Pavlik harness Home care (1492)

Key points below

What is a Pavlik Harness?

A Pavlik Harness is a set of cotton straps. It keeps the hips in the correct position but still lets your infant move their legs.

How do I care for my child in the harness

If your child is supposed to wear the harness 24 hours a day:
- Never take off the harness or change the position of the straps. Taking the harness off or changing the straps may cause the hip to dislocate.
If your child is supposed to wear the harness 23 hours a day:
- Take the harness off for bathing only.
- Remove the harness by unstrapping the chest strap and foots straps. Leave the leg straps in place. The orthopedic team will mark the straps with a marker to show how tight the straps should be. Use these Marks to put the harness back on after you finish the bath.
Keep the harness as clean as possible. Use a towel or bib at feeding time. The harness may get soiled from feeding and diaper changes if it’s not covered.
- You can wash the harness, but it must be dried on a line. It is made out of 100% cotton and will shrink in the dryer. If the harness gets very dirty, a new one can be put on at the clinic.
The harness is worn next to the skin. The only clothing that should be worn under the harness is a onesie. All other clothes should go over the harness.
Car seats. Every infant must travel in a car seat. A newborn in a Pavlik harness can easily fit into a car seat. At about 2 to 3 months of age, the car seat may be too small. Ask your child’s nurse about special car seats for babies with harnesses.
Holding a baby with a harness: Your baby may be held in any position that keeps the baby’s legs in place in the harness (see the picture). Their knees should not be brought together. They should not be swaddled.

How do I care for my child’s skin?

Keep the skin clean and dry.
Check the skin under and around the harness straps when you change a diaper or their clothes. Also check the folds of the thighs to see if the skin is red or sore.
Do not put powder or lotion on the skin under or around the straps.

For other health and wellness information, check out this resource:

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns. You can call the nurse line Monday through Friday 8 am until 4:30 pm at (414) 266-2414 if:

Your child no longer kicks their leg or legs.
There is a strap that gets too tight or causes a sore or open area on the skin.
Your child has discomfort or uncontrollable crying.
Skin folds that get red and sore.
Your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.