Giveaway: Halo Sleepsack

Dr. Charles Price is a Pediatric Orthopedist at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and head of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. He has provided a Q&A about hip dysplasia.

Q: My friend just told me her baby has Hip Dysplasia.

What is it?

A:Hip Dysplasia occurs when children are born with the hip out of the socket or when the bones of the hip joint are not aligned correctly. This prevents the hip joint from functioning properly, thus causing the joint to wear out much faster. When babies are checked for the condition at birth about 2-3 babies per 1000 will require treatment, making it the most common newborn condition.

Q: Can Hip Dysplasia be prevented? What can be done?

A: The earlier hip dysplasia is detected, the easier it is to correct without surgery. Orthopedists have recently discovered a connection between hip dysplasia and tight swaddling. Swaddling an infant has many positive effects, but unfortunately many parents are taught to swaddle the baby's entire body to create a tight cocoon. The restriction of movement in the lower half of the body can lead to post-natal hip dysplasia.

Q: How does undetected hip dysplasia manifest itself later in life?

A: Hip Dysplasia can be a "silent" condition meaning that pain is not normally felt until much later in life. Undetected or "hidden" hip dysplasia is the most common cause of hip arthritis in young women under the age of 50. It also accounts for about 10% of all total hip replacements in the U.S. each year, or approximately 35,000 from hip dysplasia.

Q: Where can I learn more?

A: For additional information on hip dysplasia, including safe swaddle tips and how to recognize the condition in your child, visit www.hipdysplasia.org. 

The Halo Sleepsack Swaddle is a product that provides warmth and comfort to babies without the tight swaddling effect. I have the opportunity to give one away to a reader.

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment with your best tip for getting your infants to sleep. Deadline is May 11th.