Promoting healthy hip development
At birth, your baby’s hips are made of soft cartilage that gradually hardens into bone. The ball and socket need to fit together well because they act as moulds for each other.
Hip dysplasia, also known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally and the ball of the thigh bone is not stable within the socket. This allows the hip joint to become partially or completely dislocated and ‘clicky’.
DDH can be present at birth or develop as a child grows older. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent pain and arthritis in later life and to avoid the need for surgery.
Some factors increase the chance of your baby developing DDH;
- Females are four times more likely to have DDH than boys
- First born babies
- Feet first (breech position)
- Family history of DDH in a sibling or parent
- Babies swaddled tightly with knees and hips straight.
What are possible signs or symptoms of hip dysplasia?
- A ‘clunk’ or ‘click’ is heard or felt when moving your baby’s hips
- When changing a nappy or at other times you notice one leg doesn’t spread as far out or as easily as the other side
- Then skin creases in the groin or under buttocks are uneven
- Baby’s legs are different lengths
- Your baby favours one side when sitting, crawling or standing
- Your little one avoids weight bearing
- You child has a limp when starting to walk
Your child should have their hips examined at birth and at all general check-ups with your GP. If your baby has signs of DDH or has a higher risk for it, your doctor will order imaging.
How you wrap and carry your baby can help to prevent DDH and promote healthy hip development
If you swaddle your baby, always leave enough room from the hips down so their legs can move freely into the natural frog like position. Allowing the legs to bend at the hips and knees will help the hips to develop normally.
When carrying your baby in a baby carrier, their legs should straddle your body, with their knees and hips bent, like a little frog.
Tips for hip healthy swaddling and baby wearing
What if my baby is found to have DDH?
Treatment usually involves a temporary harness or cast to position the ball of the hip in the socket and keep it there, so the joint can grow normally. Finding and treating DDH early will give your child’s hips the best chance of developing normally. Most infants treated for DDH grow into active kids with no long term hip problems.
