Doctors warn against parents swaddling babies

Australian doctors have warned parents about swaddling their babies’ legs tightly because it increases the risk of hip problems.

The wrapping technique, which has been praised for soothing a distressed baby, and preventing sudden death syndrome, sees the infant tightly bound in a blanket so their limbs are restrained and unable to move.

But according to research which has been published in the Medical Journal of Australia, the swaddling could be causing joint development issues to form.

"There is growing concern among the orthopaedic fraternity in North America, the UK and Australia that a resurgence in the popularity of swaddling, including the increased use of "swaddling cocoons" (which force the lower limbs into extension), places children at risk of late diagnosed [hip dysplasia]," the study says.

According to the study, an increase in late diagnosed developmental dysplasia of the hip have been seen in South Australia, with reports from New South Wales and Western Australia confirming the increasing incidence is occurring nationally.

The study says babies need to be able to move their legs naturally and freely as well as bend them in a "froglike" position.