Baby carriers are the recent trend in carrying young babies. You cannot ignore the advantages of using baby carrier wraps. It enhances the mother to child bonding and makes the baby feel secure. What you are not aware of is the risk you expose your baby if you don’t properly use them.
Baby carrier wraps can pose significant health problems to babies who are less than six months old. If you don’t properly select a baby carrier that suits your baby, your baby might face the long-term hip problem. Why? Because your baby’s’ hips bones are very vulnerable at a tender age.
Baby carrier prevents your baby from hazardous hip conditions which include hip dysplasia and hip dislocation.
- Hip Dysplasia
A baby who is less than six months has soft bones. These bones once overstretched, they can permanently deform. The baby carrier allows your baby to sit in a natural position hence no bone overstretching.
The legs of your baby should wrap around your body. The carrier should also conveniently support the weight of your child. If the baby sits while the legs are extended for a long time, it can cause hip dysplasia.
The condition cannot be detected at an early age since it is painless. However, when your baby starts to walk, you will notice something weird about their hip positioning. Baby wearing should be in such a way that the baby sits in a natural or jockey position.
It’s a permanent condition and will affect the future health of your baby. Baby carriers eliminate such a situation.
- Hip Dislocation
Out of 1000 babies, 2-3 babies suffer hip dislocation. Baby carriers and other baby equipment contribute to over 50% to this condition.
If your baby sits in an uncomfortable position on a baby carrier, and the legs are overstretched for long hours, hip dislocation may occur. Hip dislocation means that the hip may permanently disconnect from the socket.
It’s unnoticeable at an early age. It will become event evident when your baby experiences difficulties in walking. It also causes painful arthritis in adulthood.
How to Select Safe Baby Carriers
Baby carrier wraps are only dangerous if not suitably selected or used. Ensure the size of the carrier matches the size of your baby. A well-fitting baby carrier ensures the baby sits well.
A carrier facing backward is better for your baby. It allows your baby to rest naturally and will ensure that baby hips are safe. Positioning the baby well is a vital aspect in baby wearing.
A well-fitting bay carrier is comfortable to both the mother and child. You should be considerate about the health of your baby.
Bottom Line
Baby carriers are very conducive and comfortable for carrying babies. Even better, there is human contact between the mother and the child. However, they pose severe health conditions to your baby if you don’t position your baby well.
To safeguard your baby against hip conditions, ensure your baby carrier wraps allow your baby to sit in a squat spread position. This position ensures the baby’s legs are not overstretched hence protecting the tiny delicate hip bones.
Ensure you safeguard your baby by adequately positioning your baby correctly.