A sweet and innocent Instagram photo of Ryan Reynolds holding his daughter James in a baby carrier has turned into a fierce debate over parenting.
In celebration of Father’s Day on Sunday, Ryan’s wife Blake Lively, 27, posted a picture of hubby Ryan holding his baby girl in a device that was strapped to his chest.
But despite the photo accruing more than 330,000 likes, it is also being bombarded with comments bashing the way the 38-year-old Canadian actor placed his daughter in the carrier.
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Father doesn’t know best: Ryan Reynolds is under fire after wife, Blake Lively, posted this photo of the actor apparently using a baby carrier incorrectly
Some people have expressed concerns that the six-month-old was in a perilous position.
‘Poor baby looks so uncomfortable and unsafe,’ read one comment. ‘Please have hot hubby read the instruction manual.’
Another said: ‘Please read your baby product manuals with as much detail as you read a script’ – and branded Ryan’s actions ‘dangerous’.
Parenting blog The Stir pointed out in greater detail exactly what was wrong with the way his baby had been positioned.
One of its writers, Jenny Erickson, said: ‘James’ feet are dangling out of the bottom of the carrier, and they’re together. 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.’
Others stuck up for the new parents – preferring to focus on the delightful bond between father and daughter.
Adriane Stare, a certified babywearing educator told Yahoo Parenting: ‘Although baby James is not in the most ideal position for this carrier, it’s really wonderful to see a happy dad trying his best to follow his instincts and snuggle his baby close.
‘When a baby is carried heart-to-heart on mom or dad’s chest, even when not perfectly positioned, a parent is much more able to be attuned to how baby is doing versus when their babe is away from them in a stroller.’
The celebrity couple have yet to share a photo of their little girl since welcoming her in December.
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Expecting: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds a couple of months before Blake gave birth last December
Blake showed everyone her humorous side as she teased the possible paternity of their daughter on Instagram, saying in a joke message to Ryan: ‘Happy Fathers Day!!! Since the day our baby was born, I’ve felt so strongly in my heart that you were most likely the father.’
Ryan tweeted: ‘On Father’s Day, my daughter smiled at me. It was all the gift I needed as I packed a bag and left for 6 years to write a book on parenting.’
His wife of three years recently spoke about her desire for more kids.
‘Having a baby is just living in the constant unexpected,’ she told the Los Angeles Times in April.
‘You never know when you’re gonna get crapped on or when you’re gonna get a big smile or when that smile immediately turns into hysterics. It might be like living with a drug addict.
‘But you have a baby and you think, “I can’t imagine ever not having a baby,” because they grow up so quickly. I’d be an 80-year-old woman with a baby if I could.’
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Perfect parents? Blake recently spoke about how she had a desire for more kids
