Dia Garland

>>> Be careful of any baby carrier that keeps the babies legs spread apart.
> Little ones hips are still soft and forming and these top of carriers, can
> effect that formation. They, also add pressure on the bottom the spine.
<<

I just wanted to add a note here. My oldest was born with a dislocated hip
and had to wear a brace for six months, and was seen by a pediatric
orthopedic specialist for the first year of his life. Because of the brace
conventional carriers did not work, and he *had* to be carried in order to
be happy. I saw a sling carrier in a magazine and bought it hoping it would
work. It did, and I loved it. I can't remember the brand, it was one of
the first ones, with metal rings. I used it for my three kids, a friend
used it for her two in between my three, and I passed it on after I was done
with it. Very durable!

The orthopedist told me that the sling was very good for babies, as it held
them in a natural position. He also said that the umbrella strollers were
unhealthy for young babies since it forced them to sit up and put too much
pressure on the spine. Strollers that allow babies to recline are best for
babies. Remember that bones are actually cartilage when babies are born,
and even at one year old there is still a significant amount of cartilage.