Before 5-6 months of age, when your child has developed strong enough neck muscles to hold their head up properly, it is recommended that you carry your child facing towards you so that they can rest your head and neck comfortably on your body," said Dr. Simonian. "By 6 months of age, most babies have developed strong enough neck muscles to hold their head up properly, show interest in experiencing the world around them, and thus can be placed in the carrier facing outwards.