Let’s face it, moms can only do so much. They multitask every single day, all day long, usually with babies in there arms and picking up after toddlers/adolescents/husbands. If you’re one of these moms, baby wearing may be a great option for you. You can be close to your little one and still be able to use both of your hands.
There are many baby carriers on the market, so lets talk about the best options for you and baby. We want to avoid any developmental problems with their hips, and keep their bodies properly positioned. The risk of hip dysplasia (abnormal growth of the hip joint) is a frequent concern when talking about carriers. Hip dysplasia can be present at birth or can develop throughout the first year of a child’s life. Infants have softer tissue and bone than adults do, so the hip can slip out of place and become subluxated (misaligned) and become problematic. Parents can reduce the risk of hip dysplasia by encouraging hips to be spread apart, without being in an extended position.
When choosing a carrier, avoid the narrow-based options. Look for options that support the baby’s hips/thighs. When placing the child in the carrier, tilt their pelvis inward and have their feet below their knees. Don’t force your baby into any position that doesn’t seem easy or comfortable. Below is a diagram taken from carrymeaway.com
The first image shows a narrow based carrier with legs hanging down with no support. When using these types of carriers, the hip takes the full weight of the legs.
The second image shows a medium based carrier. The legs are still not well supported, but this is a better option than the first. These carriers will still not properly support the weight of the leg.
The third image is the wide based option. The knees are above the hips, with no weight being placed onto the hip joints.
The fourth image shows a side view of the wide based carrier. Again, you can note the position of the knees.
Here is a short list of a few of the best wide based carriers: Boba 4G, Ergo, Beco Gemini/Soleil, Tula.
WHAT ABOUT SLINGS/WRAPS?
Slings are a great option for moms who want to be close to their little ones. Remember that slings should also support the baby’s legs and spinal alignment. Use a soft fabric that will conform to the baby’s spine, and encourage proper cervical spine development. Again, a short list of the best slings/wraps: Moby Wrap, Wrapsody Stretch-Hybrid, Hana baby wrap, Boba stretchy wrap, Girasol woven wrap, Didymos woven, and ring slings.
Let us know if you would like any help using your wraps, and let us know what works best for you and your precious babe. If you have any concerns about your baby’s hips bring them in for a chiropractic evaluation and examination. Chiropractic is safe and gentle on kiddos, plus both of our Fort Collins doctors are pediatric certified!
For more great information on carriers visit https://www.carrymeaway.com/learncenter/baby-carriers-and-healthy-hips-busting-some-myths/
