Bracing is a well-established treatment for hip dysplasia. This guide explains how to get started and how to make treatment manageable in everyday family life.
For many families, bracing for hip dysplasia can feel overwhelming at first. It’s quite normal to have an adjustment period at the start of treatment as everyone gets used to bracing. Don’t worry though, most families and kids adapt quickly and bracing usually becomes manageable fairly quickly.
We’ve provided some simple guidelines below to cover the key points of effective and manageable bracing.
Watch our video below for a quick visual guide.
The socks we provide at the initial fitting are a helpful starting point, but they don’t usually last beyond a couple of washes. Over the years, families have found a few simple alternatives that tend to be more comfortable, longer lasting, and available in colours you might prefer.
Some options that work well include:
Regular socks (from Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Target, etc.) – cut off the toe end to create a soft tube-style sock to wear under the brace.
Approximate size guide:
Baby 0–3 months: Child sock (5–8 years)
Baby 3–6 months: Child sock (8–12 years)
6 months+: Teenager or small adult sock
Baby leggings (“Baby Legs”) – available online or at most baby stores.
Girls’ tights can also be cut to length and work well.
If you’re unsure what size or style might suit your baby best, please feel free to ask us at your next appointment – we’re always happy to help.
Most families find that going up one clothing size helps solve most dressing challenges.
Try to avoid tight-fitting clothing. Pants or bodysuits with zips or press studs at the bottom are usually the easiest option – many parents find that Bonds Wondersuits work particularly well because of the wider crutch design.
Place your baby on the change table as usual
Gently pull the bar toward you to create more space
Slide the clean nappy into position
Remove the dirty nappy and secure the clean one
Many parents find that after a week or so, nappy changes actually become easier with the brace on, as it naturally keeps your baby’s legs out of the way.
Another option is to roll your baby onto their tummy and change the nappy using the same approach.
If you’re unsure at first, that’s completely normal—please ask your orthotist to show you during your appointment or watch this video
It’s important that both you and your baby feel comfortable during feeding.
The brace (DBB) will keep your baby’s hips in the correct position in most feeding positions, so you can feed as you normally would.
Many parents find it helpful to sit their baby on their lap facing them, with one leg on either side of their body. Others prefer the “football hold,” which can also work well.
Feeding can sometimes involve a bit of trial and error while you find what feels right for you and your baby. If you’re having any difficulty with feeding, please reach out to your Maternal and Child Health Nurse for additional support.
In most cases, your baby will still fit in their existing car seat or capsule while wearing the DBB. This can depend on the style and shape of the seat. If the seat is very deep or has high sides, placing a small rolled towel under your baby’s bottom can sometimes improve comfort.
If you’re shopping for a new car seat, it can be helpful to visit a specialist baby car seat retailer and talk through your baby’s needs with their staff. This allows you to explore options and find a seat that works well for your baby while wearing the DBB.
We can give more specific advice at your appointment, once we’ve seen your car seat or capsule. It’s important that your baby remains safely and correctly positioned while traveling.
There are a number of normal things you might see as a part of hip dysplasia treatment. If you’re concerned about something you notice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further advice
It’s common for babies to be unsettled when they first start wearing the brace. You may notice some fussiness or a few disrupted nights, especially in the first few days. This usually settles within 3–4 days as your baby adjusts to the new position and reduced movement.
It’s common to notice visible indentations on your baby’s thighs from the plastic cuffs of the brace. You may also see a soft “bulge” or what some parents describe as a little “muffin top” just above the cuff.
This is completely normal while the brace is being worn and is not harmful. These ‘muffin tops’ will gradually disappear once treatment is finished.
The most common area for rubbing is behind the knees. If you notice redness or irritation, applying Nappy Goo (www.nappygoo.com.au) can be very helpful. Alternatively, you can use your usual nappy rash cream.
Babies who are prone to eczema may experience more skin sensitivity, so apply moisturiser or treatment creams as directed.
We tend to see more skin irritation during spring and summer, when babies may perspire more.
If you’re ever unsure about a skin concern, please contact us — we’re happy to advise.
The brace can be worn for checking weight and progress. The weight of the brace is approximately 125 grams.
Review appointments for adjusting and checking the brace will normally occur between every 1-3 weeks, depending on a number of factors. If you notice something that concerns you in between your usual review, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help.
We’re always here to help with questions or further advice. Please make sure you get in touch if:
With expert care and guidance, we’ll help you feel supported every step of the way.
