The wrong position to hold a baby can cause hip dysplasia

Fathers and mothers with infants or toddlers often carry their sons and daughters. Holding can indeed be one of the activities to bring parents closer to their children. However, the position of holding the baby must also be considered, it cannot be done carelessly. One of the things you need to pay attention to is the condition of the joints between the baby's hips and the baby's thighbone. Do not let your routine activities of carrying it actually add to new problems, namely the condition of hip dysplasia in babies.

What is hip dysplasia in babies?

The hip or hip is an important part of supporting most body weight and is used to move the upper leg so that the baby can walk, climb stairs, and also sit.

The condition of hip dysplasia is an abnormal form of the joint between the hips and the tip of the thighbone of the baby. The area at the end of the femur normally fits snugly into the hipbone. However, in infants with dysplasia, this part shifts out of place (see image below).

Changes in the joints between the hips and the weevils of the femur. (Source: isara.ro/en)

This condition is painless so often babies who have hip dysplasia don't feel the symptoms. The joints between the baby's pelvis and thighs are soft, supple and cartilaginous. As a result, this condition makes the baby's hip more susceptible to dislocation (the bone has shifted from its proper position) than the hip of an adult. If there is an incorrect loading, it will be easier for a shift to occur.

What causes hip dysplasia?

Actually, the cause of dysplasia is not known with certainty. However, there are several things that are thought to be the triggers, namely:

Genetic. Hip dysplasia can be 12 times more at risk in babies who have parents with former hip dysplasia
Position of the baby in the womb. Breech baby positions have a greater risk of developing hip dysplasia than babies who are in a normal position in the mother's womb
Bones are still soft. The joints between the thighbones and hips are still soft, so a heavy load can easily affect the changes in the joints.

Position of holding the baby and hip dysplasia

Reporting from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute page, actually hip dysplasia cannot be prevented 100 percent. However, one way to reduce a baby's risk of developing hip dysplasia is to hold the baby properly. The reason is, how to hold a baby can affect the development of overall posture. By holding a baby that is not quite right, this can trigger the position of the baby's hip to be dislocated more easily.

Dr. Fettweis, an orthopedic specialist from Germany suggests that holding the baby in the right position can prevent hip dysplasia. Therefore, it is very important to position the baby when being held with the legs apart between the right and the left, and the knee is higher than the hip joint. Make sure the buttocks support the baby's weight.

The ideal position to hold a baby

If you carry the baby in front, you should position the baby so that his feet form an M as shown below.

M position baby feet shape (Source: hipdysplasia.org)

With the M position, there is very little loading on the joints between the baby's hips and thighs. The knee is also slightly higher than the buttocks. With the buttocks as the main support, this condition does not make the joints between the hips and thighs too heavy to hang down. Also, make sure the baby's face is visible from above, don't go too far under the clothes of the person carrying it.

The position of holding the baby is not quite right

This is an incorrect carrying position:

Left: not recommended. Right: recommended. (Source: hipdysplasia.org)

In the picture on the left (not recommended) because the position of the joint in the thigh hangs. This position puts greater emphasis on the hip joint and is more at risk of developing hip dysplasia.

In the image on the right, this position is better than the left. There is less emphasis on the hip joint than on the left side.

Left: not recommended. Right: recommended. (Source: hipdysplasia.org)

In the picture on the left the position is not recommended, because it forces the baby's legs too tightly together which can increase the risk of hip dysplasia.

The principle is the same as the ideal carrying position, even when carrying using a sling model, make minimal pressure on the joints between the hips and thighs. Let the legs spread out to the right and left so that the position is stable and does not overload the joints in the hips.

Tips for choosing a baby carrier

In addition to paying attention to how to carry a baby carrier, don't forget to try it first. Choosing a baby carrier is actually a very personal thing, meaning that it is very much determined by the comfort of you and your baby. There are also a number of things you need to consider when purchasing a baby carrier:

Comfortable for parents and babies. Choose a carrier that is comfortable for your position. Find a strap that is wide so it can support the baby's weight. For babies, look for a sling that does not constrict the baby's thighs, but is not too loose to prevent the baby from falling easily.
Sturdy. Make sure the baby seat and the strap can support the baby's weight. Also remember, if you want to use the carrier for the long term, the child will get heavier. So look for a very sturdy carrier to support the baby's continued weight gain.
Easy to use. Make sure that when you use the sling you can adjust it yourself without assistance. You can also easily take your baby out and slide into the carrier.
Easy to clean. Babies usually like to remove food from the mouth, or spill food so that it can often contaminate the carrier. Make sure the baby carrier you will choose can indeed be cleaned if these things happen.