Document Type
Commentary
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
Abstract
Swaddling, the practice of covering babies to align the legs, prevent hip movement, carries a risk of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH).Correct swaddling techniques, emphasizing hip flexibility, mitigate risks and are promoted globally. Cultural shifts, as seen in Turkey and Japan, reflect awareness of swaddling's impact on hip health. In certain cultures, 90% of mothers swaddle infants for comfort, predominantly to keep legs straight, but traditional swaddling contributes to hip dysplasia risk, contrasting with the recommended technique allowing free limb movement. Proper education on swaddling is crucial, aligning with health benefits and reducing DDH occurrences. Recommendations include routine hip screening at birth, tailored training for healthcare providers, and widespread parental education and awareness on safe swaddling practices to promote healthy hip development
Recommended Citation
Aslam, M. Hip healthy swaddling: A commentary. Journal of Asian Midwives. 2023;10(2):62–67.
