Thanks all. The harness keeps his hips in the optimal position for development (knees out to the sides) he has to wear it for 6 weeks full time, then gradually less until night time only from 11 weeks, off at 20 weeks. It stands a 95% chance of success.
I am sad, but pleased it has been caught early as the harness isn't that bad (certainly compared to what dd went through) and prognosis is good when caught early. Of 54 babies in clinic today 3 had to have harnesses fitted despite having passed thr clicky hips physical check (though all were referred because of risk factirs - breech / twins
/ family history).
Interestingly being prem (which dd was) is also a risk factor but they don't scan for that. If I could go back in time but keep the knowledge I have now I would have asked for an ultrasound then, and definitely raised flags about her asymmetric leg length and creases. It us likely she had it from birth but things like our sling and exersaucer will have
made it worse. Also if I had known the signs we could have got treatment earlier - health visitor didn't spot it, and refused my request
for physio (which would have picked it up) when she wasn't weight
bearing at 1.
I just think that the physical checks aren't adequate for borderline cases and parental knowledge is so important - as not all hvs and even gps have sufficient knowledge and awareness.
Sorry - hip rant over. Hope all those with tummy trouble are doing ok. G had a little earlier in the week and so I've cut down dairy as an experiment and he is more settled and bringing back fewer feeds which is good news. Haven't totally relinquished emergency chocolate though - needed it today!