Doctors in Australia are cautioning against the dangers of swaddling babies due to the possibility of it causing hip problems, according to the Daily Mail and Australia's Telegraph.
The paper reports:
Although the method has been encouraged as a way of soothing babies and preventing sudden death syndrome, a Medical Journal of Australia study says that it could lead hinder the child's joint development and prevent those with 'clicky hips' from being diagnosed until they are older.
It's thought that the popularity of swaddling babies and using swaddling wraps might account for an increase in the number of babies with late-diagnosed DDH, sometimes called 'clicky hips'.
For healthy hip development, babies need to be able to kick their legs with their hips open in a frog-like position.
If you do swaddle your baby, experts advise ensuring that the legs are not tightly swaddled so that your child can still bend and kick their legs.
To understand more about Development Displasia of the Hip, check out the hip health charity STEPS.
If you have concerns about your baby's hips you can contact the charity's Helpline on 01925 750271 (Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm) or send them an email firstname.lastname@example.org.