Function:

The Pavlik harness is specially designed to gently position your baby’s hips so they are aligned in the joint, and to keep the hip joint secure. It is typically used to treat babies from birth to six months of age.

Since it is almost impossible to secure one hip by itself in the harness, both hips need to be positioned in the harness even if there is a problem with only one hip. By positioning your baby’s hips in such a way that the hip joint is aligned and stable, it will help normal growth and development of the hip joint. There are several reasons why the harness needs to be used and the doctor will explain to you why it is necessary for your baby to be in one.