Objective  To describe the profile of patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) diagnosed by physical and ultrasound examination, with the implementation of a protocol for the treatment and follow-up of DDH. Methods  A cross-sectional study with DDH patients born between January 2014 and December 2016, in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Ethnicity, gender, birth weight, fetal presentation, affected side of the hip, gestational age, maternal age and family history were considered. The data on the medical records were compared with the characteristics of the general population described on the Brazilian National Information System on Live Births (Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos [SINASC]). Results  A total of 33 DDH patients were identified, mostly female, with a four-fold higher probability of having the condition ( p  < 0.001); the left was the most affected side. No statistically significant association was found regarding the following factors: birth weight, gestational age, ethnicity, and maternal age. The newborns in breech presentation had a 15-fold higher probability of presenting DDH ( p  < 0.001). A total of 21 newborns required immediate treatment of the hips, since the ultrasound showed a Graf classification of IIb or higher, or the radiography showed dislocation in DDH patients older than 6 months of age. Conclusion  Screening for DDH is essential in all newborns; physical examinations revealing alterations must be complemented with ultrasound imaging to avoid the delayed diagnosis of the condition.