Every day, eight infants are diagnosed with hip dysplasia in Australia. Yet many new parents are not aware of the signs, symptoms, or potential dangers it brings.
To that point, 43% of parents who have had a child diagnosed with hip dysplasia had never even heard of it before. So if your baby has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, you probably have some questions.
What is hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket in the hip joint don’t fit together in their ‘normal’ position. It’s actually the most common musculoskeletal birth anomaly in the world and is often caused simply by the way bub is lying in the uterus.
But here’s the thing – hip dysplasia isn’t just present at birth. It can also develop over time as your newborn grows. This is called developmental dysplasia of the hip or DDH.Â
What happens to a baby with hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia isn’t painful for babies and it can often be tricky to detect in infants. However, if hip dysplasia isn’t treated, it can lead to early arthritis. This is why it’s important to treat hip dysplasia early on.
Signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in babiesÂ
Look for:
- Difficulty spreading the legs apart to do a nappy change
- Buttock creases that don’t line up (asymmetrical)
- A clicking sound of the hip
- Walking on tippy toes on one side only (in older children)
- A difference in leg length (in older children)
- A waddling walk (in older children)
What should parents do?
Routine checks
Parents should have their children’s hips checked at:
- Birth
- One to four weeks
- Six to eight weeks
- 12 months
- And then at normal health checks until 3.5 years of age
Swaddle right
As mentioned above, hip dysplasia often happens in the womb. It may also occur during childbirth, but it can also develop over time. One of the causes linked to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is incorrect swaddling.Â
Here’s what to watch out for:
- When wrapping your baby, make sure the legs are free to move
- They should be able to bend up and out at the hips
- Avoid the position of the legs stretched out straight and together
- Look for swaddles that are approved Hip-Healthy products, such as ergoPouch’s Cocoon Swaddle
Have a read of our Swaddle Safety guide for more info.
Carry correctly
Baby carriers and slings can also be problematic if they are not supportive enough or if you are using them incorrectly.
- Look for a baby carrier that supports the baby’s legs in such a way that bub is sitting in a frog position
- Their legs should be apart and knees pulled up slightly higher than the hip joints
- Their legs should make an M position when in the correct position
Avoid certain baby products
The main two products to avoid are baby walkers and jumpers that have a narrow-based seat, suspended off the ground. Look for products that provide enough support so that bub isn’t left ‘hanging’ or with outstretched legs.
My baby has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Now what?
Don’t panic. As mentioned, it’s incredibly common and you’re in good company. With correct treatment and the right hip-healthy products, your little one is going to be well on his way to becoming the next Usain Bolt. Or at least running rings around you at the playground.
Treatment
This will depend on your child but most children will be fitted with a brace or a plaster cast called a hip spica, worn for several months.
Hip Harness Pouches
If you haven’t heard of Australian sleepwear brand ergoPouch, they make premium, certified organic and natural fibre TOG-rated sleepwear and sleep solutions. Their safe-sleep approved range covers ages newborn to 12 years and take the guesswork out of what to dress a child in for sleep, which is precisely what ALL parents need.
Their entire range is divine but for mums who are navigating a hip dysplasia diagnosis, check out their Hip Harness Pouches.
These are specially made for babies being treated for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) and are:
- Available in two different pouch styles
- Come in two TOG ratings
- Super stretchy with a bell-shaped bottom
- Converts from swaddle to a sleeping bag
- Feeding-friendly
- Two-way zip for easy access and changes
It’s the ideal choice when treating hip dysplasia in babies – one that will keep your little one snug, secure and snoozing in the right hip position all night long. Highly recommend!
