Should I Worry About Baby Carrier Causing Hip Problems?

Before using a baby carrier, I was also worried about the danger of hip dysplasia or hip dislocation. Stop worrying, here’s what you need to know.

When used correctly, a baby carrier won’t cause hips problem to your kid. However, when a newborn baby is transported in an unsuitable carrier with not enough support, he becomes at risk of developing hip dysplasia or dislocation.

Uncertain about which baby carrier to get? Take a look at this list of the best baby carriers. I have put lots of hours into this baby carrier buying guide, and you’ll find the ideal carrier for your child!

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The risks of using a baby carrier

Before using a baby carrier, every parent should read the owner’s manual and learn how to use the carrier with their kid safely. Carrying a child, especially a newborn, in the wrong position, can have severe consequences for the baby.

For example, if the baby’s knees are not bent, and legs are fully stretched or strained together, this baby becomes at risk of hip problems.

Such problems include abnormal hip development, like hip dysplasia or dislocation. As opposed to a fracture, those problems evolve over time. While the baby is maintained in a non-ergonomic position for an extended time, the damage is slowly becoming an enormous problem.

What is hip dysplasia and dislocation?

Right after a baby is born, particularly during the first weeks of his life, his joints are very flexible. Therefore, it is more likely for his joint ball to becomes loose inside the socket.

A baby is diagnosed with hip dysplasia when the sides of the hip socket are deformed by the ball. However, hip dislocation is when his ball slips out of the socket.

Both hip problems are not painful, and this could go undetected until the kid started walking. Moreover, it may also lead to arthritis during adulthood, which is painful.

What causes hip dysplasia to a newborn?

It seems like no consensus have been taken concerning the exact cause of hip dysplasia.

One of the most popular hypothesis is presenting these issues as developmental. Wich means the children are developing hip dysplasia after their birth and during childhood.

For more information about the causes of hip dysplasia, visit hipdysplasia.org

Can a baby carrier cause hip dysplasia?

Unfortunately, some models of baby carriers may cause hip dysplasia. Because they are poorly used by the parents or non-adapted for their baby’s age.

The problem with baby carriers is when it forced the baby’s hips to stretch out. Particularly during the first months of the kid’s life, because their joints are composed of soft cartilage and exceptionally flexible.

It’s for these reasons that you must be very careful about how to position your baby in the carrier. Also, you should stay away from carriers without proper support and with a small sitting space.

Sitting with his hips straighten unnaturally, put an excessive amount of pressure on the pelvic of the baby. With his legs artificially straighten, the baby spine is also constrained to be straight. All of which raises the chance of developing hip dysplasia.

How do I know if my baby has hip dysplasia?

The most common signs of hip dysplasia are when the baby’s hips are limited in their range of motion. This can be observed when the baby’s hips can’t sufficiently spread while changing the diaper.

Also, a snapping sound or hip click can be observed with babies victim of hip dislocation.

If you notice a wabbling leg while your toddler is walking, this might also be a sign that your child has suffered from hip dysplasia.

Only an x-ray examination could conclude if his hips are healthy or not. Since this is not painful for your baby, and the real symptom will appear later in his life.

If you have any suspicions, you should address it with your pediatrician.

For more information about the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia, visit hipdysplasia.org

Are baby carriers safe for baby hips?

Using a baby carrier is totally safe if used correctly. However, such devices become dangerous for your baby’s hips development when they restrain the legs in a dangerous position.

The primary factor to consider is the position of your baby inside the carrier. Consequently, you must readjust his position according to his age.

A newborn baby, wich have more fragile hips, need to be carried in a fetal position, also known as the Frog position. This more natural position prevent excessive stress to be put into your baby’s hips.

After 6 months, your baby will have stronger hips and ligaments. Therefore, you’ll be able to carry your baby in other positions, like facing forward or on your back.

For more information on the safety of baby carriers, check out this article I wrote about baby carrier safety.

When is a baby carrier safe for my baby’s hips?

A baby carrier is safe for your baby’s hips when it provides enough support for his legs and hips. Without proper support, your baby’s legs will dangerously dangle, unsupported, and putting your baby’s hips at risk of hip dysplasia.

With the proper support, your baby’s leg will be bent and spread around your waist, which provides more stability for his hips.

Moreover, make sure your carrier is suitable for your baby age and size. Read the information guide and check for the safety guidelines recommended by the manufacturer. Some carrier must be adapted to a child weight and size. Also, I would advise you to regularly inspect the carrier for any loose or extra tight straps.

What is the best position to prevent hip dysplasia?

The International Hip Dysplasia Institute as research for the best position to carry your baby and they are advising parents of a newborn to adopt the Frog position.

This position favors a more natural spread of the baby hips, where the knees are bent on each side, and the thighs are supported. If you were looking at the baby in the carrier, you could see the legs and hips, forming an M-like shape, where the knees are higher than the baby’s bum. While in this position, your baby’s legs are not forced together, and the movement is not restricted.

After spending over 9 months in a similar position inside his mother, the baby is naturally more comfortable in this fetal position.

For more information on the best position, check out this article I wrote on how a child should be seated in a baby carrier.

Are Baby Bjorn carriers safe for newborns?

Since Baby Bjorn is one of the dominant brands in the baby carrier department, many parents are asking about the safety of their product. The Swedish brand, who launched their first baby carrier in 1973, has been accused of been unergonomic and unsafe for baby’s hips.

Baby Bjorn as taken those accusations seriously and they hired medical experts to perform more testing on their carrier. Those research have concluded that Baby Bjorn carriers are safe to use and won’t cause hip dysplasia.

When I was shopping for a baby carrier, I have read almost every article concerning baby carrier and health. After conducting my own research, I have personally decided to use a Baby Bjorn carrier with my 2 kids, and I was delighted. The carrier provided enough support to transport my kids in an ergonomic / M-like position.

However, I know other carrier brands who don’t have the same support as a Baby Bjorn. So whatever brand you choose, make sure they match the safety standards.

For more information on the Baby Bjorn, check out this review I wrote about the Baby Bjorn Original carrier.

So, can a baby carrier cause hips problems?

The baby carriers are carefully designed to transport a baby safely. However, a baby carrier can cause hips problemes to a baby if the parents don’t follow the safety guidelines, and carry their baby in a un-healthy position.

If you carefully read the owner manual and take the time to learn how to adjust the carrier supports safely, you won’t put your baby at risk by using a carrier.

Stop worrying, you got this!