Here at Tushbaby, we’re hip and hip-conscious. We get that when it comes to caring for your baby, there’s a lot to consider—like the baby carrier you choose.

Different carriers work for different stages of your baby’s life, and finding the right carrier can be overwhelming when considering your baby’s age and developmental stage. With hip health as a concern, it’s important to think about your baby’s age, weight, and your lifestyle when choosing the right baby carrier for your needs.

We’re often asked about the best baby carrier for hip dysplasia, so we’ve answered some of your FAQs about hip health below.

Hip Dysplasia Approved Baby Carrier

Table of Contents

• What is hip dysplasia?
• How do you know if your baby has hip dysplasia?
• How can I prevent my baby from getting hip dysplasia?
• Are baby carriers good for hip dysplasia?
• Can baby carriers cause hip dysplasia?
• What is the best baby carrier to avoid hip dysplasia?
• The Benefits of Tushbaby for Hip Dysplasia
• How long can a baby stay in a carrier?

What is hip dysplasia?

According to the Mayo Clinic, hip dysplasia is the “medical term for a hip socket that doesn’t fully cover the ball portion of the upper thigh bone,” leading the hip joint to become partially or completely dislocated.

Most people with hip dysplasia are born with the condition, and doctors will check your baby for signs of hip dysplasia shortly after birth and during well-baby visits. If hip dysplasia is diagnosed in early infancy, a soft brace can usually correct the problem.

How do you know if your baby has hip dysplasia?

Parents who have babies with hip dysplasia may notice these signs:

• The baby's hips make a popping or clicking that is heard or felt.
• The baby's legs are not the same length.
• One hip or leg doesn't move like the other side.
• The skin folds under the buttocks, or the thighs don't line up.
• The child has a limp when starting to walk. 

Thankfully, when caught early and with a doctor’s supervision, your baby’s hips will likely continue to develop normally. 

How can I prevent my baby from getting hip dysplasia?

Because hip dysplasia is a condition babies are generally born with, there isn’t too much that can be done to prevent this diagnosis. 

While most babies (and parents) love swaddling for its soothing benefits, be sure not to wrap your baby too tight when swaddling them, particularly around their legs. You’ll want to wrap your baby in a hip-healthy way, meaning your baby should be able to move their hips and knees a bit. Their legs should be able to kick freely, too.

Are baby carriers good for hip dysplasia?

The good news about baby carriers is that the International Hip Dysplasia Institute says that “periodic short-term use of a baby carrier is unlikely to have any effect on hip development.”

They suggest that when the proper hip position is maintained while babywearing, there may be a substantial benefit for natural hip development. They also recommend wearing your baby in the inward-facing position, which is the natural position infants and mothers assume while carrying. 

These are the key factors to achieving this natural, hip-healthy position:

• The M-position is a natural clinging position for infants—also known as the Spread-Squat or Jockey Position.
• Baby’s thighs should be spread around the baby wearer’s torso.
• Baby’s hips should bend so the knees are slightly higher than their tush, with their thighs supported.

Can baby carriers cause hip dysplasia?

Because hip dysplasia is considered genetic and is something that most babies diagnosed with hip dysplasia are born with, experts believe that hip dysplasia is not caused by baby carriers when worn correctly. This is why it’s important to ensure that you’re using your baby carrier properly in every situation. 

Read the instructions, consult a professional, visit the manufacturer’s website, and educate yourself on the correct positioning and proper usage of any baby carrier.

While babywearing has many health benefits, it’s also important to remember to give your baby tummy time, floor time, and more time outside of the carrier to exercise their tiny arms and legs. That extra movement and stimulation is a healthy part of their development with many physical and mental benefits.

What is the best baby carrier to avoid hip dysplasia?

The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is supportive and designed with you and your baby in mind. Per the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, the Tushbaby Carrier encourages healthy hip growth and supports a straight spine for your baby by placing their hips in the proper “M” shaped position. This is supported through the plush wide seat base, which keeps your baby’s legs supported and lifted rather than dangling or hanging. 

The benefit for you is that Tushbaby is worn high and tight above your natural waist, which alleviates the pressure on your back and shoulders so you can wear your baby longer and more comfortably.

Tushbaby also has plenty of room to stash your stuff when out and about with your baby. Put diapers and wipes in the storage beneath the seat, and access your keys, phone, and wallet in the side pockets. You can even attach toys to the loops and tuck bottles in the holder.

The Benefits of Tushbaby for Hip Dysplasia

With the Tushbaby hip carrier, your baby’s tush is supported by a comfortable and supportive seat that allows your baby’s hips to straddle your body in the traditional carry position, rather than keeping their legs bound or tight for too long. Your baby’s knees are apart, their thighs are supported, and their posture resembles that of an “M” shape.

More About Tushbaby:

• Ideal for children 8lbs - 45lbs
• Can be used for breastfeeding support
• Weighs under 1lb
• Machine washable
• Comes with built-in lumbar support
• Multiple safety features, including buckle with 2 safeguards
• Memory-foam lined seat
• 5 pockets for storage

How long can a baby stay in a carrier?

Most experts suggest that babywearing should be limited to 2-hour stretches. Some carriers may restrict your baby’s hips and legs when used for too long, which isn’t hip-healthy. It’s also important to remember that your baby’s age will help determine which type of carrier is best for their stage of life.   

In general, babies should spend some time outside of the carrier to help them grow and develop healthy hips. Remember that as fun as it is to wear your baby, it’s also important to watch them down on the floor on their tummies so they can strengthen their upper bodies.  

We know how important hip health is for infants. Shop Tushbaby today for your hip-friendly baby carrier.