The hip carry is a common position that allows a caregiver to keep the infant close while freeing up one hand for multitasking. This hold is a natural progression as the baby grows and becomes more engaged with their surroundings. Readiness for the hip hold is not strictly defined by age but by the achievement of important physical development milestones. Transitioning at the right time ensures the baby is safely supported and comfortable.
Developmental Readiness for the Hip Hold
The primary factor determining a baby’s readiness for the hip hold is the development of upper body strength, which provides stability for an upright posture. The most important milestone is the establishment of strong, consistent head control. Newborns lack the muscle strength to support their heavy heads, but by around four to six months, many infants can hold their heads steady without assistance.
Head control indicates that the neck muscles and the upper part of the spine have gained sufficient strength. Following neck strength, the baby must also develop adequate trunk and core strength, demonstrated by the ability to sit up unassisted or nearly unassisted. This core engagement usually emerges between six and nine months of age, though the precise timing varies among individual children.
These physical accomplishments are necessary because the hip hold places the baby in a seated position where their torso is not fully reclined against the caregiver. If the baby is held on the hip before they have this intrinsic strength, their head and trunk may slump or wobble, placing stress on their developing neck and spinal muscles. Therefore, age is only a general guideline, and observing the baby’s independent movement skills is the most reliable indicator of readiness.
Safe and Supportive Hip-Holding Technique
Once a baby demonstrates head and trunk control, the hip hold should be executed with proper technique for comfort and support. The baby’s bottom should be positioned directly over the caregiver’s hip bone, with the baby’s legs straddling the caregiver’s side. This placement centers the baby’s weight and allows the caregiver’s hip to act as a supportive shelf.
The caregiver’s arm on the side the baby is resting on should wrap around the baby’s back to securely support their bottom and upper thigh. This support helps distribute the baby’s weight and keeps their spine in a straight, natural alignment, preventing slumping or twisting. The baby’s knees should be positioned slightly higher than their bottom, creating an “M” shape with their legs, which is beneficial for hip joint development.
To avoid muscle strain and postural issues, caregivers should alternate the hip used for carrying the baby. Holding a child consistently on one side can cause the caregiver’s spine and pelvis to shift out of alignment, potentially leading to discomfort. Shifting the baby from one hip to the other helps to balance the load and reduce the risk of strain.
Why Waiting for Readiness is Essential
Introducing the hip hold before a baby has developed sufficient muscle control carries risks to their physical well-being. A baby without full head and core control will struggle to maintain an upright position, leading to a strained and unsupported neck and back. This lack of support forces the developing spinal column to bear weight it is not ready for, and head flopping signals that the hold is inappropriate.
Additionally, premature weight-bearing can impact the developing hip joints. While the hip hold is not inherently unsafe, poor technique—such as allowing the baby’s legs to dangle or placing pressure directly on the hip joint—is not ideal for the hip socket. The recommended “M” position, where the knees are spread and higher than the bottom, helps seat the ball of the hip joint centrally, promoting healthy development. Waiting for the baby to achieve developmental milestones ensures they possess the muscular scaffolding needed to benefit from the carry while minimizing physical stress.