Milestones to Expect: 

• Social Smile: Your baby may start to smile at people around 6 weeks. 
• Turns Head Toward Sounds: Your baby will begin to recognize and turn their head toward familiar voices. 
• Holds Head Up: Around 2 months, your baby will start holding their head up during tummy time.

Reassurance:

If your baby isn’t smiling or responding to sounds by 2 months, don’t worry too much. Some babies take a little longer to warm up to the world. Keep providing a loving and stimulating environment. 

Tips to Help Your Baby: 

• Tummy Time: Encourage tummy time for a few minutes every day to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
• Talk to Your Baby: Regularly talk and sing to your baby to help them recognize and respond to your voice. 

3 to 5 Months 

Milestones to Expect: 

• Grasping Objects: Your baby will start to reach and grasp for toys, improving hand-eye coordination. 
• Rolls Over: Rolling from tummy to back usually starts around 4 months. 
• Babbles and Coos: Your baby will begin to make more varied sounds, experimenting with their voice.

Reassurance:

If your baby isn’t rolling over by 5 months, give them more opportunities to practice during playtime. Every baby develops at their own pace. 

Tips to Help Your Baby: 

• Play with Toys: Offer your baby a variety of toys to grasp and explore, encouraging their curiosity and fine motor skills. 
• Engage in Conversations: Respond to your baby’s coos and babbles to encourage more vocalization. 

6 to 8 Months 

Milestones to Expect: 

• Sits Without Support: By 6-7 months, many babies can sit up independently.  
• Begins Crawling: Crawling usually starts between 7-8 months, although some babies may skip crawling altogether. 
• Responds to Own Name: Your baby will start to recognize their name and respond when called. 

Reassurance:

If your baby isn’t crawling by 8 months, it’s okay. Some babies find their own unique ways to move, like scooting or rolling. 

Tips to Help Your Baby: 

• Encourage Movement: Place toys just out of reach during playtime to encourage crawling or scooting.
• Name Recognition: Use your baby’s name often when talking to them to help them recognize and respond to it. 

Create a Safe Environment: Ensure that your home is baby-proofed so your little one can safely explore and practice new skills. 

Use Developmental Tools: Consider using tools like baby bouncers that can support physical development and connection. Ergobaby’s bouncer is a great option to help your baby strengthen their muscles while keeping them safe and comfortable. 

Stay Patient and Positive: Every baby develops at their own pace. If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, consult with your pediatrician, but remember that slight delays are usually nothing to worry about. 

While baby carriers are fantastic for mobility and closeness, depending on the adventure of choice you might want to be a stroller along too.

There are a LOT of baby stroller options on the market. So we understand how confusing it can be to choose the one that’s right for your family. Not only are there a variety of brands, but a variety of strollers that serve different purposes.

There are a few types of strollers on the market: 

• Full-sized stroller: This is typically the stroller parents thing of buying for all its versatility.
• Lightweight or umbrella stroller:These compact strollers are perfect for on-the-go adventures.
• Jogging stroller: Designed for parents who want to combine fitness with outdoor adventures.
• Double stroller: Designed for parents with multiple kids, especially twins.
• Car seat carrier: These strollers connect to a specific car seat. We don't typically recommend these as they can be unsafe for baby and uncomfortable for parents who are pushing.

Learn more about the types of strollers and which one would be best for you.

Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers

For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.

Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.

Transition Tips

• Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
• Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.

Tips for a Successful Adventure

Planning Ahead

• Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
• Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
• Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.