
How do I know if my baby is ready for baby facing out mode?
Babies are born with an immature nervous system and are easily overstimulated by too much noise, activity, and sensation in the world around them. Baby simply can't process it all and needs some quiet time, a moment to relax, and a chance to calm down.
Once your baby can see above the front panel of the carrier, has strong head & neck control, and has a natural curiosity to see and interact with the world, they are ready for front-outward carry. We recommend starting with short durations (5-10 minutes) to prevent over-stimulation.
Here are some signs that baby is becoming over-stimulated and ready to switch back to baby facing in mode:
- Baby seems tired, cranky, or fussy
- Baby is rubbing its eyes
- Baby is spreading fingers and toes, making fists
- Baby is laying hands in front of face
- Baby is ‘spacing out,’ sometimes baby will turn away and simply space out
- Baby is turning away again and again, trying to ‘switch off’
- If this all becomes too much for baby, baby may become drowsy
- Baby becomes hyper-vigilant (overly attentive). Instead of relaxed, baby’s body may stiffen
If you notice these cues, we recommend switching baby to inward facing carry position and/or create a quiet, calm environment to help baby relax and recharge.
Is forward facing comfortable for parents?
The Embrace baby carrier allows parents to carry baby facing out with less strain on back and shoulders. However, parents will find that the baby facing in mode will be most comfortable for longer durations of carrying. For more comfortable facing out carry, we recommend a more supportive and structured carrier like the 360.
How do I wear the Embrace carrier waistbelt?
The waistbelt should be secured high and tight on the wearer's body. In the Newborn mode - Facing In, the waistbelt should be folded inwards twice. In the other modes, the waistbelt will be secured without any folding high along your torso and hang down like an apron. As reference, the product labels along the waistbelt should always be on the inside and the waistbelt buckle should always be facing out. We recommend browsing and watching the instruction videos for step by step instructions.
How should the shoulder straps be worn? How do I wear the shoulder straps?
Always cross the shoulder straps with the Embrace baby carrier. In the Newborn mode - Facing In, spread the straps at the shoulders for additional head and neck support. In the Baby Mode (Facing In), spreading the straps at the shoulder is optional. When wearing baby in the Baby Mode - Facing Out position, do not spread the straps across your shoulder.
