Do I need to spread my baby’s legs in a carrier?

To support healthy hip development, it’s important to allow the baby’s natural leg position, rather than trying to create a wider spread intentionally.

The natural spread changes with age and development:
In newborns, it is usually around 60–90 degrees, around 6 months it approaches 90 degrees, and by around one year it can reach 120–180 degrees.
A good carrier adapts to the baby’s body and developmental stage, supporting the natural position from knee to knee, with the bottom lower than the knees. This creates a natural and comfortable hip position, often referred to as the “M position.”
It’s important to avoid carriers or situations that force the baby into a wider spread than is natural for them.
Ultimately, there is no need to “create” a spread — but rather to allow the baby’s body to rest in its natural position, with gentle and supportive support.

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