Manduca baby and kids carrier - the integrated infant insert

The very first weeks

Even newborns – once they have reached 3500g (approx 7 lb 11 oz) in weight – can be carried upright in the manduca^® baby carrier.

The manduca^®’s integrated seat insert, which reduces seat size, positions your baby a couple of inches higher, making sure that their thighs are not spread too wide or forced into 'doing the splits‘.

In the early weeks, baby’s legs should be kept tucked up inside the carrier, and the back extension should not be used (unless you have a very long baby).

Wearing the waist belt more around your waist than on your hips will make it easy for you to give your little one a kiss on the head.  

You should always be aiming at a correct 'M‘ position, with legs tucked up and a slightly rounded back.

The next 10(ish) weeks

Once your baby is about 3-4 weeks old, you will probably need the back extension as well as the seat insert – your baby needs support well up to its neck and beyond.

From about 6 weeks of age, baby's lower legs can hang down from the carrier at each side (while the baby continues to sit in the insert).

During this period it’s worth trying out different ways of using the press-studs on the insert, which can be fastened at different heights on the main panel of the carrier.

Fastening the insert with the higher-positioned press-studs, for example, will make your baby’s hips tilt forwards and its back a little ‘hunched’ and under less pressure. 

Babies in cloth nappies or thick winter layers, meanwhile, may be more comfortable when the middle or lower press-studs are used.

Waving goodbye to the insert:

From about 4-5 months, or continental clothing size 68 (OO), most babies won’t need the insert any more (and the back extension can likewise be zipped away again).  However, the length of the baby’s thighs – which mustn’t be forced to 'do the splits‘ - is more important than the baby’s age or clothes size.