Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint, where the ball and socket do not fit together properly. This can lead to a range of issues, from mild instability to complete dislocation of your baby’s hip.
While it can be congenital, certain practices such as improper swaddling, can exacerbate or contribute to its development. In today’s blog, I will explore what hip dysplasia is, how swaddling can impact it, and as usual, I will provide my top 4 tips on how to swaddle your baby safely to support healthy hip development.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia, also known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), is a condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip do not properly form in babies and young children. The hip joint attaches the thigh bone (femur) to the pelvis. The top of the femur (femoral head) is rounded, like a ball, and sits inside the cup-shaped hip socket.
In DDH, the socket of the hip is too shallow, and the femoral head is not held tightly in place, so the hip joint is loose. In severe cases, the femur can dislocate from the socket.
While the exact cause of hip dysplasia is not always clear, several factors like genetics, position in the womb, gender (girls are more frequently affected), and swaddling can potentially increase the risk.
How Swaddling can Impact Hip Dysplasia
As I mentioned in this previous blog, swaddling is a practice used to wrap your baby in a blanket, providing a cozy cocoon that can soothe them and can sometimes even improve their sleep. However, if not done properly, swaddling could affect your infant’s tiny hips.
Parents and caregivers are advised to take special care when swaddling, and some of them haven’t heard about the new recommendations from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI).
Improper swaddling may lead to hip dysplasia or developmental dysplasia of the hip. When in the womb, your baby’s legs are in a foetal position with legs bent up and across each other. Sudden straightening of the legs to a standing position can loosen the joints and damage the soft cartilage of the socket.
My Top 4 Tips to Swaddle your Baby Safely
1. Allow hip movement: Use a sleep sack that leaves lots of room for the legs, or, if using a blanket, keep it loosely folded around your baby’s legs so there’s room for them to bend and move apart. The hips should be able to flex and move outward.
2. Hip-healthy swaddling products: Make sure to use swaddles that are designed and scientifically tested to be hip-friendly, allowing freedom of movement in the lower body.
3. Swaddle with care: When swaddling, wrap your baby’s arms snugly but leave enough room for the legs to move. The swaddle should be secure enough to provide comfort, but remember, it is not a straitjacket, so the baby should be able to move their hips and legs around. Remember that swaddling is for them to feel secure, but at the same to have boundaries like in their mother’s womb.
4. Observe your baby’s position: Your baby’s hips should be in a natural, “frog-like” position with knees bent and hips flexed. If after swaddling you feel that your baby is too tight, loosen the swaddle a little.
Hip dysplasia is a serious condition that can be influenced by improper swaddling techniques. There are a few brands selling swaddles that are not hip-healthy, and also some professionals teaching parents unsafe techniques. By understanding the importance of hip-healthy swaddling, you can take proactive steps to ensure your baby’s hips develop healthily.
Remember, the goal is to provide comfort and security without compromising your baby’s physical development.
