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.
How do I know when my baby is ready to go from the newborn to the infant position? Is there an age or weight guideline?
Is there an approximate age or weight for when babies usually transition from narrow seat to wide seat when facing inward?
I have a question about forward facing my 1 year old in my complete all seasons carrier. Should he continue to forward face in the narrow seat or should I change it to wide seat?
Do I need to roll a blanket to use the narrow seat for the front inward position? My baby is now 11lbs.
I have a question about forward facing my 1 year old in my complete all seasons carrier. Should he continue to forward face in the narrow seat or should I change it to wide seat?
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