Baby born with rare condition of fragile bones can die if he sneezes too hard

Harry born with a genetic condition that made his bones so fragile he broke a rib in the womb.Photo courtesy SWNS

Most of us go 'aww' at the sight of babies and we would love to cuddle them. But what if a hug, a tight hug from you can potentially kill a baby?Well, this could be real for Harry Titley. He was born with a genetic condition that made his bones so fragile he broke a rib in the womb. He suffers from rare condition Brittle Bone Disease, which affects just one in 15,000 people.

In medical terms, this disease is called osteogenesis imperfecta. Harry - who spent the first four weeks of his life in full leg casts - inherited it from dad Jason Titley, 46. Mum Emma Clay-Burley, 25, from Birmingham, said: 'You can give Harry a cuddle but have to be gentle and he certainly couldn't play fight like other children. 'I wondered how we would cope and if I was good enough to be the mother. But it was even scarier when it became a reality.

Harryinherited it from dad Jason Titley.Photo courtesy SWNS

The disease is caused when fibres within the bones are not thick enough to support the body.'He may have brittle bones but he has an unbreakable spirit. He's just like any other kid deep down.'Jason, a graphic designer, knew there was a 50/50 chance Harry would have the syndrome, also suffered by his eldest, Joshua, 20. But they didn't know for sure until Harry was born on July 25, 2016 after an x-ray confirmed their fears. 'I'm scared to death at the thought of Harry growing up and being independent,' Emma said. (Metro)

My world came crashing down around me. I was his mummy - and I couldn't stop any of this from happening to him.'The couple have to take care when they pick little Harry up and have ensured there are no hazards for their baby to slip on.

What are the precautions Harry's parents have to take to ensure he is safe?

Harry undergoes two days of treatment every two months at a children's hospital to thicken the bone fibre.Photo courtesy SWNS

1. Harry will never be able to play sport and a coughing or sneezing fit could break multiple bones. Jason said: 'Sometimes I can have a fall and be fine - other times I've lifted a table and broken my wrist - there's just no telling. '

2. Even the seasons affects the condition, like the cold weather can make his condition worse. So he needs to be especially taken care of during winters.

3. Harry undergoes two days of treatment every two months at a children's hospital to thicken the bone fibre.

4. There is a camera on his cot so that Harry's parents can monitor his activities

5. He sleeps in a bumper because it stops him putting his long arms and legs through the bars of a normal cot which is very dangerous.

There is a camera on his cot so that Harry's parents can monitor his activities.Photo courtesy SWNS

The couple is hoping to raise more awareness for the disease to better prepare schools and hospitals for children with this condition.