Babywearing Consultant

These images from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute show the positioning of a child’s hips in a carrier, contrasted with that in a wide-seated sling. They explain that in the carrier, the thigh is not supported to the knee joint and that the resulting forces on the hip joint may contribute to hip dysplasia. By contrast the wide-seated sling supports the thigh to the knee joint, resulting in minimal forces on the hip joint and the joint is in a more stable position.

The bottom two diagrams show the non-recommended cradle position against the recommended upright position. In addition to the risk of compression to the child’s windpipe, the knees are close together in the cradle position, which may contribute to hip dysplasia. In the diagram on the right, the baby’s hips are in a more stable position.You can find more information on their website.

This is a great article by sling manufacturers Didymos explaining why front forward facing carries are not recommended.