This page will contain pieces to assist the parents and carers of babies with special issues: for example a child being treated for a Hip Dysplacia with a pavlik harness or spica cast

This site is a work in progress, and so there's not much on this page. CLICK HERE to tell us what YOU would like to see on this page or on this site.

Pavlik Harvesses and Spica Casts

Taken from the Steps Charity website

Many mothers continue to breast feed their baby in harnesses and in plaster. You will need to find a position that suits you both, so be prepared to experiment at first. Some mothers have found it most comfortable to breasfeed the baby with the baby's body resting on a cushion under the arm, a method often used in twin feeding. Others prop the baby on a V shaped cushion. Do ask for help from breastfeeding counsellors or ask to be put in touch with another mother who has successfully breastfed a child in plaster.

Children in these kinds of plasters tend to get constipated as they're spending so much of their time lying down. So once they are weaned onto solids it is best to give them plenty of roughage like wholewheat bread, fruit and vegetables. Also make sure they have plenty to drink.

Most children are happier with small meals and snacks. They soon feel full because there is not much room in the cast to accommodate a full tummy. They may also need less food because they are not moving around so much. You may have to use a bit of trial and error to find the best foods that suit your child.

It is not advisable to leave any young child alone while they are eating and drinking but this becomes even more important when improvised seating arrangements exist. Even with supervision it is best to make sure that the child is securely strapped in if there is any danger of falling. Do remember to check the circulation in the feet if the child is propped upright as the plaster could be cutting in.

Some children are quite happy eating off a 'tummy trolley' ( made out of a padded piece of wood on castors designed to fit your child's shape: the child can paddle themselves around with their arms), with a place mat on the floor. It's probably best not to make the food too mushy, and a closed cup with a drinking straw might help to avoid spills.

Many children prefer to eat as part of the family group. Some parents have found that their child is happiest eating at table level, propped up with cushions lying on their tummy on an old fashioned pram.

Seating: It is often a question of make do and adapt to find seating that is suitable for your child. Some hospitals will provide you with a seat or a "perch". A commercial "hip spica" chair is available, details from Smirthwaite's or you can download instructions on how to make a chair from the Steps downloads page

Parents have found the following seats useful: Bouncy chairs with multiple positions are useful for small babies; Adapting a conventional high chair (usually the wooden type).by hinging one of the wooden arms to make it easier to slide the baby into; A Bean Bag is very useful as it can be moulded to any shape. Some parents have made special chairs, (with castors useful for mobility).

As you can see, the site is not yet completely finished, and so the contents of this page have not yet arrived. Please check back soon.

CLICK HERE to tell us what YOU would like to see on this page or on this site.