After having my second babe my strategies for surviving day to day with a newborn and a toddler became a top priority,… because hands free while chasing a toddler, preparing dinner, getting outside with both kids and nap strikes aka #momlife put me into survival mode. Being able to wear the littlest one was essential for me. If you are waving the white flag and in the same boat, here are a few tips for the best hip positions while wearing your babe!
Your babes hip position while in the carrier is something to pay attention to! Their little hips (think the “ball and socket” joint) do the best in a “froggy legged” position. This allows for the perfect fit of the ball in the socket and it will lessen the strain on the hip, pelvis and knees.
When your babe is newborn to (in my case) 6 months (Andi is fairly little) always keep the froggy leg position in mind. Especially when they are in a position for any extended length of time!
Here are a couple visuals!
She was 10 weeks in this pic. Her legs are completely tucked into the carrier. And she’s got the ultimate froggy legs going (see the pink arrows).
In this more recent pic she’s 6 months old. Her legs are now big enough to be outside of the carrier… one easy way to figure this out is if the edge of the fabric lines up with the natural bend in their knee.
•her legs can dangle freely here
•her weight is distributed nice and evenly through her pelvis and leg
•there’s no additional strain on the knee joint
•her hip joint (ball and socket) is sitting in a great position still
Here’s a great resource for all things hips when it comes to babies… www.hipdysplasia.org
xo,
Dr. Gillian
