If your baby is diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) or hip dysplasia for short, they might need to use an infant hip dysplasia brace. It will hold their hips in the correct position, so their hip joint can develop properly. Using this brace while in an infant front carrier can make your baby feel secure while you bond with them or do other tasks.
In this guide, you will learn all about the brace, tips for care and diapering while wearing it, and what to expect. You will also discover how to support your baby’s growth and milestones and what to do when the brace comes off.
What is Hip Dysplasia and Why is Bracing the Primary Treatment?
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip socket is too shallow to properly accommodate the top of the thigh bone, causing the femur to be out of place. If your baby has this condition, using an infant hip dysplasia brace can help align their hip correctly. This is the primary treatment for your baby because it has lower risks of complications compared to surgery.
While wearing the brace, you can comfort your baby and encourage skin-to-skin contact using an infant front carrier. If you use a baby carrier, your arms won’t strain and you can also do the other tasks that you need to do.
Introducing the Pavlik Harness: Design, Function, and Goals
Aside from the infant hip dysplasia brace, you can also use a Pavlik harness to treat hip dysplasia. It is softer and more flexible than the brace, allowing your baby to move. It works like the brace, helping your baby to develop their hips normally. If you use this harness, your baby can still kick and move their legs unlike when they use the brace which can limit movement.
Babies with hip dysplasia who are under 6 months old usually use the Pavlik harness, while older babies use the brace. It is not recommended to use an infant front carrier to carry your baby if they are wearing the harness. Always consult a pediatrician before using any carrier while using the Pavlik harness.
Life in the Brace: Daily Care and Diapering Tips
When you care for your baby while in an infant hip dysplasia brace or Pavlik harness, you need to make a lot of changes in your daily routine as a parent, like diapering, clothing and skin care. You should follow these simple tips below to help your baby feel comfortable:
- Do not change or adjust the straps or brace: The healthcare provider or an orthotist should be the only one to change and adjust the brace or the harness.
- Check your baby’s skin every day: Always check for redness or chaffing on your baby’s groin, knees, shoulders and neck. You should wipe those areas dry when you change your baby’s diaper. Reach out to the pediatrician if the skin irritation won’t go away.
- Carefully put diaper: Lift your baby’s buttocks to pull out the dirty diaper and replace it with a new one. You can ask the orthotist for instructions if you are unsure of what to do.
- Approach bathing and dressing gently: Use sponge baths, or if the doctor has specific instructions to bathe your baby, make sure to follow them. After bathing, dress your baby in loose clothing and avoid outfits that press your baby’s legs together.
- Support correct positioning and short holding periods: If your baby is asleep, make sure they are on their back. If they are awake, you can do supervised tummy time with them. You can use a doctor-approved infant front carrier for a short time when you have to do other tasks or chores.
Managing Comfort and Skin Care for Your Infant
You have to check your baby’s skin regularly because being in an infant hip dysplasia brace can create warm spots on their skin folds, like the neck, groin, and behind the knees. Their skin should stay clean and dry. Good positioning in a doctor-approved infant front carrier can also help reduce rubbing on tender areas.
Do not apply creams, lotions, or powder on your baby’s skin under the straps or brace because they can trap moisture and cause skin problems. If the doctor told you that the brace or harness must be worn 24/7, you can give your baby a sponge bath. If removal is permitted during bathing, make sure your baby’s skin is dry before putting back the brace or harness on.
Brace Adjustments and Follow-up Appointments: What to Expect
Babies wearing an infant hip dysplasia brace or Pavlik harness should have follow-up appointments with their doctor. The doctor might conduct some imaging tests, like ultrasounds and x-rays, to examine your baby’s hips and track their development. During these visits, you have a chance to ask questions about daily care or if you can use an infant front carrier.
As your baby grows, the brace or the harness may need minor adjustments. The adjustments will depend on your baby’s growth or the development of their hips while being treated. You should remember that only trained healthcare providers can change or adjust the brace or harness.
Milestones and Development: Bracing and Your Baby’s Progress
Some of your baby’s early milestones, like rolling over or sitting, can be delayed if they are wearing an infant hip dysplasia brace. You don’t have to worry because this is normal and temporary. In fact, most babies can catch up once the treatment ends and they can even walk independently when they are within the normal age range.
You can help your baby to stay active by letting them enjoy floor play on their back, tummy, or propped-up sitting position. You can also do short holding sessions with their legs apart in the “M” position in an infant front carrier. Once the brace is officially removed, your baby’s mobility will improve quickly.
Emotional Support: Coping Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
You can feel anxious or sometimes even scared when your baby needs to wear an infant hip dysplasia brace. Your feelings are valid and they should be acknowledged instead of being pushed aside. Here are some coping strategies you can try:
- Acknowledge your feelings: It is normal to feel sad, anxious, disappointed, or stressed when your baby is being treated. Let yourself feel your feelings without being too hard on yourself.
- Seek support from others: Talk to other parents who are going through or went through the same situation. You can join online forums or parent groups in social media to talk about your experiences, and listen to their stories and advice.
- Communicate openly: You should reach out to your loved ones if you need someone to listen or if you need help with anything, like doing chores or taking care of the baby. If you need professional advice, talk to a healthcare provider.
- Take a break: You can take a break for at least 20 minutes to nap, read, or enjoy any hobbies or activities.
- Maintain closeness with your baby safely: You can still bond with your baby even if they are wearing a brace. If your doctor allowed you to use an infant front carrier, you can carry your baby without straining your arms.
When Treatment Ends: Weaning from the Brace and Long-Term Outlook
When your baby’s hips have finally developed normally and become stable, the doctor will gradually reduce the time your baby needs to wear an infant hip dysplasia brace. Your baby will still need to have regular check-ups for several months to make sure that their hips are healthy while your baby is growing.
While weaning, you can put them in an infant front carrier for a short period if approved by the doctor to comfort and bond with them. Once the brace is fully removed and the doctor confirms that your baby’s hips formation is normal, your baby can resume daily activities more freely.
