Essential Items to Buy When Your Baby Is Diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia

Hearing the words “hip dysplasia” at your baby’s check-up can feel overwhelming. When our little one was diagnosed at about five months old, we entered a world of unfamiliar terms and treatment plans, including the Pavlik harness. While it took time to adjust, we quickly learned that having the right items on hand made a huge difference for both our baby and us.

If you’re navigating this journey or supporting a family who is, here are some essentials to help make life a bit easier during Pavlik harness treatment.

Clothing That Works with a Pavlik Harness

Finding clothes that accommodate the harness is one of the most difficult parts of the treatment. Here’s what worked for us:

1.  A-Line and Circle Dresses
   These are perfect for baby girls in a harness. The flared shape doesn't push on the leg straps while keeping things comfortable and stylish.  We have instructions about how to sew your own Pavlik harness friendly circle dress here.

2.  Pavlik Harness-Friendly Pants
   Specialty pants designed for babies in a harness provide coverage and warmth while accommodating the wider leg positioning. You can find these on Etsy, Marks & Spencer, and Hip Happy Clothes.  

3. Hip Dypsplasia Bodysuits and Side-Snap T-Shirts
   Typical onesies legs are not high enough when placed over the harness.  A bodysuit made to fit over a Pavlik harness such as this one from Marks & Spencer keeps babies warm.  Also, side-snap t-shirts such as those made by Carters and the Honest Company can be fitted under the harness without taking off the harness straps. 
    
   
   
   
4. Bibs
   Babies in a harness can’t easily wear full-coverage outfits, so bibs help protect their clothes during feedings. Having a good stash of absorbent, easy-to-wash bibs was essential.
   
   
5. Leg Warmers and Knee Socks
   Placing leg warmers and knee socks under the harness straps prevented chafing and kept my baby’s legs cozy. Look for soft, stretchy materials that are gentle on sensitive skin.  If you can't take out baby's legs from the stirrups, slip toddler socks over the foot stirrup to keep it clean and little toes warm. 
   
   
   
   

6. Sleep Sacks Designed for Pavlik Harnesses
   Traditional sleep sacks don’t always fit well with a Pavlik harness, but there are options specifically made to accommodate the harness’s wide-leg positioning. These kept my baby warm and safely swaddled during naps and bedtime. You can find many options with a with a Google or Etsy using 'pavlik harness sleep sack' as the search term.

Comfort Essentials for Baby

Your baby’s comfort is just as important as practicality during treatment. These items became staples for us:

1. Boppy Lounger
   The Pavlik harness makes typical positions for holding or lounging more challenging. A boppy lounger was fantastic for supervised lounging, keeping her supported while avoiding pressure on her hips.  Make sure that baby is only in the lounger while supervised and awake!

2. Harness Covers
   Harness straps can sometimes feel rough against delicate skin. Covers designed specifically for the Pavlik harness add a layer of softness while protecting the straps from spit-up and spills.  Check out OrthoBaby's Pavlik harness covers that are made out of soft flannel.

3. Burp Cloths and Wipes
   You’ll want to keep your baby’s harness clean, as it can’t always be removed. Having plenty of burp cloths and baby-safe wipes on hand is essential for quick clean-ups.

Meaningful Gift Ideas

If you’re looking to support a family with a baby in a Pavlik harness, consider gifts that blend practicality with encouragement.

1. Pavlik Harness Accessories
   Items like harness covers or pants are thoughtful and useful gifts that parents might not even know they need until they do!

2. Treatment Journal
   Hip dysplasia treatment often feels like a long road, even if it’s just a few weeks or months. A journal for tracking milestones, doctor’s appointments, and thoughts along the way can be a beautiful keepsake.

3. Sleep Sack for Pavlik Harness
   A sleep sack specifically designed for babies in a harness makes a fantastic gift, as it ensures both warmth and compatibility with treatment needs.

4. Meals or Care Packages
   Parenting a baby in treatment can be stressful. Offering to bring over a meal or gifting self-care items for the parent (like coffee, snacks, or cozy socks) shows you’re thinking of them too.

Helpful Resources for Parents

When I first started this journey, I found comfort and guidance in educational resources. Here are two that I highly recommend:

1. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute
   This comprehensive website is an excellent source of information on hip dysplasia, including treatment options, FAQs, and support for families.

2. The Parents' Guide to Hip Dysplasia by Betsy Miller
   This book is a practical, parent-friendly guide that explains hip dysplasia and provides tips for managing treatment. It was incredibly reassuring and answered so many of my questions.

Tips for Navigating the Journey

Lastly, a few lessons I learned along the way:

• Ask for Help: Whether it’s a friend to hold your baby while you shower or a family member to pick up groceries, don’t hesitate to accept help.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Every week in the harness brings your baby closer to healthy hips. Mark those moments!
• Lean on Community: Online support groups for hip dysplasia families can offer advice, understanding, and camaraderie.

If you’re just starting this journey or looking for ways to support someone who is, I hope these tips help. Remember, you’re not alone—and with the right essentials, you and your baby can navigate hip dysplasia together.