Babywearing is the practice of carrying a baby close against your body through the use of a sling or similar carrier. When done safely, this practice can be a beneficial choice for both infants and parents. In fact, carrying your baby on your chest or back has been shown to increase the health and happiness of babies, among other positives.
As babywearing increases in popularity, so do the chances of doing it incorrectly. Proper positioning can promote healthy hip development. But when done incorrectly over time, babywearing actually can interfere with hip development in some infants. It’s important to know how to correctly position your baby to decrease the risk of hip dysplasia or other hip-development issues.
How Should I Position My Baby?
Approximately one in 10 infants is born with loose hip ligaments from stretching during the birth process. Keeping their hips in a natural position is the best way to correct this issue, especially in the first few months of life when their ligaments are recovering.
Although the research is limited, carriers that allow a baby’s legs to dangle downward with the thighs together may increase the stress on loose hips. Instead, the optimal position for healthy hip development is with the thighs flexed and the hips in a bent position. In this position, the buttocks also are below the knees. We refer to this position as the “M” position. Think of it this way: The tops of the letter “M” are the knees and the bottom point of the “M” is the buttocks. By positioning your baby’s lower body to make an “M,” the thighs are fully supported and they’re in a squatting position facing your body.
Can Improper Positioning Cause Hip Dysplasia in My Baby?
Yes, incorrect positioning may interfere with hip development in some infants. As noted by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, there is ample evidence showing that holding a baby’s legs together for long periods of time during early infancy can cause hip dysplasia or even lead to hip dislocations. These issues are most often seen in babies who have been swaddled tightly with their legs straight out.
To prevent improper hip development, the International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends using the “M” position, as well as an inward facing position until 6 months of age. Overall, when engaging in babywearing or swaddling, just remember to allow your baby to be in a natural position with the hips and knees bent instead of straight out.
Although many carriers are designed to have your baby in an outward-facing position, these often are inappropriate for newborns. When facing inward toward the parent’s torso, the infant can wrap their legs around their parent’s body and use their thigh muscles for grasping. This helps stimulate hip development from normal muscle action. When an infant is forward facing, their legs often are inactive and being pulled down by gravity. Plus, this inward facing position lightens the load for mom or dad by keeping the baby’s weight closer to the body.
Are There Other Benefits of Babywearing?
The social and emotional benefits of babywearing are numerous and well-documented by pediatricians. For one, research has shown that close physical contact with the parent can help stabilize a premature baby’s heartbeat, temperature and breathing. An extensive 2015 study on babywearing (or “kangaroo care”) also showed that premature babies whose parents engage in this practice sleep for longer periods, gain more weight, cry less, have longer periods of alertness and an earlier hospital discharge. Babywearing also can lower the risk for illness, infection and disease.
As noted by Babywearing International, this practice also enhances the confidence of new parents as they become more attuned to the movements, gestures and facial expressions of their babies. Last but not least, babywearing allows exhausted and busy parents to be hands-free. Anyone with a newborn can attest to how wonderful this small gift of freedom can be.
Interested in Learning More About Pediatric Orthopedics?
The Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital Center for Orthopedics treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions, from diagnosis to rehabilitation. From ongoing treatment to trauma, our team of doctors is here for you and your family.
Learn More Here
FAQs
These devices could inadvertently place hips in an unhealthy position, especially when used for extended periods of time. Any device that restrains a baby's legs in an unhealthy position should be considered a potential risk for abnormal hip development.
Can carrying a baby cause hip pain? ›
Hip pain can pop up anytime, especially when carrying a new baby's weight around. Being a new parent is especially trying on some regions of your body, including your back and hips. Before you end up with chronic hip pain, you must learn how to hold your baby correctly to minimize damage to your body.
Does ergo baby carrier cause hip dysplasia? ›
When your baby sits inside his ergonomic baby carrier in a supported and spread leg M position with his knees bent and higher than his bottom, he is sitting in a healthy position that won't cause hip and leg problems, like hip dysplasia.
Are front facing baby carriers bad for hips? ›
Therefore, the International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends inward-facing carrying for the first six-months of infancy to promote optimum hip development. While outward-facing may not be harmful, the inward-facing position is acknowledged as hip healthy.
What are the side effects of baby wearing? ›
The biggest concern with baby wearing is suffocation, especially for babies under 4 months old. Babies don't have very good head control for the first few months after birth because of weak neck muscles. If your baby's mouth and nose become obstructed, they won't be able to breathe.
Can baby wearing cause hip problems? ›
Any device that restrains a baby's legs in an unhealthy position should be considered a potential risk for abnormal hip development. It is also important to assess the size of the baby and match the device and carrier to the size of the child so that the hips can be in a healthy position during transport.
Why do my hips hurt after having a baby? ›
Postpartum hip pain happens because the muscles surrounding the pelvis get out of balance during pregnancy. This results in areas of tension and tightness, as well as instability of the pelvis (a.k.a. too much movement in the pelvis).
What baby carriers should I avoid? ›
Slings that keep your baby's legs inside can also hinder healthy hip development. According to the IHDI, any carrier or sling that restrains a baby's legs in an unhealthy position should be considered a potential risk.
Are baby Bjorn carriers bad for hips? ›
Here's the thing, according to Dr. Price, the director of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) there is no evidence that points directly to carriers as a cause hip dysplasia.
What is the M position for babywearing? ›
3 * The M-position helps the hips develop well and avoid hip dysplasia. In this position, the baby's legs are spread outward (angle < 30°) away from the spine and the hips are tilted (see 2*). The knees are clearly higher than the pelvis.
Your baby should have room to move their hips and keep their joints loose. Buy products that protect your baby's legs and hips. This includes baby seats, slings, swings, and carriers. Follow the instructions to use these products properly.
Are baby jumpers bad for hips? ›
The risks of using baby jumpers include the following: Jumper seats put the baby's hips in a position that causes strain, which may lead to developmental hip disorders, such as hip dysplasia, or dislocation. The way babies are seated in a jumper, they mostly lean forward and are on their toes.
When should I stop babywearing? ›
The rate that this occurs is unique to each child and their particular needs. This means that there is no cut off point where you have to stop babywearing. Like with breastfeeding, bed-sharing or any other thing that involves both caregiver and child, the point to stop is when one or both of you feel ready to stop.
Can I babywear too much? ›
While experts agree that there's no such thing as too much babywearing, Ketchum gave one caveat — ensuring your baby is positioned correctly.
How long can you baby wear per day? ›
The natural routine of feed, change, sleep happening so frequently throughout the day means that you will never wear a Newborn for an extended period without some kind of break, you can use the carrier as much as you like throughout the day with no upper limit.
What does pregnancy hip pain feel like? ›
Pain in the pelvis or hip may even feel like back pain, particularly if it's radiating, and many women have back pain at some point during pregnancy. Plus, women experience pain in different ways: Some feel sharp, sudden discomfort, while others get a dull, constant ache.
Do your hips return to normal after pregnancy? ›
Some pregnancy shifts—like stretch marks and loose skin—are standard, and you may know to expect them after childbirth. Other shifts like breast changes, heavier periods, and broader hips may be more permanent body changes after pregnancy.
How can I tell if my hip is out of alignment? ›
Hip alignment issues are diagnosed when hip and back issues are accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Knee, ankle, or foot pain.
- Sciatica.
- Tightness or restrictions in the movement of the hips.
- Uneven shoulders.
- Uneven gait (manner of walking)
