Later-stage signs of DDH Unfortunately, hip problems can arise in a baby after the six to eight-week follow-up examination. Symptoms of DDH manifest themselves as:
• Restricted movement in one of your baby’s legs when you’re changing their nappy
• One leg dragging behind the other while they’re crawling • One leg appearing longer than the other • Uneven skin folds in the buttocks or thighs • A limp, walking on toes or developing an abnormal ‘waddling’ walk
If you notice any of these symptoms developing in your baby, you should contact your GP or midwife so that the issue can be addressed as quickly as possible.
Contributing factors Unfortunately, there are factors, which can contribute to the development of DDH. Healthy hip positioning avoids positions that may cause or
contribute to the development of DDH. This means that the healthiest position for your baby’s hips is for the hips to fall or spread (naturally) apart to the side, with the thighs supported and the hips and knees bent. This position is generally referred to as the jockey position, straddle position, frog position or spread- squat position. Unfortunately, some types of baby carriers and other
equipment can interfere with healthy hip positioning. Some baby carriers, slings, wraps, pouches, car seats, exercisers, rockers, jumpers, swings, bouncers and walkers, and moulded seating items can inadvertently place hips in an unhealthy position, especially when used for extended periods of time. Put simply, any device that restrains a baby’s legs in an
unhealthy position should be considered a potential risk for abnormal hip development, so it’s a good idea to research the general safety and risks of any carrying device that you’re thinking of purchasing. If you’re in any doubt, ask your GP or midwife for any advice.
Swaddling Swaddling is becoming increasingly popular today, with many parents finding that the practice provides comfort for fussy babies and helps to develop more settled sleep patterns. When babies are swaddled, however, it’s vitally important that you ensure that their legs are able to bend up and out at the hips as this allows for natural development of the hip joints. Your baby’s legs should not be tightly wrapped straight down and pressed together as keeping their legs in this position for an extended period of time may increase the risk of DDH occurring.
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