swaddling was almost a universal practice .
 
but the technique holds the legs out straight and restricts movement , which can alter the development of the hip joint .
but prof nicholas clarke , of southampton university hospital , said swaddling was damaging developing hips .
the technique involves binding the arms and legs with blankets and is used to help calm a baby and prevent crying .
although not everyone agrees with swaddling babies , many cultures have used this practice throughout history , as it is thought that the feeling of being ‘ contained ’ or held within the blanket can help babies to feel settled or less fretful and can also help them to sleep .
it is thought the blanket wrapping can simulate the feelings of being in the womb and calm the child .
parents to avoid tightly swaddling their infant children .
approximately 90 % of infants in north america are swaddled in the first few months of life.3 a recent systemic review4 concluded that in general swaddled infants do arouse less and sleep longer .