Babywearing allows you to keep your newborn close while staying hands free while remembering during the earliest weeks, proper support is essential. When using the Ergobaby 360 Baby Carrier with a newborn, an infant insert provides the structure and positioning support your baby needs for safe, comfortable babywearing as a newborn.
Here we explain what is an infant insert, how to use the Ergobaby infant insert step by step, how to use the Ergobaby carrier with infant insert, and how long to use a newborn insert so you can babywear with confidence from day one.
What Is an Infant Insert and Why Do You Need One?
What is an infant insert?
If you’re new to babywearing, you may be asking: what is an infant insert? An infant insert is a supportive cushion designed to fit inside some baby carrier’s to properly position and support newborns who cannot yet hold themselves upright.
Newborns lack head, neck, and core strength. Without an infant insert, babies may sit too low in the carrier or slump forward which can restrict airways. The Ergobaby infant insert lifts your baby into a safe, ergonomic position while keeping them close to your body when using the Ergobaby 360 or Original baby carriers. Infant inserts for the Ergobaby carrier are only designed to be used inward facing.
Why Newborns Need Extra Support in a Carrier
An infant insert helps:
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Support the head, neck, and spine
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Keep the airway open and visible
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Promote healthy hip positioning in the spread squat or ‘’M’’ position
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Create a snug, swaddled feel that soothes newborns
Think of the infant insert as a soft, structured nest that keeps everything supported and secure.
Do All Ergobaby Carriers Require an Infant Insert?
Babywearing has come a long way, and carrier innovation has changed how newborns are supported. While infant inserts were once essential for safely carrying newborns, newer Ergobaby carrier designs now offer built in newborn support, eliminating the need for a separate infant insert.
Understanding which carriers require an insert, and which do not, helps parents choose the right option for their lifestyle and baby’s stage. You can also take the Ergobaby Baby Carrier Quiz here to find the right carrier for you and your family.
Carriers That Still Use an Infant Insert
The Original Ergobaby Carrier and the Four Position 360 Baby Carrier were designed before newer ergonomic advancements were introduced. These carriers rely on an infant insert to:
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Lift newborns into the correct height
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Support the head, neck, and spine
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Maintain a safe, upright position with an open airway
For these models, an infant insert remains necessary for babies from birth (minimum 7 lbs) until they are developmentally ready to sit in the carrier without extra support and then you can remove the infant insert.
Newborn Ready Innovation in Newer Ergobaby Carriers
As babywearing research and ergonomic design have evolved, innovation has changed how newborns are supported in baby carriers. Newer Ergobaby carrier models, including the Omni Deluxe, Omni Classic/360, Aerloom, and Embrace baby carriers are designed to be newborn ready without the need for an infant insert.
These carriers feature integrated newborn support, which means:
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Adjustable seat widths that grow with your baby from newborn to toddler
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Built in panel shaping that supports newborn posture ergonomically
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Structured yet flexible panels that keep babies high, close, and properly supported
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Improved adjustability that allows the carrier to adapt to both parent and baby
Because the carrier itself adjusts to your baby’s size and developmental stage, a separate infant insert is no longer needed. This thoughtful design allows parents to babywear from day one with fewer steps while still prioritizing safety, comfort, and healthy development.
Choosing the Right Carrier for Your Baby
If you already own a 360 or Original carrier, using an infant insert is still a safe and effective way to babywear a newborn. However, parents looking for a simpler, all-in-one solution may prefer newer models like the Omni collection, which are designed to be truly newborn ready.
Both options support healthy babywearing. The best choice depends on your carrier model, personal preference, and how you plan to babywear.
How to Use the Ergobaby Infant Insert (Step-by-Step)
Learning how to use the Ergobaby infant insert becomes quick and simple with practice. Read through the following steps or watch how easy it is here.
Step 1: Secure the Carrier Around Your Waist
Fasten the Ergobaby 360 carrier around your waist, positioning it high and snug so your close enough to kiss the top of baby’s head when in the carrier. A higher waistband keeps your baby close enough to kiss, which helps with proper positioning.
Step 2: Position the Infant Insert Inside the Carrier
Place the infant insert inside the carrier panel, centered and upright, making sure it lies flat without twisting.
Step 3: Attach the Top Loops or Poppers (depending on infant insert model)
Wrap the top attachment loops of the infant insert around the carrier’s shoulder straps and snap them securely into place.
Step 4: Secure the Side and Bottom Straps
Loop and clip the side or bottom straps of the infant insert to the lower portion of the shoulder straps. This stabilizes the insert and prevents shifting.
Step 5: Place Your Baby Into the Carrier
Gently place your baby into the carrier so their bottom sits deep in the insert. Their back should form a natural C-curve, with knees higher than their bottom and their face visible at all times.
These steps outline exactly how to use the Ergobaby carrier with infant insert safely and comfortably.
Tips for Safe and Comfortable Babywearing with an Infant Insert
Using an infant insert correctly helps ensure a positive babywearing experience. Always:
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Check that your baby’s airway remains clear
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Keep your baby’s chin off their chest
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Ensure knees are higher than the bottom
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Adjust straps for a snug, supportive fit
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Dress your baby in light layers
How Long to Use a Newborn Insert?
Parents often ask how long to use a newborn insert when babywearing.
Most babies are ready to transition out of the infant insert once they:
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Have strong head and neck control
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Can sit upright without slumping
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Fit the carrier panel from knee to knee
Remember an infant insert for an Ergobaby baby carrier is only used for the inward facing position.
Typical Age Range for Infant Insert Use
This transition typically occurs between 4 and 6 months, though every baby develops at their own pace. There’s no harm in continuing to use the infant insert until your baby is fully ready.
Supporting Your Newborn Safely from Day One
Using an infant insert with the Ergobaby 360 or Original Baby Carrier is a simple and effective way to support your newborn during the earliest stages of babywearing. By understanding what an infant insert is, how to use the Ergobaby infant insert, and how long to use a newborn insert, you can ensure your baby is positioned safely, comfortably, and ergonomically from day one. As carrier innovation continues to evolve, parents now have more options than ever whether that’s using an infant insert with a classic carrier or choosing a newborn ready design like the Omni Deluxe. No matter which option you choose, proper fit, positioning, and comfort are key to a positive babywearing experience for both you and your baby.
