Swaddling babies can damage their hips, a latest study suggests.
The researchers found that wrapping the baby up snugly in a blanket can increase the risk of developing physical abnormalities in babies.
The study stated that nine out of 10 infants in North America were swaddled in the first six months of life. The demand for swaddling clothes had increased in the U.K. by 61 percent in 2010-11, reports AFP.
According to the researchers, the findings defied the general notion of soothing babies while swaddling. It reported that constant swaddling can increase hip abnormalities. As the baby is swaddled with its arms restrained and the legs stretched, their movement is restricted. This keeps the hips straight and makes it shift forward maximizing the chances of misalignment.
In Japan, grandmothers were advised not to swaddle their grandchildren. Following this, the country witnessed 50 per cent reduction in hip dislocation.
"Around one in five babies is born with a hip abnormality, with factors such as a breech birth or a family history, recognized risk factors. But mechanical factors after birth also have a role. While many of these cases resolve spontaneously, swaddling may delay this," said Professor Nicholas Clarke, of Southampton University Hospital.
Swaddling can be safe on babies only to prevent their legs from bending up and out at the hips, explained Professor. Babies' legs should be wrapped tightly and must not be pressed together.
The study was published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.
