Binding or bundling babies in blankets which restrain their arms and extend their legs, a tradition common in the Middle East. A recent fashion to swaddle in the West has alarmed paediatricians since the result of a study in Australia which showed an increased risk of SUDDEN UNEXPECTED DEATH IN INFANCY for swaddled babies, especially when in the supine position (13 times greater). Swaddling may also increase the risk of hip dislocation.