How to Use the Hip Harness Pouch
Learn how to use the Hip Harness Pouch collection for safe sleeping when wearing a hip dysplasia brace or harness
Our range of Hip Harness Swaddles and Sleeping Sacks are for babies who wear a brace to treat Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. The extra-wide pouch is designed to fit over a range of different DDH braces and harnesses, so your child can continue to sleep safely and warmly, without the need for additional blankets in their sleeping environment. This guide will help you understand how to use your Hip Harness Pouch.
How to Use the Hip Harness Cocoon Swaddle Sack
1. Lay Cocoon on flat, low surface with zip open and arm studs closed
2. Lay baby on top of Cocoon. Tuck legs/brace into swaddle, and zip up with baby's hands in desired position (by sides, or across chest). The extra length of the swaddle can be rolled up underneath the brace, for your child's brace to rest on if thats comfortable for them.
3. To change a diaper or cool down baby, zip open from the bottom of the swaddle to release legs/brace and lower torso. Zip closed again when finished.
4. Romper underneath the swaddle for warmth as needed
5. To transition to arms-out sleeping once showing signs of rolling, release arms by opening the studs on the shoulders. We suggest doing this one arm at a time over several days.
6. The Cocoon can continue to be used as a safer sleep option once your baby's harness is no longer required.
If your baby does not like being swaddled with their arms in, it is safe to sleep them in the Cocoon Swaddle Sack with their arms out from birth.
Always sleep your baby in a safe-sleep environment.
How to Use the Hip Harness Sleeping Sack
1. Lay Sleep Sack on flat, low surface with zip open
2. Lay child on top of Sleep Sack. Put arms through the arm holes and tuck legs/brace into pouch, zip up. The extra length of the pouch can be rolled up underneath the brace, for your child's brace to rest on if that is comfortable for them.
3. To change a diaper or cool down child, zip open from the bottom of the pouch to release legs/brace and lower torso. Zip closed again when finished.
4. Romper underneath for warmth as needed, and/or use our Arm Warmers on top for extra warmth.
5. The Sleep Sack can continue to be used as a safe sleep option once your child's hip harness is no longer required.
Always sleep baby in a safe sleep environment.
Hip Harness Pouches
Our range of Hip Harness Swaddles and Sleeping Sacks are for babies who wear a brace to treat Development Dysplasia of the Hip
Let’s check the fit!
An important safety element when using the Hip Harness Cocoon Swaddle Sack or Sleeping Sack is to ensure it’s correctly fitted to prevent the product from riding up around your baby’s face. Here’s how you can check you’ve got the right size.
Check you have the correct size according to your baby's weight using our Size Guide.
Put the Cocoon Swaddle Sack or Sleeping Sack on your baby as you intend to use it (arms in or out).
Slip two fingers into the neck hole of the Bag, and onto baby's chest. The material should feel firm and comfortable on your fingers, but not tight to ensure unrestricted breathing.
Check your baby's brace, hips and legs. The pouch should fit comfortably around your child’s brace, with no tightness across the hips. Excess fabric length is OK! You can roll the excess fabric to rest under your baby’s brace, or simply leave as is.
Please do not be tempted to upsize, to get more wear out of the swaddle. A larger size may cause the material to gather around your baby's face. If your baby has their brace/harness removed, you can safely continue to use the pouch if the chest/neck fit is correct.
Understanding TOG ratings
The TOG rating means there is no need for additional blankets in the cot when using this product, making it a safe-sleep option. For older toddler and preschoolers who are 'blanket-training' in a big bed, the TOG rating will help keep them warm if they kick the blankets off during sleep. If using a 2.5 TOG or 3.5 TOG for blanket training, we suggest a light blanket on top to prevent overheating.
Parents can follow the FREE room thermometer and What to Wear guide provided with the product, to layer appropriately underneath to keep their child warm. We recommend pairing this pouch with one of our TOG-rated Rompers, Bodywear or Pajama's underneath (sold separately), and you can also wear a pair of socks for extra foot warmth on chilly nights.
What TOGs do the Hip Harness Pouches come in?
Choose from four TOGs for comfortable sleeping no matter the temperature. The Hip Harness Pouches are available in 0.2, 1.0, 2.5, and 3.5 TOG.
With TOG-rated sleeping sacks, you don’t need any additional blankets in your child’s bassinet or cot, making it safer for sleep. Using the right TOG for the weather will help your child regulate their temperature and prevent waking from being too hot, sweaty or cold.
Extend the life of your Hip Harness Pouch
Your Hip Harness Pouch is made from GOTS certified organic cotton and elastane*, and filled with GOTS certified organic cotton. When cared for properly, this product will last several years and can be used for more than one baby. Our TOGs don't lose their warmth ratings over time, but a gentle fluff up in the dryer on a low setting helps maintain the fiber's loft, allowing air to circulate more effectively.
If you've received a second-hand Hip Harness Pouch, check for loose threads, stable zips and any stretch around the neck before using. Contact our Customer Service team if you're unsure if you have received the correct size for your baby's weight.
*1.0 TOG Hip Harness Pouches also contain bamboo viscose for added stretch.
How to wash and dry your Cocoon Swaddle Bag
- Gentle cold machine wash
- Low tumble dry
- Moderately hot iron
- Dry cleanable
- Do not use bleach based stain removers
Safety tips for swaddling a newborn or baby
Not suitable for use in a 5 point harness. Please don't put your baby in a car seat whilst wearing the Hip Harness Cocoon Swaddle Sack or Hip Harness Sleeping Sack.
Babies don’t regulate their body heat very well and rely on their coverings to keep them warm but not hot. Do not overdress a baby underneath their swaddle and never cover their head during sleep (e.g. with a hat or beanie). Follow our What To Wear Guide to safely dress your baby for sleep and to avoid overheating.
If using the Hip Harness Cocoon Swaddle Sack, when your baby shows signs of rolling (usually from 8 weeks), it's time to open the press studs to release their arms for safety. If they do roll onto their stomach during sleep, their free arms will assist them in lifting their head to the side for unobstructed breathing.
