Baby Carrier Lawsuit
Baby Carrier Lawsuit
Research has shown that some baby carriers or slings may not be safe for infants and can potentially contribute to hip dysplasia and other hip conditions due to holding the child’s legs in an unhealthy position.
BACKGROUND
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint bones are misaligned, unstable, and/or loose. Other common names for the same condition include:
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
- Hip Dislocation
- Congenital Dislocation of the Hip (CDH)
- Loose Hips
After birth, a baby’s joints remain soft and malleable, and it takes months for the joints to stretch out naturally and become firmer. For newborns, the ball of their ball and socket hip joint is loose and the edges are made of soft cartilage, meaning that the joint can bend easily.
If a child’s legs are forced to stretch out straight for a length of time, it can cause the hips to dislocate. Unhealthy positions for a baby are when the legs are straight and together, rather than spread apart and bent.
This dislocation of the hip is rarely painful in infancy, however, the effects of hip dysplasia are often discovered when the child begins walking. The condition can also lead to painful arthritis in adulthood.
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute stated “Parents and caregivers are encouraged to choose a baby carrier that allows healthy hip positioning, in addition to other safety considerations. When babies are carried, especially for prolonged periods of time, the hips should be allowed to spread apart with the thighs supported and the hips bent.”
Parents who used a baby carrier linked with hip dysplasia and whose child has been harmed may have a claim.
PRODUCTS
According to The International Hip Dysplasia Institute, “Some types of baby carriers and other equipment may interfere with healthy hip positioning. Such devices include but are not limited to baby carriers, slings, and wraps. These devices could inadvertently place hips in an unhealthy position, especially when used for extended periods of time. Any device that restrains a baby’s legs in an unhealthy position should be considered a potential risk for abnormal hip development.”
Some products that have been linked with hip dysplasia include:
- Britax Baby Carrier
- Budu Baby Carrier
- Chicco – UltraSoft Infant Carrier
- Evenflo – Breathable Carrier
- Evenflo – Easy Infant Carrier
- Evenflo – Active Carrier
- Evenflo – babyGo
- Evenflo – Snugli Comfort
- Graco – Soft Infant Baby Carrier
- Infantino – Swift Classic Carrier
- Mission Critical – S.01 Action Baby Carrier
If you used a baby carrier and your child was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Yaeger Law to discuss the details of your potential Baby Carrier lawsuit.