Patient and Family Education
Pavlik Harness
90◦ hip
flexion
3 fingers width when knees
are brought together
How does the harness go on?
To put on the harness, your child should be lying on their back.
• Put the chest strap (#1) at the nipple line. Fasten the Velcro strap in the front
of the chest. You should be able to place two fingers under the chest strap.
• Pull the shoulder straps (#2) over the top of each shoulder to the front of the
chest. Pass them through the top-facing loops and fasten them.
• Place each leg and foot into a stirrup (#3). The bottom straps (#4) should
fasten above the ankle. The top straps (#5) should fasten just below the knee.
You should be able to place one finger under each of the lower leg straps.
• Bend your child’s knees and hips by pulling on the inside straps (#6). Insert
the straps through bottom loops and fasten them. This will keep your child’s
hips and knees bent (see picture.) You should bend the hips and knees to
90 degrees.
• Roll your child onto their side.
• Pass the outside straps (#7) through the loops on the back of the harness and
fasten them. Check the front. You should have 3 fingers width of space
(2-2 ½ inches) between the knees when you bring legs together to check the
straps.
• If you can, take a picture of your child in the harness with your phone before
you go home.
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Pavlik Harness
To Learn More
• Orthotics and
Prosthetics
206-987-8448
• Ask your child’s
healthcare provider
• www.seattlechildrens.org
Free Interpreter
Services
• In the hospital, ask
your child’s nurse.
• From outside the
hospital, call the
toll-free Family
Interpreting Line
1-866-583-1527. Tell
the interpreter the
name or extension you
need.
How long should the harness be worn?
 The harness must be worn at all times. Do not remove it.
 The harness should be worn for ____ hours each day and can be removed
every ___days for bathing.
How do I clean my child and care for their skin?
• Remove the harness before bathing your child, but only for as long and as
often as instructed by your orthopedic provider.
• Put on a clean undershirt and socks after each bath and before putting on
the harness again.
• Some red marks from the straps of the brace are expected and should fade
in about 30 minutes once the harness is removed.
What clothing is best for my child?
• Cotton Onsie T- shirts that snap or Velcro under the crotch work best. This
type of shirt keeps the diaper tight and close to the body without a lot of
gapping. Regular T-shirts can ride up and wrinkle inside the brace.
• Loose clothing can be worn over the harness.
• Have your child wear a bib to protect clothing.
How do I clean the harness?
Machine-wash it on a gentle cycle with a mild soap. Tumble dry using
low heat. Do not use any bleach or an iron.
Best positions for your child
• Your baby should be sleeping flat on their back with their legs out wide. Do
not have your baby sleep in a position that brings their knees close together.
• Supervised tummy time is fine to do while your child is wearing the Pavlik.
• Swaddling is fine as long as child’s legs are not restricted.
What are warning signs to call the clinic?
Call Orthopedics at 206-987-2109:
• If your child is not kicking one or both legs
• If your child is extremely fussy
Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and
legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request.
Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201.
This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s needs are unique. Before you act
or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider.
© 2017 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved.
Orthotics and Prosthetics
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