Pavlik harness leaflet

Why does my baby need to wear a Pavlik harness?

Your baby has a dislocated or unstable hip. The Pavlik harness holds your baby’s hips in the best position to help them develop. Early treatment is usually very successful. 

How long will my baby wear the Pavlik harness?

Your baby will probably wear the harness for 12 weeks. Treatment may be shorter or take longer depending on how your baby’s hip responds to treatment.

How can I wash my baby?

In the early weeks of treatment, the harness should be worn next to the skin and should not be removed (except in a medical emergency). Do not put your baby in the bath. Your baby should be sponge washed instead. 

To wash your baby’s legs, undo the top ankle strap and clean behind knee. Do not straighten baby’s leg. Replace strap. Undo lower ankle strap and slip foot out to clean. Replace strap. It is very important to keep the legs in the same position. 

The shoulder straps should be left in place to maintain the position of the harness. Clean and dry the skin as best you can by loosening the chest strap a little. Remember to replace the chest strap.
Skin creases can get sore. Take extra care with the creases in the groin and behind the knees. Barrier cream should be used in these areas.

How can I clean the harness?

It is difficult to keep the harness completely clean. The harness can be sponge wiped and dried with a towel without removing it.
After a few weeks you may be able to remove the harness to briefly bath your baby. You will be given instructions on when and how to do this at the Baby Hip clinic.

You may be given a spare harness for changing after baths. The soiled harness should be hand washed with soap flakes, rinsed and air dried.

Can I adjust the harness?

The only adjustment you may need to make is to adjust the chest strap. You should be able to slide your fingers between the chest strap and your baby’s chest. Your baby’s tummy may expand at feeds and the chest strap may be loosened if necessary and tightened again after ‘winding’ baby.
Do not remove or adjust the long straps that are taped down. Do not remove the tape.

How can my baby be weighed and measured?

Your baby should be weighed with the harness on. The weight of the harness depends on the size (see overleaf for weights).Your baby should not have his/her length measured while in the harness. 

Do I need to buy special clothes or equipment?

Most clothes will fit around the harness. A bigger size will be necessary especially vests with poppers. Baby tights are not appropriate. You may need to make a few adjustments to your baby’s car seat / buggy. Put a small cushion or folded blanket under your baby’s bottom to stop his/ her knees being pushed together. You may need to lengthen car seat straps.