TORONTO — An Instagram photo of Ryan Reynolds with his daughter James in a carrier has sparked discussion about infant safety.
The Canadian actor’s wife, Blake Lively, posted the image on Father’s Day with the cheeky caption: “Since the day our baby was born, I’ve felt so strongly in my heart that you were most likely the father. #ILoveYouSoMuchItsSilly.”
Reynolds, 38, and Lively, 27, welcomed their daughter in December.
Many people who saw the proud papa pic expressed concern for the 6-month-old.
“Babies aren’t meant to hang perfectly straight with legs dangling,” wrote one, “as this position puts them at risk for developing hip dysplasia.”
Another commented: “The baby should be higher up and her legs spread out..not straight down.”
“Poor baby looks so uncomfortable and unsafe,” someone opined. “Please have hot hubby read the instruction manual.”
Not all the unsolicited parenting advice was helpful. “Are you really that scared of the paparazzi that you have to jam your baby in a carrier like some overstuffed burrito?,” asked one person.
Parenting blog The Stir decided to use the Instagram photo as “a learning moment” for parents.
“James’ feet are dangling out of the bottom of the carrier, and they’re together,” it reads. “When baby’s feet are pushed together in a carrier, it increases the risk of hip dysplasia, as their little hips are basically pushed out of their sockets. Instead, doctors recommend that baby carriers ‘support the thigh and allow the legs to spread to keep the hip in a stable position.’
“The other thing going wrong here is that James’ head seems to be completely obscured. Babywearers always want to make sure they can see their infant’s face, and keep their airways clear.”
The website points out the photo represents a single moment and Reynolds “would never intentionally put his child at risk.”
“Let’s just hope his flub will cause other parents to check twice that their babies are being carried correctly,” it adds.
Babywearing Institute president Beate Frome told Yahoo Parenting that Reynolds should have secured his daughter higher up on his body.
“This baby seems low. If baby’s head is close enough to kiss, a parent can sense distress immediately and can act,” Frome is quoted as saying.
Adriane Stare, a certified babywearing educator, added: “A wearer should always be able to clearly see their child’s face and ensure that baby’s airway is clear.”
Among the thousands of comments posted to Lively’s Instagram snap — which has more than 336,000 “likes” — are many expressing surprise at the criticism.
Ashley Bernal had some supportive words for Reynolds. “Don’t feel bad … I saw a dad at the airport making the same mistake,” she commented. “But since he’s not famous, no one went nuts on social media!”
Amanda Watson was more direct. “Hope the new parents are taking all the negativity in their stride,” she wrote. “You’ll never be as good a parent as the people who spend all their time trolling on social media while their kids spend 3 hours a day on an iPad.”
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