Baby Carrier Lawsuit

Lawsuits have been filed for babies who developed hip problems due to baby carriers that were poorly designed.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting baby carrier induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your child or somebody you know has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia or other serious hip problems, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What is the Problem?

“Babywearing” is one of the most popular trends in parenting these days — but there are serious risks that come with the convenience of using a baby carrier, sling, or wrap that keeps your hands free.

Unfortunately, some baby carriers are linked to serious hip problems. If a baby carrier fails to support the hips, and it is used a lot in the baby’s first 6 months of life, it may cause abnormal hip development.

What Baby Carriers May Be Linked to Hip Dysplasia?

The following baby carriers are NOT on the list of “hip healthy products” according to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute:

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Original
Britax Baby Carrier
Budu Baby Carrier
Chicco UltraSoft Infant Carrier
Chicco UltraSoft Magic Infant Carrier
Chicco UltraSoft Magic Air Infant Carrier
Chicco UltraSoft LE Infant Carrier
Evenflo Breathable Carrier
Evenflo Easy Infant Carrier
Evenflo Active Carrier
Evenflo babyGo Carrier
Evenflo Snugli Comfort
Evenflo Snugli Companion
Graco – 3 in 1 Soft Infant Baby Carrier
Infantino Swift Classic Carrier
Infantino Flip Front2Back
Infatino Cozy Premium Carrier

Baby Hip Instability and Dysplasia – Mayo Clinic

Healthy Hip Positioning

The healthiest position for a baby’s hips is sometimes called the “M-position,” which is similar to the fetal position. The hips naturally spread apart to the side, with the knees bent, straddling the parent.

Dangerous Baby Carriers Linked to Hip Injuries

In comparison, the most dangerous hip position for babies is the opposite of the fetal position, with the legs straight and together. If you look at a baby in a carrier and see their legs pointed straight down, the carrier does not provide enough support under the baby’s thighs. Over time, extensive use of an unsafe baby carrier can cause if the baby to develop hip dysplasia or hip dislocation.

Hip Injuries Linked to Baby Carriers

Hip dysplasia
Looseness of the hips (minor laxity)
Hip dislocation
Developmental Dislocation of the Hip (DDH)
Avascular necrosis
Arthritis of the hips

Hip Dysplasia

Infants are most vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia in baby carriers because the edges of their sockets are made of soft cartilage. Hip dysplasia occurs when a misshapen socket does not completely cover the “ball” on the top of the thigh bone (femur), which allows it to slip out of the socket. The hip can easily become dislocated.

Hip Dislocation

Hip dislocation occurs when the “ball” slips out the socket. This may sound painful, but hip dislocation is commonly painless for infants because their joints are so flexible. It may actually go undetected until the baby is starting to walk — but by that time, treatment is far more difficult and there is a much higher risk of painful arthritis in adulthood.

Warning Signs of Developmental Hip Dysplasia

The most common ssymptoms of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) include:

The leg on the side of the dislocated hip may appear shorter
The leg on the side of the dislocated hip may turn outward
The folds in the skin of the thigh or buttocks may appear uneven
The space between the legs may look wider than normal

Crawling & Walking May Be Delayed

Children with hip problems from baby carriers may be delayed in crawling and walking milestones. This is often what leads to a proper diagnosis of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips (DDH). They may need aggressive treatment that includes special harnesses, braces, or surgeries to avoid a severe walking disability.

Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia

Pavlic harness
Leg braces
Surgery
Hip replacement
Injections
Prescription footwear
Prescription painkillers or nerve blockers

Evenflo Snugli Baby Carrier Lawsuit

In May 2020, a lawsuit was filed against Evenflo by the parents of a boy who developed hip dysplasia after using the Evenflo Snugli Comfort Baby Carrier. The child was forced to wear a stiff brace for a minimum of 8 hours a day for approximately 1 year, and may still need surgery.

The Evenflo Baby Carrier Lawsuit (PDF) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California — R.R. vs. Evenflo Company Inc. — Case No. 3:20-cv-03392-LB.

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Lawsuit

In May 2020, a lawsuit was filed by the parents of a girl who developed severe hip dysplasia after using the BabyBjorn Original Baby Carrier. The lawsuit says she “suffered greatly” due to “three surgical procedures and months spent in full body casts.”

The BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Lawsuit (PDF) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Western Division) — O.T. vs. BabyBjorn Inc. — Case No. 2:20-cv-04517.

Infantino Baby Carrier Lawsuit

In May 2020, a lawsuit was filed by the parents of a girl who developed hip dysplasia after using the Infantino Flip Baby Carrier. As a result of this preventable injury, she suffered greatly, having spent months in a stiff brace for 12-16 hours a day at a young age.

The Infantino Baby Carrier Lawsuit (PDF) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California — M.C. vs. Blue Box Infantino LLC — Case No. 3:20-cv-00934.

Do I have a Baby Carrier Lawsuit?

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