About 90% of infants in North America are swaddled during the first few months of life. A U.K. orthopedist, following a review, has warned that unsafe swaddling increases the risk of hip dislocation. In "safe swaddling" the legs should be able to bend up and out at the hips, thus allowing natural development of the hip joints. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides tips on safe swaddling.
PositiveTip: Swaddling can soothe the baby, but do it right: do not wrap the legs tightly with knees extended.