If you carry your baby on your hip, you’ll notice that she will naturally have her legs around your waist with knees higher than bottom. This is the optimal anatomic position for a baby. The is why I am not recommending the “crotch dangler” baby carriers you find on the high street because it put unhealthy pressure on baby, doesn’t allow a good hip and spine development and can cause undue postural distortions to both the mother and baby.
The weight should all be on your baby’s bottom. If her bottom is low enough in the Buddha or Frog position, there should be little stress on the legs, thus preventing your baby getting purple legs or white spots on the legs.
For more information about this important subject, please have a look at International Chiropractic Pediatric Association Babywearing Research.
Frog or Buddha position = baby has her knees higher then her bottom as if she was deeply squatting. When somebody is facing you, they should see her legs bent with the knees higher than the bottom, forming a big letter “M”.
With a newborn, you can have baby’s legs inside the wrap or ring sling. Always make sure her legs are in the Frog or Buddha position.
Your baby’s back should be nicely rounded in the baby carrier, to avoid a straight or even worse hollow back position.
Ensuring your baby is in a correct position in your sling baby carrier is important for safe babywearing. You may also want to have a look at our neck support tips and advice.
I also recommend to vary babywearing positions: on the front, hip and back and vary baby carriers style: wraps, ring slings and soft carriers.
Lastly, please read this excellent article about choosing a baby carrier to prevent backaches and other spinal stresses.
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