Equipment List
Below are links and examples of everything we used and other recommendations
Chairs
Highchair and accessories
We were lucky enough to have been gifted the Tripp Trapp Stokke highchair at Evie's baby shower. The STEPS website recommended this as the chair to have for a baby/child with hip dysplasia. However, you need to have the harness with this chair as the legs, no matter what angle your child may be put into, will not fit through the bucket seat.
Beanbag
My parents bought us a bean bag as this helped Evie have a little more independence and play on her own. It has a harness attached, however, we didn't really use it as a harness, we used it more as a seat belt. Y
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Pocket chair
I had never heard of one of these before, however, my Sister-in-Law had seen them and thought it could work for Evie now that she was in the cast. She was absolutely right. It gives you the freedom to go out and have your child sit comfortably and safely at a table so they can eat. Evie was quite short, but do feel I should mention that we did always have to raise her up with whatever we could find whilst out.
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Tiny throne
This was a purchase made later in Evie's journey as we had never heard of them or seen them. However, I would say it was the best thing we bought! Super lightweight and compact, comes with a slide on and off tray for eating and or playing. I can't recommend this enough!
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More options​​
The Car
The car seat is called Opal by Maxi-Cosi. They offer a service called the Happy Hips Service where they loan you the car seat for a price. It is a fantastic service, however, the car seat, although, not really any other option, is not nice and is not the easiest to use. Please also be aware that this car seat is not compatible with ISOFIX. You have to secure this car seat with the seat belt.
This link is to the service they provide with an explanation on how the loan works and the cost.
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Clothing
I think this is everyone's biggest concern when it comes to finding out your child is going to be in a harness or a cast. However, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Next and George all do hip dysplasia clothing, from trousers, vests, baby grows and outfits and they do work. They may need a little manipulating in some cases, depending on the thickness of the cast or angle of their legs. For children in a harness, it is a little easier. I also found someone through Instagram who was amazing and makes all clothing specific for children with hip dysplasia. Their Instagram is @hiphappyclothes
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Bed time
I was quite nervous about bed time as the cast needed supporting in different ways and I didn't know how we were going to dress her.
The gap between Evie's back and the cast was quite big so we needed to support her with a pillow. After only a week Evie's hair was thinning and getting very straw like from only being able to lay on her back. We bought a silk pillowcase and it has really helped her hair stop falling out and getting matted. It also keeps her cooler. There are endless options on Amazon
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We were fortunate also to have been bought a sheepskin for Evie at the baby shower by friends and thankfully this came in handy again once Evie went into the cast. Sheepskin helps to regulate a babies temperature, this helps due to how hot the plaster makes them. It is like being wrapped in double wall insulation.
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Due to the cast making Evie so warm from her ribs down we only put her in long sleeved tops each night and then used a knitted cellular blanket over the top to keep her feet warm and her chest. You can buy sleeping bags for babies in harnesses or casts, however, The NHS does not recommend you use them for babies in the cast due to the heat.
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Prams
We have the Nuna mixx next as our pram and have always loved it. Evie does fit in it but I don't think it is comfortable for her long term. Our in-laws loaned us their travel pram by Joolz, which is slightly wider and Evie sleeps in it and is definitely much more comfortable.​
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The Nuna​
Bath time
I knew bath time was going to be a challenge, especially as Evie has always loved having a bath. I bought these little bath toys that can work in the kitchen sink, as that was now Evie's new bath. They help to distract her while being uncomfortable and wishing she could dive right in! I also recommend having a jug as it really helps to rinse their hair.
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Bibs
The fear of getting the cast dirty is crazy, however, it is inevitable, despite your efforts, that it will without a doubt get filthy. But, the type of bibs you use can help! There are so many brands but I would recommend Bibado because the bib goes over the top of the tray and offers more coverage.
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Nappies
The most important equipment you need!! You do need to change them more frequently to ensure there are no poonamis or wet throughs. Yo also have to double nappy, this because very expensive. You also, need to size up. Please continue below as I will go into more detail on nappies and the process of how to do nappy changes. I promise it isn't as terrifying as it seems!