Understanding Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia Guide
Developmental Dysplasia of the hip (DDH), or ‘hip dysplasia’ as it’s more commonly known, is when the ball of a baby’s hip doesn’t sit properly in the hip socket.
This can cause the hip to become unstable. While common and treatable, it can cause problems later in life if left undiagnosed.
Hip instability is the most common musculoskeletal birth anomaly in the world and affects 1 in 10 newborns.*
Hip Dysplasia Guide
How does DDH affect sleep?
A child wearing a brace will need to keep the brace on during sleep.
- Follow their regular bedtime routine as much as possible
- Use a specially designed swaddle or sleep sack to fit comfortably over their brace, such as our Hip Harness Cocoon Swaddle Sack or Hip Harness Jersey Sleep Sack
- Put your child to sleep on their back in a safe-sleep space suitable for their age, size and developmental stage
- To make them more comfortable, try rolling up the end of the sleep sack and propping it under their legs/brace.
How does DDH affect sleep?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies get checkups at birth, 3 to 5 days after birth and then at 1,2,4,6,9,12,15,18, and 24 months. If you notice symptoms that are going undetected at check-ups, please alert your family doctor or pediatrician.
If your healthcare professional suspects DDH, your baby may be sent for further testing. This could be an x-ray, ultrasound, or you may be referred to a pediatric orthopaedic specialist for a second opinion.
For mild and moderate DDH, children generally wear a hip brace (orthosis) for three months, 23 hours of the day. For more severe DDH, babies wear braces for six months or longer. Babies with more severe DDH may require surgery.
- One of your baby’s legs looks shorter
- Your baby’s legs are tight when you try to open them to change their diaper
- Your baby has uneven thigh or buttock creases
- Your child limps, avoids weight-bearing or walks on tippy-toes as they get older
- Your baby holds their weight off to one side when sitting
- A popping or clicking sound or feel when hip joint is moved
“Being in the harness may affect physical development right now, but once they are out of the harness, they will have time to develop these skills.
While in the harness, take time to focus on your child’s emotional wellbeing, engage with your child. Feeding may feel different, tummy time can be tricky, and cuddles may feel different, talk with your physiotherapist or other healthcare professionals to get more ideas of how to engage with your child and how to make them feel most comfortable.”
Jessica Shanahan, Physiotherapist
Did you know...?
A quick summary of DDH
Essentials for a swaddled babe
Essentials for an arms-out sleeper
Essentials for when the brace comes off
IDHI website
Mayo Clinic
Children's Hospital
American Academy of Family Physicians
Facebook Group
Speak to your family doctor or Pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's hips.
