LÍLLÉ Lessons: The Narrow Seat
Hi loves! Welcome to our new series - LÍLLÉ Lessons! Today, we want to focus on the Narrow Seat function of our carrier - specifically, the why, the how, and the when!
LÍLLÉbaby set out to create a carrier that was truly "complete," which meant creating a seat that could be adjusted to provide the best and healthiest support for baby's hips and legs as he or she grows. A seat with two possible widths brought the soft structured carrier into a space that used to belong only to wraps and ring slings - the option to create a customized knee to knee support for little ones, instead of being locked in to "one size fits all."
The narrow seat function allows the LÍLLÉ to fit newborns ergonomically, with supported legs out in accordance with the latest recommendations, without the addition of a bulky, expensive insert. It also provides a safe and supported forward facing option for older babies (6 months +), in which a deep, supportive seat is truly possible, which protects the c-curve of developing spines and keeps little legs from "dangling."
In order to adjust your LÍLLÉbaby carrier to the narrow setting, complete the following steps:
You'll use the narrow seat setting for our Infant Inward Carry, for a small baby facing in with legs out, and also for our Ergonomic Outward Carry for an older baby facing outward.
Please do NOT use the narrow seat with a rolled blanket, or for the hip or back carries.
Your baby is ready to move up to the wide seat when he or she can sit comfortably in the seat with the fabric extending to, but not beyond, the knees. Baby's knees should be able to swing freely, unencumbered by bunched fabric - if they cannot, please continue using the narrow seat until your little one gets a bit taller.
For little ones almost-but-not-quite ready for the wide seat, you can achieve a wider support in the narrow seat setting by trying one or more of the following techniques:
1. Position baby further away from belt: Ensure baby has a “deep seat” by positioning baby toward the wider part of the carrier panel rather than close to or on the waistband itself. Achieving this is easiest if your waistband is flat and snug to your waist or hip. Try moving the waist belt higher or lower, maintaining a flat, snug, and level fit, until you find a position that is both comfortable for the wearer and positions baby on the widest part of the seat.
2. Widen seat by loosening seat flaps:
Note: “Scrunching” the seat flaps on the waist belt to slightly narrow the wide seat setting is not recommended because it can warp the carrier’s waist belt.
Why a narrow seat function?
LÍLLÉbaby set out to create a carrier that was truly "complete," which meant creating a seat that could be adjusted to provide the best and healthiest support for baby's hips and legs as he or she grows. A seat with two possible widths brought the soft structured carrier into a space that used to belong only to wraps and ring slings - the option to create a customized knee to knee support for little ones, instead of being locked in to "one size fits all."
The narrow seat function allows the LÍLLÉ to fit newborns ergonomically, with supported legs out in accordance with the latest recommendations, without the addition of a bulky, expensive insert. It also provides a safe and supported forward facing option for older babies (6 months +), in which a deep, supportive seat is truly possible, which protects the c-curve of developing spines and keeps little legs from "dangling."
How do I switch my carrier to the narrow seat setting?
In order to adjust your LÍLLÉbaby carrier to the narrow setting, complete the following steps:
- Remove the lumbar support from the waist belt webbing.
- Unsnap the two cotton fabric loops that encircle the waist belt of the carrier. The snaps are located on the front of the waist belt, just below the seat.
- Slide the loops off of the waist belt.
- Fold the loops toward the inside of the carrier, where they will be hidden beneath baby's bottom, and secure them with the snap located on the right hand side of the carrier (when the carrier is being worn). If you cannot see this snap, it's likely you have the wrong flap on top - switch them around!
- Replace lumbar support, and carry on!
When do I need the narrow seat setting?
You'll use the narrow seat setting for our Infant Inward Carry, for a small baby facing in with legs out, and also for our Ergonomic Outward Carry for an older baby facing outward.
Please do NOT use the narrow seat with a rolled blanket, or for the hip or back carries.
Your baby is ready to move up to the wide seat when he or she can sit comfortably in the seat with the fabric extending to, but not beyond, the knees. Baby's knees should be able to swing freely, unencumbered by bunched fabric - if they cannot, please continue using the narrow seat until your little one gets a bit taller.
For little ones almost-but-not-quite ready for the wide seat, you can achieve a wider support in the narrow seat setting by trying one or more of the following techniques:
1. Position baby further away from belt: Ensure baby has a “deep seat” by positioning baby toward the wider part of the carrier panel rather than close to or on the waistband itself. Achieving this is easiest if your waistband is flat and snug to your waist or hip. Try moving the waist belt higher or lower, maintaining a flat, snug, and level fit, until you find a position that is both comfortable for the wearer and positions baby on the widest part of the seat.
2. Widen seat by loosening seat flaps:
- Leave flaps unbuckled, but folded in underneath baby’s bottom. Pull on each side of the seat to extend the fabric over baby’s thighs to achieve a widened seat.
- Alternatively, leave the flaps hanging loose. This results in a slightly wider seat compared to the flaps folded in and buttoned
- Once baby is in the carrier, reach inside and adjust where baby is sitting by lifting and moving baby’s bottom further away from your belt.
- Always make sure to tighten straps to ensure baby is sitting snug to your body. However, never over tighten – always allow for the natural c-curve of babies spine.
Note: “Scrunching” the seat flaps on the waist belt to slightly narrow the wide seat setting is not recommended because it can warp the carrier’s waist belt.
Are any of the asked questions going to be answered? I am really not impressed with the instructions booklet that came with the Lillebaby Complete, or the numerous videos that gloss over parts. As a previous poster mentioned, the product is VERY confusing, and the instructions even more so! Your booklet mentions Narrow and Wide seat but there is not mention on the box or in the instructions as to how to achieve either. My baby is now screaming, as we struggled to try the product, and worse yet, I am concerned that I injured him while trying to achieve his legs to spread. I was choosing between Ergobaby, Tula and your product, and now I fear that I did not make the right choice. However great your product is, given that the users may be sleepless parents with screaming infants, your lack of clear and straight forward instructions in the box itself is what makes me want to return this product!
This is not an easy item to use. The YouTube videos go too fast and the booklet is confusing. By the time I figured out the snaps and buttons on the bottom and started maneuvering the top my baby went through a nap cycle and was screaming. I gave up. I’m not sure i’ll use this product.
I’m trying the narrow seat, forward facing position for my 5 mo the old but her mouth can’t reach over the top so she’s forced to constantly be sucking or biting the fabric. Is this common? Thanks!
I am ready to start carrying my 9 month old on my back. My carrier is currently in the narrow seating position. Do I need to switch it to the wide seating position for back carry?
I also having issues with my 7 month old who is 26.5 in long sitting front award position. I have the seat adjusted for the narrow position and the circulation is being cut of to my child’s legs. Feet and calfes turn red and modeled. What am I doing wrong. Please help
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