At Solly Baby, we know that closeness is everything. Those cozy, heart-to-heart moments in the wrap or carrier aren’t just about convenience—they’re about connection, calm, and confidence for both you and your baby. And because you’re thoughtful about every product you use, it’s only natural to wonder:

• Is babywearing safe?

• Is babywearing healthy?

• Does babywearing cause hip dysplasia?
  
  

We’re happy to report that babywearing—when done properly—is not only safe but actually supports healthy development, including your baby’s hips.

Babywearing & Hip Development

Babywearing is generally healthy for hip development. In fact, being carried in a wrap or carrier can help mimic the snug, natural position your baby knew in the womb. The key is positioning: Your baby should be supported from knee to knee in the carrier with their bum seated below them in a natural “M” shape.

Carriers or swaddles that hold a baby’s legs tightly together or straight for long stretches can put stress on developing hip joints, especially in the first six months. That’s why the right carrier and the right fit matter so much.

The “M” Position

What it is:
Also called the froggie position, the “M” position means your baby’s thighs are supported, hips spread naturally, and knees bent so they’re slightly higher than the bottom—like the letter “M” when viewed from the front.

Why it’s important:
This position supports healthy hip joint development and is the same one used in Pavlik harnesses to treat hip dysplasia.

How to achieve it:
Choose a wrap or carrier (like our The Wrap or The Soft Carrier) that allows baby’s thighs to be supported from knee to knee, encouraging the legs to spread naturally instead of dangle straight down.

Is Solly Hip-Healthy?

Both the Solly Baby Wrap and Solly Swaddle are certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as hip-healthy products. That means they’re designed to support your baby in an ergonomic, seated “M” position—an ideal position for healthy hip development and even for babies with hip clicking or hip dysplasia.


The Soft Carrier is also hip-healthy, though it isn’t certified by IHDI because it isn’t offering hip-healthy certifications at this time. 

Tip: You can always bring your wrap or carrier to your baby’s next appointment or show your provider a photo of how you’ll wear your baby. This allows them to make an informed recommendation based on your actual carrier and fit.

Risks of Improper Positioning

• Hip dysplasia risk: Holding a baby’s legs straight and close together for extended periods can interfere with healthy hip development.
  
  

• Tight swaddling: Swaddling with legs held tightly and straight is a known risk factor for hip issues—always leave room for movement.
  
  

• Outward-facing carriers: Though there are baby carriers that offer an outward-facing option, it’s not recommended for healthy hip development by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI). The IHDI website states that “Inward-facing carrying may be healthier for hip development, especially during the first six months of infancy. For this reason, the IHDI recommends inward-facing during this period of rapid hip development. During the second six months of life the hips are developing more slowly, but there may be additional benefit for inward-carrying until age one year.” Read more of our thoughts on outward-facing here. 

Tips for Safe Babywearing

• Choose a hip-healthy carrier: Many carriers (such as The Solly Wrap) are certified as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI), though newer carriers (such as The Soft Carrier) might not be certified yet because the IHDI has currently paused hip-healthy certifications. Look for brands that speak specifically to hip-health and feature images of carriers that keep baby’s lower half in the “M” position.
  
  

• Check positioning often: Your baby’s hips should be spread wide and knees bent higher than their bottom.
  
  

• Allow movement: Baby’s legs should have room to move and shift naturally with their knees bent.
  
  

• Be age-aware: Proper hip positioning is especially important during the first six months while hips develop rapidly.
  
  

• Need help? Email a photo of your wrap to our babywearing educator at advice@sollybaby.com for a free, personalized fit check.
  
  

Our Promise

We’re here to support you in every step of your babywearing journey. We’re not medical professionals and can’t give medical advice, but we’re happy to offer fit checks, tips, and reassurance so you can feel confident carrying your baby close. For any medical concerns, your healthcare provider is always your best first stop.

When you wear your baby in a Solly carrier, you’re not just keeping them close—you’re supporting their healthy development from the very beginning.