Promising research by Erin Mannen, Ph.D., into the use of baby carriers as a break from the cumbersome orthopaedic devices used for babies with hip dysplasia is being featured on the website of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI).
Mannen, an assistant professor in the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, is conducting biomechanics research into “babywearing” with a $31,722 grant from Boba Inc., and a $10,160 grant from the IHDI.
“It is hypothesized that wearing an infant inward facing in a structured baby carrier results in similar muscle activity and hip positioning as the orthopaedic devices currently used to treat babies with hip dysplasia,” Mannen said. “Appropriate babywearing has the potential to offer parents of hip dysplasia patients a ‘break’ from the cumbersome orthopaedic devices, allowing them to experience the many benefits of babywearing while not endangering their baby’s hips.”
Mannen is looking for healthy babies from two to six months old for the study. For more information, please contact her at emannen@uams.edu.