The resurgent fashion for swaddling babies has prompted warnings from doctors and midwives that it could cause hip problems in childhood.
Nicholas Clarke, of Southampton University Hospital, said that wrapping up newborns with their arms restrained and legs stretched out is known to be linked to problems in the development of the hip joint. Other doctors backed his plea for mothers to avoid the technique or use “safe swaddling”, which allows babies’ legs to bend.
The ancient tradition of infant swaddling fell from favour after links to cot death. However, Professor Clarke said there had been a resurgence “because of its perceived palliative effect on excessive crying, colic and promoting sleep”.
Sales of swaddling clothes rose by 61 per cent in 2010-11.
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