safe leg positioning in carrier

manmoonei · July 2013

I finally managed to get a baby carrier but I am so confused with regards to my LO's leg positioning in the tummy-tummy hold. I understand that the weight should be on his bottom and as fas as what I have read it is best to have his legs in a spread squat and not froggy. But, I cannot figure out if his weight is really on his bottom or his legs and I don't know how to make sure that his legs aren't forcibly spread!! I have watched tons of videos and checked so many photos, but still can't seem to be sure that he is in a safe position for his hips.

insights?

TIA

skio · July 2013

Where did you read that squat was better over froggy? I don't even know what squat is, but it sounds like it would put the weight on the legs.

I always do froggy legs out when I wrap DD2. And she has a hip problem that she's in a brace for; I actually wrapped her and showed the orthopedist her leg positioning while wrapped at her last appointment and he said it was "perfect" for hip alignment. So, I'd say froggy is good. You want their knees above their butt in the wrap/carrier.

manmoonei · July 2013

I have been researching the subject for some time, maybe it is a good idea to ask his pedi if he can show me the right position. Thank you for your feedback

skio · July 2013

Hmm, I just googled a bit, and it seems like the terms spreadsquat and froggy are used interchangeably and mean the same thing. Out of curiosity, I'd like to see anything you've found that says froggy is no good...because I'd like to see what the froggy they're talking about looks like.

https://www.babywearingadvice.co.uk/anatomy.htm

https://www.hipdysplasia.org/developmentaldysplasiaofthehip/prevention/babycarriersseatsandotherequipment/

manmoonei · July 2013

SouthSideDrea:
manmoonei:
I have been researching the subject for some time, maybe it is a good idea to ask his pedi if he can show me the right position. Thank you for your feedback

To be honest, I'd be surprised if your pedi actually knows about Babywearing and positioning. but kudos to them if they do. The link below is about why not to use the bjorn, but she talks about proper positioning in one great paragraph. Also go to www.thebabywearer.com
https://www.becomingmamas.com/why-you-should-avoid-crotch-dangler-baby-carriers/ https://www.becomingmamas.com/why-you-should-avoid-crotch-dangler-baby-carriers/

Thank you for the links. I found a helpful video

https://www.becomingmamas.com/mei-tai-101-using-a-mei-tai-with-your-newborn/

manmoonei · July 2013

hmmm I found this page to include many references: https://www.chroniclesofanursingmom.com/2012/05/babywearing-safely-legs-out-position.html

but maybe the difference is between legs in and legs out rather than froggy and spread squat, I am not sure. The spread squat does refer to the M position.

JinglesChic · July 2013

skio:
Where did you read that squat was better over froggy? I don't even know what squat is, but it sounds like it would put the weight on the legs. I always do froggy legs out when I wrap DD2. And she has a hip problem that she's in a brace for; I actually wrapped her and showed the orthopedist her leg positioning while wrapped at her last appointment and he said it was "perfect" for hip alignment. So, I'd say froggy is good. You want their knees above their butt in the wrap/carrier.

What wrap are you using? I'm afraid to try any with N.

handsonthewheel · July 2013

manmoonei:
but maybe the difference is between legs in and legs out rather than froggy and spread squat, I am not sure.

Yes, this. A lot of people don't do legs in anymore because it can put too much pressure on the feet if you're not careful. For legs out with a newborn, you want to push up and in on the feet to create the M position. You are still allowing them to do froggy legs but with feet out. If you hold a baby to your chest, look at how they naturally hold their legs--you want this position in the wrap but with feet outside the wrap. Some babies at first are so curled up that you would want to do legs in--again, you can gauge this by holding them to your chest to see what they naturally do with their position.

This video shows legs out with a newborn: https://youtu.be/rWmcZKBUjGo 

skio · July 2013

JinglesChic:
skio:
Where did you read that squat was better over froggy? I don't even know what squat is, but it sounds like it would put the weight on the legs.

I always do froggy legs out when I wrap DD2. And she has a hip problem that she's in a brace for; I actually wrapped her and showed the orthopedist her leg positioning while wrapped at her last appointment and he said it was "perfect" for hip alignment. So, I'd say froggy is good. You want their knees above their butt in the wrap/carrier.
What wrap are you using? I'm afraid to try any with N.

I hear you, I was nervous at first, which is why I decided to show it to the ortho. I use woven wraps or a ring sling. And I make sure her feet are out do that she's in the proper legs spread position.

I actually read something online that said that hip dysplasia is less prevalent in cultures where babies are worn a lot because wearing puts their hips at just the right angle. Interesting! And made me feel good about wearing.

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