Start by adjusting the velcro panel inside the waistband to fit your baby — their legs should sit in a natural "M" position, with the fabric supporting them out to their knees. Buckle the waistband around your waist, sitting high on your natural waist, and tighten until it's snug. Lift baby in, then pull the shoulder straps up and over so they cross at your back, clipping and tightening at the front until baby's snug against your chest with no gaps. You want the straps snug enough that baby's close enough to kiss.

Unbutton the head panel and pull it up and over baby's head, then button it onto the carrier straps anytime they need a little extra support — during naps, on sunny days, or just for some added privacy on the go. Always make sure baby's airway stays visible above the fabric. If baby's on the smaller side, button just one side and turn their head to face the opposite direction so they're still supported, but their mouth and nose stay clear.

Backpack wear is for babies 6mo+ who can sit up independently.

With the waistband already buckled on, put baby in carrier without buckling the straps. Shift baby from your front to your hip, lean forward slightly, and swing them around to your back (keep a hand on baby the whole time). Reach back to pull each shoulder strap up and over like normal backpack straps, then clip and tighten at the front.

New Monarch Carriers come with a strap for backpack wear. If you bought yours before that update, you can order one for free here.

Superman Toss Method (Great For Older Babies/Toddlers) *Backpack wear is for babies 6mo+ who can sit up independently.

Buckle the waistband on first, then bend forward while you put your baby onto your back (hold on the baby the entire time). Pull the straps up and over as you stand back up, then clip and tighten at the front (straps should be like normal backpack straps, not crossed in the front) — we recommend backpack wear over outward facing because you can do it for longer while your baby is in an ergonomic hip safe position.

New Monarch Carriers come with a strap for backpack wear. If you bought yours before that update, you can order one for free here.

For Babies6mo+Who Are Sitting Independently and Tall Enough to Clear Chin Panel
*For Short Periods of Wear (20mins or less)

To carry baby facing out, start by widening the velcro panel. Keep their legs in a froggy "M" position — knees higher than their bottom, with the fabric supporting them out to their knees. Forward-facing is harder to keep in a hip-healthy position over longer stretches, so we recommend backpack carry over forward facing. t's a great option for older babies wanting a bit more independence and to see the world.

Position the waistband high on your natural waist rather than on your hips, then tighten until the carrier sits flush against your body with no gaps. You should be able to slide one finger under the strap, but not rotate it side to side.

1. Check the Velcro. Make sure the Velcro inside the waistband is flat and straight — bunching causes folding and discomfort.
2. Position it high. The waistband sits on your waist, not your hips.
3. Tighten to flush. Pull the strap as tight as is comfortable, with no gaps between the carrier and your body.
4. Redistribute the weight. Lift your baby slightly, tug the top strap upward, then pull the strap down the back to relieve pressure on the waistband. Tighten again.
5. Final check. Your baby should sit high, with weight not sinking into the waistband, and the shoulder straps lifting rather than cutting in.

Fold the waistband into thirds, then into thirds again in the opposite direction, then cross the shoulder straps around the bundle and clip them to hold it closed. Folded this way it packs down small enough for a diaper bag or car.

1. Clip the waistband. Buckle the waistband together, leaving some slack in the strap — you need that slack to make the folds.
2. Fold into thirds. Fold the waistband into thirds.
3. Fold into thirds again. Fold in thirds a second time, in the opposite direction, with the buckles facing outward so they're accessible for the next step.
4. Cross the shoulder straps. Bring the shoulder straps across the back of the folded bundle, where you'll see the two buckles.
5. Clip and tighten. Bring the straps parallel around the bundle, clip them into the buckle, and tighten so the fold holds.
6. Tuck the excess. Roll or tuck any remaining strap so nothing dangles.

Our carriers are tested for babies 9–45 lbs. That said, we always recommend that baby's mouth and nose stay above the fabric of the carrier so their airway is open at all times. Every baby is different — some are tall enough to sit safely above the carrier right away, and for others they may be a little too small.

Sometimes a few small adjustments can also get to get baby sitting higher. A few things to try:

• Make sure the waistband is high on your waist and tight.
• Make sure the shoulder straps are snug so baby isn't sagging in the carrier.
• Reach into the carrier, scoop under baby's bum, and lift a little to give them a boost.

If they're still sitting too low after trying these adjustments, give it a few more weeks and try again.