What Is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a condition where a baby’s hip joint does not develop as securely as it should. In a healthy hip, the ball of the thigh bone sits comfortably in the hip socket. With hip dysplasia, that fit can be loose, which may affect how the joint grows over time.
It is more common in newborns because their joints are still soft and developing. In many cases, it can be mild and improve as your baby grows, especially when supported with proper positioning. This is why how your baby is carried, held, and supported throughout the day matters. Small, everyday choices can help encourage healthy hip development while keeping your little one safe and close.
Can Improper Babywearing Cause Hip Dysplasia?
Improper babywearing could potentially place some strain on the hip joints however there is no definitive research to show that it directly causes hip dysplasia. When baby’s legs dangle in a carrier and are not well supported at the thighs, from knee to knee, it may place some strain on the hip joints and therefore it is encouraged to choose a carrier that accommodates a wider seat with adjustments that can be made to correspond with baby’s growth and development. It is more important to understand the research which points to the findings that a baby worn in a wide base carrier which supports the thighs knee to knee where the baby’s bottom is lower than the knees (M position) is likely to promote healthy hip development. Babywearing itself isn’t the issue. With the right positioning and a well-designed carrier, babywearing can feel both safe and supportive, giving you confidence while keeping your baby close.
Key Considerations for Hip-Healthy Babywearing
Babywearing can support healthy hip development when your baby is held in a natural, supported position. Keeping their legs in a spread, seated shape with knees positioned higher than their bottom helps encourage proper alignment, especially in the early months. Choosing a carrier that supports your baby from knee to knee helps create that foundation, so you can carry with confidence while keeping your little one comfortable and close.
- The M-Position
Aim for a deep-seated, spread position where your baby’s thighs are supported knee to knee and the knees are higher than their bottom, forming a gentle “M” shape. This supports natural hip development while keeping your baby comfortable and secure. - Avoid dangling
Carriers that let your baby’s legs hang straight down without support can place unnecessary strain on their hips. Look for options that support from knee to knee for a more balanced, ergonomic hold. - Inward-facing
Facing your baby inward toward your body helps maintain proper positioning and keeps their hips in a more supported, natural alignment. - Secure support
Your baby should feel snug against you, with their back supported and their hips evenly positioned. A well-fitted carrier helps distribute weight comfortably for both of you. - Existing conditions
If your baby has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia or you have concerns, it is always best to check with your pediatrician. A babywearing consultant can also be helpful in supporting you in your journey. With the right guidance and positioning, babywearing can still be a safe and supportive part of your daily routine. A recent study, “Ultrasonographic evaluation of infant hips in the Pavlik harness compared to body‐worn commercial baby carriers," found that “wide‐base baby carriers hold a baby's hip in a position that is not significantly different than the Pavlik harness, meaning that babywearing in a wide‐base carrier likely promotes healthy hip development."
Is WildBird Hip-Healthy?
Yes, WildBird baby carriers and ring slings are designed with your baby’s development in mind and are recognized as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Each carrier supports your baby in a natural, spread-seated position, with their knees gently higher than their bottom for proper alignment. With fabric that supports from knee to knee, you can feel confident knowing your baby’s hips are supported in a way that encourages healthy growth while keeping them close and comfortable.
Choosing a Hip-Healthy Baby Carrier
- International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI)
When choosing a carrier, it can help to look for options recognized as hip-healthy by trusted organizations like the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. This gives you added reassurance that your baby is supported in a way that encourages healthy development. - Support and ergonomics
A well-designed carrier should support your baby evenly, keeping them close to your body while distributing their weight comfortably. Proper support helps both you and your baby feel secure and comfortable throughout the day. - The M-Position
Look for a carrier that allows your baby to sit in a natural, spread-seated position, with the carrier supporting their thighs knee to knee and their knees positioned slightly higher than their bottom. This position supports healthy hip alignment while keeping your baby comfortable. - Adjustability
Every baby and every body is different. Adjustable carriers including the option to adjust the width of baby’s seat make it easier to get the right fit as your baby grows, helping maintain proper positioning over time. - Material and comfort
Soft, breathable fabrics can make a big difference in how babywearing feels day to day. Choosing materials that are both supportive and comfortable helps you carry longer while keeping your little one cozy and close.
Babywearing and Hip Dysplasia FAQs
How to Carry a Baby to Avoid Hip Dysplasia?
To support healthy hip development, carry your little one in a position where their thighs are spread around your body and their hips are gently bent. Their knees should sit slightly higher than their bottom, creating a natural, supported spread-squat seat that keeps the hips stable. A carrier that supports your baby from knee to knee helps maintain this position throughout the day. Keeping your baby close and well-supported not only feels comfortable, but also encourages proper alignment as they grow. Small adjustments with how you carry can make a meaningful difference in supporting your baby’s development.
Are Baby Carriers Bad for Babies' Hips?
Baby carriers are not inherently bad for your baby’s hips. What matters most is how your baby is positioned while you carry them. When a carrier supports your baby in a natural, spread-seated position with their thighs supported, knees bent, and hips gently open, it helps encourage healthy development. Carriers that do not provide this support, especially when used for long periods, could potentially place added strain on the hips. Focusing on proper positioning, especially in the early months, helps you carry with confidence while supporting your baby’s growing body.
How Long Is It Safe To Babywear?
There is no set time limit for babywearing. You can carry your baby as long as both of you feel comfortable and your baby is safely positioned. In the early months, it is natural to take breaks every couple of hours for feeding, stretching, and movement. As long as your baby’s hips are supported in a natural, seated position and their airway remains clear, babywearing can be part of your day for extended periods. Staying in tune with your baby’s cues helps you find a rhythm that feels both supportive and comfortable for you both.
