The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. Babies that have been in the breech (bottom first) position may need even more time to stretch out naturally.

Infants that are not in this position prior to birth have a high risk for hip dislocation and hip dysplasia.Īfter birth, it takes several months for the joints to stretch out naturally. When babies are carried, especially for prolonged periods of time, the hips should be allowed to spread apart with the thighs supported and the hips bent.Įducation Statement: Within the womb, a baby spends a long time tucked in the fetal position with both hips and both knees in a bent position. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to choose a baby carrier that allows healthy hip positioning, in addition to other safety considerations. The purpose of this educational statement is to provide information about healthy hip development to guide manufacturers in the development of soptimum designs for infant equipment, so parents can make appropriate choices about the devices they use for their babies. In contrast, there is evidence that carrying a baby on the mother’s body (or father’s body) is likely to influence hip development during the first six months of life when the baby is carried for many hours each day for purposes of bonding, or infant care. It is the opinion of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute that periodic short-term use of a baby carrier unlikely to have any effect on hip development.

Click here to view products deemed “hip-healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.īaby Carrier Summary Statement: Baby carriers may be used for short-term purposes during transport or for occasional parental activities.

Bjorn bouncer newborn