Hip Dysplasia affects about 10 in every 1,000 babies born every year. This statistic may seem insignificant to some, but for parents faced with this issue, it can present significant angst, stress and challenges.
Changing your baby's nappy, dressing and clothing your baby, swaddling, breastfeeding and transporting your baby are all challenges we face, but babies with hip dysplasia often have the added disadvantage of a hip brace.
Hip Babes is here to help and offer some ideas which may help you and your baby settle into this unfamiliar territory. Hip Dysplasia appears to present itself more frequently in girls rather than boys so don't take offense that we've used the term 'her'! The ideas below are for your information only, and are by no means a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical practitioner. Hip Babes is not to be responsible for any harm or injury resulting from interpretations of the information herein. Please consult your baby's medical specialist for any related queries. Y
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can feel a little awkward at first but one of the most comfortable positions is the typical 'madonna' position but with your baby facing more sideways to your body. Your baby's head still rests on your elbow but your other arm is positioned between your baby's legs. Extra cushions or a breastfeeding pillow may also come in handy.
Car Capsules
You may find as your baby grows, her hip brace will also have to be adjusted so her legs will be spread further out. Hiring a capsule from your local council is probably the best and affordable option. Once your baby is strapped into her capsule, you may require extra cushioning under her buttocks and legs. Bear this in mind especially for long car journeys and imagine how you might feel if strapped in a capsule with a brace and with little padding. Have a break at a rest-stop whenever possible so your baby can also have a break from being in the same position. Hip Babes found that they could not use the car capsule up to the recommended age i.e. 6 months and had to change to a suitable baby car seat. Your baby's specialist or occupational therapist should be able to advise you further on this matter.
Car Seats
If you have a baby car seat, you may also need to look into getting a crotch extension buckle. Your baby's specialist or occupational therapist may be able to provide one for you.
Pram Travel
As with the car capsule, a hip brace baby may grow out of a pram or bassinet sooner than other babies because of the width of the brace and position of her legs. Hip Babes used similar precautions with pram travel as car travel, i.e. extra cushioning, baby has break from sitting in pram etc.
Tummy Time
Tummy time is an important activity for hip brace babies especially as are positioned on their backs most of the time. If your baby is lucky enough to have an hour or two break each day from the brace i.e. brace off time, then this would be a good time to have your baby's tummy time. Perhaps before or after her bath. Tummy time is possible in the brace too, but you should refer to your baby's specialist for the best positioning and how often tummy time is required.
Clothing
Clothing options often cause some anxiety for parents of hip brace babies. There are so few options available. Dresses or skirts suffice in the summer but what about the rest of the year? Tights, jeans, leggings and most body suits or pants don't fit and may look ridiculous if you put your baby in a few sizes bigger! Hip Babes recommends our Huggalug leg warmers (designed to fit chubby legs and babies in a hip brace). For winter wear, why not try our legwarmers teamed with Hip Babes pants, dresses or skirts? For more details see our Product pages.
5% of all our legwarmer sales will go to the Royal Children's Hospital, so a great reason to buy from the Hip Babes site.
NOTICE: The information included on Hip Babes website is for your information only, and is by no means a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical practitioner. Hip Babes is not to be responsible for any harm or injury resulting from interpretations of the information herein. Please refer to your baby's specialist if you are in any doubt.
