There are baby carriers and then there are Baby Carriers. We choose babywearing for all the right reasons and that is a good thing. But there is such a thing as sub optimal carrier types that do not provide the appropriate support for developing hips, babies diagnosed with hip issues or those with potential for hip issues. Lets have a look at what to be aware of and what to look for in a baby carrier.

(Image from the Hip Dysplasia Institute showing a comparison between a carrier that does not provide safe hip positioning and a carrier that does.)

The Hip Dysplasia Institute has detailed guidelines for hip safe baby products from carriers to car seats and is a great place to find specific information if you have a specific need.

What healthy supported hips look like in ergonomic babywearing carriers, woven/stretchy wraps or ringslings: 

• Fabric should spread from knee to knee. 
• Babies 'seat' should for an M shape, knees positioned slightly above the bum.
• Feet find a comfortable 'froggy' position, not tucked inside the fabric of the carrier.
• Babies tend to find the optimal position quite naturally and should only need to be guided into a carrier. If you find baby's knees are to far spread or feet wanting to turn inwards, perhaps take baby out of the carrier and start again to find that preferred position. 
• Once baby is seated in the carrier you can give their bottom and hips a little 'tuck' to further create a 'seated' M position as described above and featured in the image below.

You are in the right place to find a perfect carrier to suit you and your baby's needs! Lets chat... 

Cherie x