Swaddling

Swaddling is a practice of wrapping infants in blankets or similar cloths so that movement of the limbs is tightly restricted. Swaddling bands were often used to further restrict the infant. Swaddling fell out of favor in the 17th century.

History

Swaddling is an age-old practice of wrapping infants in blankets or similar cloths so that movement of the limbs is tightly restricted. The practice of swaddling has been used by diverse cultures such as those in Ancient Greece and the Byzantine Empire. In the Middle Ages, swaddling was used in Western Europe to ensure the straightness of the child's body.

Method

Swaddling is generally carried out with blankets. With the baby's body wrapped snugly in a blanket, the baby's movement is restricted, which can help to soothe and comfort the baby. The blanket is typically wrapped around the baby's body to cover the arms and then loosely wrapped around the rest of the baby's body, covering up to the neck.

Benefits and Risks

Swaddling is thought to mimic the safety and comfort of the mother's womb. It has been suggested that swaddling may help to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, improper swaddling may lead to hip dysplasia or developmental dysplasia of the hip, in which the ball and socket joint of the hip does not properly form.

Modern Use

In modern times, swaddling is used mainly in North America and Europe. Various products on the market, such as specially designed swaddling blankets, sleep sacks, and wearable blankets, are used to make swaddling easier and safer.

See Also

• Infant
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Hip dysplasia

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