Baby Carrier Hip-Healthy Positioning, Decoded
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute defines hip-healthy carrier positioning as the "M-position" -- knees spread apart and slightly higher than the buttocks, thighs supported by the carrier fabric -- and discourages carrying with the legs straight and dangling together throughout the first year of life.
The one thing to know: The International Hip Dysplasia Institute's hip-healthy position is the 'M-shape': knees spread apart and slightly higher than the bottom with the thighs supported, similar to the position used to treat hip dysplasia — carriers that force straight, dangling legs are discouraged in the first year.
What to check before buying
- Does the carrier support the thigh from knee to knee, letting the legs spread naturally?
- Does it hold the knees at or slightly above hip level (the M-position), rather than straight down?
- For inward-facing carrying, especially in the first 6 months, per IHDI guidance.
- Check the manufacturer's own IHDI acknowledgment claims directly on IHDI's site rather than taking a package claim at face value.
Shopping for a carrier?
Search current baby carriers on Amazon -- look for wide-base, thigh-supporting designs consistent with IHDI's hip-healthy positioning guidance.
Search baby carriers on AmazonThis page is general reference information about published hip-health positioning guidance, not medical advice for your specific child.
Frequently Asked Questions
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute's 'M-position': knees spread apart and slightly higher than the buttocks, with the thighs supported by the carrier -- similar to the position used in Pavlik-harness hip-dysplasia treatment.
No. Carriers that force the legs straight down and together (rather than spread and supported at the thigh) are discouraged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute throughout the first year.
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has acknowledged that wide-base carriers can hold the hips in a position similar to hip-healthy treatment positioning; check a specific product's own claims and the IHDI's published material directly before relying on a hip-health claim.