I recently shared a story on Facebook about a courageous mom who discussed her daughter’s battle with hip dysplasia and her tough recovery journey. The response was incredible, making me realize I needed to explore this topic further. I’m truly grateful for the amazing community that’s grown around WellnessMama.com and hope you’ll join me in raising awareness.
While I’m not a doctor, I want to share some resources that I found valuable, and I encourage you to research this topic yourself.
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute explains that after birth, it takes a few months for joints to naturally stretch. Babies born in the breech position may need even more time. The hip joint consists of a ball and socket, and during the early months, the ball can be loose because of a baby’s flexibility and due to the soft cartilage that forms the socket. If a baby’s hips are stretched too early, this can lead to permanent deformation of the socket (hip dysplasia) or the ball slipping out entirely (hip dislocation). This condition isn’t painful for babies, so it often goes unnoticed until they start walking, potentially causing painful arthritis in adulthood. The first few months are crucial since the risk of hip dysplasia is highest then, but by six months, babies typically develop stronger hips and ligaments, reducing the susceptibility to hip issues.
I was aware that doctors checked babies’ hips early on but didn’t realize the severity and potential consequences of hip dysplasia. One mom shared her experience of using two slings for her baby—one that held her baby properly and another that allowed her legs to dangle, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of hip dysplasia and a challenging recovery.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint isn’t properly formed. It varies from mild ligament looseness to a complete dislocation. Even mild cases can cause significant problems later in life, possibly leading to osteoarthritis and hip replacement. Babies often show no symptoms, making early detection difficult. Pediatricians usually check for hip issues since it’s a common developmental condition. The CDC estimates that 1-2 out of every 1000 babies have hip dysplasia, although many cases go undetected until adulthood when symptoms appear.
The way babies are positioned in the womb and their early months of life affects hip development. Breech-positioned babies and those forced to have straight legs due to swaddling have an increased risk. Initial signs of hip dysplasia include clicking or popping noises in the hip joint and limited joint movement. Pain may not surface until adolescence, leading to joint degeneration and severe discomfort.
The exact cause of hip dysplasia isn’t known, but it’s believed to be developmental. There’s a higher risk if it runs in the family, even though genetics isn’t a direct cause. Unfortunately, some cases are present at birth and unavoidable, while others can be exacerbated by improper swaddling or how a baby is carried.
Since one of my babies was breech, I wanted to research and find ways to prevent hip dysplasia. How we carry, swaddle, and use car seats for our babies can influence their hip health.
Proper baby-wearing is crucial. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends using carriers that support a baby’s hips in a V-shape rather than crotch-dangling ones, which could worsen hip development. Since many cases go undiagnosed, prevention is the key. Proper baby-wearing also aids in the healthy growth of the hip joint, with knees higher than the bottom, ensuring the hip ball stays tight in the socket.
For me, using a comfortable sling or carrier allows me to keep my baby close while managing chores. Choosing slings that support a baby’s hips properly is vital, especially for my breech-born daughter.
Research shows that baby-wearing isn’t the issue; it’s the use of inappropriate carriers. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute advises selecting slings that support the legs to alleviate hip pressure, avoiding those that leave the legs hanging.
Car seats are usually wide enough to be safe, and I chose one that allowed sufficient room for my baby to spread their legs comfortably.
I was unaware of the potential dangers of swaddling until I delved into the research. Thankfully, my kids didn’t enjoy swaddling, so I rarely did it wrong. But there’s a correct way to swaddle to protect a baby’s hips, using large muslin blankets that offer breathability and space.
Overall, it’s crucial to look out for signs of hip dysplasia early on. It’s important to have both you and your doctor check for any indicators in your baby.
