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Swaddling Practices in an Indian Institution: Are they Hip-Safe? A Survey of Paediatricians, Nurses and Caregivers.


ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Traditional infant swaddling or binding with hips and knees extended is a known risk factor for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), while 'hip-safe swaddling' with hips and knees flexed is believed to eliminate this risk. We conducted a survey to determine the prevalent practices for infant swaddling in India; why mothers practice swaddling and who teaches them; and whether Paediatricians, nurses and caregivers are aware of hip-safe swaddling.

Methods

Anonymous one-time surveys were conducted in three groups-Paediatricians, Nurses and caregivers - at a tertiary-care, urban based, paediatric and maternity hospital.

Results

Forty-five paediatricians, 219 nurses and 100 caregivers were surveyed. Ninety percent caregivers practiced traditional swaddling, for on average 10.2 hours a day, starting soon after birth, up to 4.2 months of life. Traditional swaddling was advocated by 99% nurses and 53% Paediatricians. Reasons for swaddling included sleep, warmth and the misbelief that the child's legs would remain bowed if not bound straight; contrarily few mothers (8%) avoided swaddling out of superstition. Mothers learnt swaddling mainly from relatives (94%) and nurses (64%). Most nurses (70%) had learnt the practice during nursing training. Only 6.6% Paediatricians, 4% caregivers and 0% nurses were aware of 'hip-safe swaddling'.

Conclusion

Traditional swaddling of infants is a practice deeply rooted in India, born out of misbeliefs, and propagated by lack of awareness. Training in hip-safe swaddling targeted at nurses and Paediatricians would be an effective initial step in creating awareness among mothers and changing their practices.

SUBMITTER: Pinto DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7851204 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Swaddling Practices in an Indian Institution: Are they Hip-Safe? A Survey of Paediatricians, Nurses and Caregivers.

Pinto Deepika A DA   Aroojis Alaric A   Mehta Rujuta R  

Indian journal of orthopaedics 20200708 1


<h4>Purpose</h4>Traditional infant swaddling or binding with hips and knees extended is a known risk factor for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), while 'hip-safe swaddling' with hips and knees flexed is believed to eliminate this risk. We conducted a survey to determine the prevalent practices for infant swaddling in India; why mothers practice swaddling and who teaches them; and whether Paediatricians, nurses and caregivers are aware of hip-safe swaddling.<h4>Methods</h4>Anonymous one-t  ...[more]

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