Hip hip hooray: hip-friendly products for baby
Keeping babies safe is at the forefront of product development for leading baby equipment manufacturers. These five products have healthy hips in mind.
The Mountain Buggy juno has been developed to deliver the very best ergonomics in all four carrying modes; for both you and your child. Developed in collaboration with medical professionals, parents and children, juno promises safety, quality materials and world-class innovation in one bundle. Mountain Buggy recently received news that “The International Hip Dysplasia Institute acknowledges the Mountain Buggy juno carrier as a ‘hip-healthy product’ when used as directed”. Mountain Buggy juno, RRP$249, mountainbuggy.com.
The healthiest position for babies in any carrier is the ‘M-shape position’ – with hips spread naturally apart and thighs fully supported to the knees. The Ergobaby 360 Carrier features a revolutionary adjustable bucket seat that provides ideal hip placement for baby in four carry positions, including an ergonomic outward front-facing carry. The design aligns with health professional recommendations and is acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a ‘hip healthy’ product. 360 Carrier, RRP$339.00 from babycity and selected baby boutiques.
The BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One Outdoors has been tested by The International Hip Dysplasia Institute and acknowledged as a 'hip-healthy baby carrier'. This means that it provides the correct support to a child’s hips and encourages good hip joint development, which is especially important in the early months. The seat of the baby carrier is 32cm wide, which gives your child a proper ergonomic wide leg position when you carry your baby facing you on your front or back. BabyBjörn One Outdoors, RRP$399.95, bpmchildcare.co.nz.
A WORD ON SWADDLING
Recent studies have indicated that hip dysplasia is on the rise, according to the Medical Journal of Australia. Growing concerns among the orthopaedic fraternity link the popularity of swaddling with the risk of late DDH diagnosis. Experts says babies need to be able to move their legs naturally and freely, as well as bend them in a ‘froglike’ position. Occupational therapist, Sarah Twomey, founder of Healthy Hips Australia and advisor to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, explains that there are many benefits to swaddling during the first months of life, but wrapping babies too tightly could be doing more harm than good. Merino Kids, who have been working alongside Healthy Hips Australia, recommend parents choose swaddles in fabric that offers natural flexibility. They also encourage parents to stop swaddling by the time baby reaches three months old and transition to a baby sleep bag, allowing more freedom of movement.
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute acknowledges that the Merino Kids Cocooi merino baby swaddle and Sleep Bag are 'hip-healthy' products. Sarah Twomey was impressed with the Merino Kids Cocooi design as it is in-keeping with her healthy hips tips, especially due to its patented design which creates a more snug fit at the top of the wrap, but a looser fit at the bottom, allowing for more movement from the hips.
Cocooi Babywrap set, $119, merinokids.co.nz.
The Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap ensures baby sleeps securely and comfortably without being able to creep into dangerous positions, whilst allowing natural flexible movements and above all, ensuring free limb and hip movement. Safe T Sleep Sleepwraps work well at all stages of development, helping reduce the risks of rolling, standing, creeping, entanglement, suffocation, hip problems and climbing and falling from cots and beds. This year Safe T Sleep celebrate 25 years of happy hips and 100% safety success. Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap in small size, $119, safetsleep.com.
AS FEATURED IN ISSUE 35 OF OHbaby! MAGAZINE. CHECK OUT OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE BELOW
