The correct carrying position for your baby: M-position (frog-leg position).

Have you ever noticed that babies automatically pull their legs up when you pick them up? Babies are born to be carried and naturally assume this position. For example, when you place your baby on your hip. If you're carrying them in a carrier, then a correct, ergonomic posture is essential.

What exactly does the squat-spread position look like?

The name M-posture aptly describes what the posture should look like:

• The hip joints are oriented forwards, with the legs bent.
• The knees should be roughly at navel height, while the buttocks should be slightly lower.
• The thighs are spread apart at a 90° angle.

If you do all this correctly, your hips will shift slightly forward in the baby carrier, creating a gentle curve at your baby's back. Your baby's legs will then form the characteristic M-shape.

The squatting-spread position has the following positive effects:

• It supports the healthy development of the spine and hips . The spine develops from its C-shape to a double-S shape, which is important for upright walking later on.
• It distributes the load evenly across the hip socket, thus preventing postural problems . The hip is not fully developed at birth, making it especially important to use the correct carrying method.
• It relieves the back .
• It supports the naturally rounded shape of the back .
• It prevents hip dysplasia . This develops, for example, when the child's legs hang down too far.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when carrying your baby in a baby carrier.

Overview of carrying tips

• Your baby should be positioned facing your body .
• Your baby should always lie on your chest with its face turned to the side , meaning your baby's nose should not be pressed against your chest so that it has sufficient air circulation at its nose.
• Your baby's head should be stabilized/supported . A headrest is particularly helpful for newborns .
• The back should be slightly rounded .
• The baby's legs should be bent at least at a right angle . This means the knees must be higher than the bottom and not dangling. To get your baby into the correct position, the so-called "ball hold" helps. To do this, reach inside the carrier with both hands, below the buckles, and place your hands under your baby's bottom. This allows you to adjust your baby's position so that their bottom slides down and their hips open forward.
• The seat (the part where your baby's bottom sits) must be adjusted to fit your baby individually . It should extend from the back of one knee to the back of the other . This allows the baby's weight to gently lower their bottom in the carrier, stabilizing their legs in the M-position (frog-leg position). It also prevents the fabric from constricting their legs.