Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips, or DDH, is a condition that affects the head of the femur (thigh bone) as it develops in the hip joint (acetabulum). DDH affects ~1 in 1000 babies, is more common in girls, babies who are breech, and those with a family history of DDH. 

Symptoms of DDH can vary, with some young babies showing no symptoms all. An ultrasound of the hip joint is often used to diagnose DDH.

Symptoms may include: 

• Hearing or feeling a "clunk" when moving the hips, during a diaper change for example

• Difficulty moving the thigh outward at the hip (hip abduction)

• Leg length discrepancy; the affected leg may appear shorter than the other

• Asymmetrical (uneven) fat fold (rolls) around the groin or buttocks 

• Limping or changes in gait in older children

•   A curve in the spine in older children

When detected early, DDH can be effectively treated with the Pavlik Harness, and less than 1% of children affected may require surgery. 

If your child has any of the above risk factors for DDH, or you have concerns with how your child’s hips move or feel, speak with your doctor.

For more information on DDH, visit:

https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=944&language=English

Car Safety

Buckle up, let’s talk about car seats and how to keep our most precious cargo safe!

We know that using a child safety seat properly can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car accident by 75%. Here are a few key factors in car seat safety to consider:

• Children under 1 year of age and less than 22lbs must be in a rear facing car seat

• Don’t rush to turn your child forward! Rear facing is the safest position in the car for children and toddlers, and some car seats allow for children up to 50lbs to remain rear facing. Check your car seat manual for more information. 

• Children over the age of 4 and at least 40lbs may be ready to use a booster seat and the car’s lap-shoulder belt. BUT it’s okay (and safer) to keep them in a child seat if they meet the manufacturer's allowed height and weight. 

• Children should continue to use a booster seat until they are at least 145 cm (4’ 9”) tall or 8 years of age, BUT do not use your car’s regular seat belt until it fits your child correctly. Regulations for use of booster seats vary by region so check your local legislation to be sure. 

•  All children younger than 13 years of age should ride in the back seat of the car. 

• Car seats need to be properly installed, and straps and belts used correctly, to be effective. 

Studies have shown that up to 90% of car seats are improperly installed!

When in doubt, consult a certified car seat technician. In the Halton area, check out www.hpcss.ca 

and 

https://www.haltonpolice.ca/services/safetysecurity/childseats.php for more information. 

More Car Seat Safety information is available at:  https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/car_seat_safety 

Also check your provincial/state websites for local regulations. 

Disclaimer: We are not certified car seat technicians, and this information is not intended to replace manufacturers’ recommendations or that of a professional car seat expert.