Early treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants is essential for optimal development of the hip joint. Orthopaedists commonly use a period of preliminary traction before hip reduction to stretch the soft tissues and reduce the risk of avascular necrosis. A program developed at the University of Michigan Medical Center allows the infant to receive traction at home instead of the traditional admission to the hospital. This program has been found to be clinically effective as well as cost effective, and less of an inconvenience to the infant and family than the traditional admission. Intensive involvement by the clinical nurse specialist in teaching and follow-up of each patient is essential for success.