TwinGo Carrier Receives Healthy Hip Approval from IHDI
We at TwinGo are giving ourselves a pat on the back, a round of applause, and a high five! We are proud to announce that the TwinGo Carrier has officially been awarded the healthy hip approval of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI). Woohoo! We've build the first ergonomic twin baby carrier with your twin's hips in mind!
The IHDI is a wonderful not-for-profit organization that works to improve the health and quality of life of those who suffer with hip dysplasia. Here’s a little background info to help you know what’s up. Hip Dysplasia is often termed Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips (DDH). The hip joint is a “ball-and-socket” joint. In a normal hip, the ball end of femur (thighbone) fits firmly in the socket, which is part of the pelvis bone. With DDH the hip joint is not formed normally.
Currently, the exact causes of DDH are unknown, but we do know that it can develop from around the time of birth, after birth, and into childhood. Here are a few risk factors we are aware of:
- Family history appears to play a role. Approximately one out of ten newborns will have some hip instability if a parent or sibling has hip dysplasia.
- Womb position can impact the hips. Babies who are breach are more at risk for hip instability. As such, twins tend to be in a higher risk category due to sharing a womb space which oftentimes leaves at least one twin in the breech or other suboptimal position.
- Females, especially those who are more sensitive to a mother’s birth hormones, can also be at higher risk. Prolonged labors and large baby size can also trigger hip issues.
- Infant position during the first year of life can have an impact on hip development.
When a baby is placed in a position that places stress on the "ball-and-join," it is easier for a baby’s hips to subluxate (misalign) as there is a large amount of cartilage while the hard bone is still forming. The following illustrations first depicts a child’s hip joint, which contains lots of soft pliable cartilage (grey area), compared to an adult's hip joint, which is mostly dense bone (brown area).
During the critical newborn stage, babywearing can have a healthy impact on the growing hips, if it is done right. IHDI explains that “when proper hip position is maintained while babywearing, there may be substantial benefit for natural hip development.” IHDI explains that the first six months of life is a sensitive window due to the large amount of cartilage.
So what exactly is proper position? The answer is the “Spread Squat” position. It is also known as the M-Position or the Jockey Position, and it is when the child’s thighs are spread around the mother's torso with the hips bent so that the knees are at a slightly higher or level position with the buttocks with the thighs supported.
Recommended Spread Squat Position
Not Recommended Hip Positioning
The reason that the "Spread Squat" is the golden position is because the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is pressed evenly into the center of the hip socket. As the infant is carried, he naturally engages the muscles as he moves, further pressing the ball into the socket setting him up for healthy development.
It has been our mission since conception that the TwinGo Carrier support your developing twin's hips! Our wide seat supports baby's bottom through the thighs to the knee pits, mimicking the Squat Spread position. For babies as small as 7-12 lbs, our innovative Infant Insert provides an elevated narrower seat to keep your newborn baby's tiny hips and knees in optimal position.
Not only does IHDI promote the healthy practice of babywearing but also suggests that back-carrying is beneficial! So when your twinzies are developmentally ready, they can further benefit from being in the healthy hip position on both your front and your back in the TwinGo Carrier. How cool is that?!
