542 13 Street North
Lethbridge, AB T1H 2S4
Ph. 403-328-1144
www.bracing.ca
[email protected]
The Pavlik Harness is specially designed to gently position your baby’s hips so they are
properly aligned in the joint, and to keep the hip joint secure. Since it is almost impossible to
secure one hip by itself in the harness, both hips need to be positioned in the harness. This
does not mean that your baby has problems with both hips. By positioning your baby’s hips
in such a way that the hip joint is aligned and stable, it will help normal growth and
development of the hip joint.
General Pavlik Harnes Tips
•
It’s best to allow the knees and thighs to spread apart. Anything that forces the hip
adduction (i.e. presses the legs together) should be minimized, but the child should have
freedom to adduct his/her own hips. You should encourage positions that allow the legs to
naturally spread apart like a wide V. They should not be forced apart.
•
The Pavilk harness is designed to keep your baby’s hips in a specific position. The harness should not be
removed in the early stages of treatment, even if it is soiled, unless otherwise directed by a doctor. When the hip
joint improves, as it does in most cases, harness can be removed for certain periods of time as instructed by the
doctor.
•
Initially, the position of the harness will be checked by the doctor or orthotist and adjusted, allowing for growth
and keeping the hip joint in the optimal position.
Clothing
• Soft, thin clothing (preferably a shirt or vest with a collar) may be worn under the harness. Occasionally the
shoulder straps may rub against the neck. If they do, some soft padding can be added to cover the straps. This will
prevent any harmful rubbing.
• Body suits or Onezies under the harness work well for most babies. Collared body suits are often recommended,
but the regular ones are usually all that’s needed unless the straps are rubbing the neck. Clothing should be loose
around the legs as much as possible.
Diapering
The diaper should be worn in the normal way but MUST be worn beneath the abduction straps. If the diaper is worn
outside the harness then urine will soak the harness. Urine burns may occur and the harness will not function properly.
DO NOT pick your baby up by his or her feet when changing the diaper.
Dirty Harness
Should the harness become soiled you can clean it by dampening it with plain water then applying some detergent and
scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Do not take the harness off the baby.
Slings
Slings are not recommended because the legs can dangle together. Baby carriers should support the entire thigh with the
legs apart like a jockey riding a horse. Front carriers are preferred and sling carriers should be avoided.
Umbrella Strollers
Babies usually fit in an umbrella stroller but keep the legs apart as much as possible. Sometimes a jogging stroller works
better. Try to limit the time that the legs are pressed towards each other.
Car Seats
Use a regular car seat for short trips. Try to avoid long journeys because the car seats usually hold the thighs close
together and limit the effectiveness of the Pavlik Harness.
Play Time
Regular play time is encouraged. Older infants sometimes learn to crawl while wearing the Pavlik Harness. This is not
harmful. Floor activities, sitting activities and high chair are all encouraged with the Pavlik Harness. Propped sitting
activities are also encouraged.
For playing, lay your baby on his/her tummy, back, or in a sitting position. Do not lay your baby on their side as it is not
good for your baby’s hips at this stage.
Tummy Time
You can do tummy time with some support under the torso so the hips can stay in the spread position of the harness.
Bath Time
If your doctor says the harness should be worn full time then you’ll need to sponge bathe with a wash cloth. Sometimes the
hips are more stable and the child is allowed out of the harness for an hour each day. If time out of harness is allowed,
then combine bathing time, play time and harness washing time all together.
Sleep Time
Sleeping on the back is always encouraged for the hips and to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Avoid rolled up supports under the thighs and allow the legs room to spread apart. Do not lay the baby in his/her side.
While Your Baby Is Out of the Harness
• While your baby is out of the harness encourage him/her to kick. An ideal time to do this is when your baby is in
the bath.
• Swimming is good exercise once your baby is allowed out of the harness during the day. The doctor will advise
you on activities at your clinic visit.
• Do not be worried about allowing your baby to move freely when he/she is out of the harness. Treat him/her as
you normally would. There are no movements which you should prevent your baby from doing although adults
should not push or pull the child’s hips.
• Once your baby’s harness is prescribed to be off for 4 or more hours, it is possible to wash it by hand in warm
water or on a wool setting if using a washing machine. Use non-irritant soap flakes/powder. If you are using a
washing machine place the harness in a pillow case and tie it up to prevent the Velcro damaging other clothes. If
you have a tumble dryer keep it in the pillow case for drying or place it on a towel over a radiator. Sunshine
however, is best of all!