The dangers of swaddling and baby walkers on children's bones: a consultant's warning
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Ibrahim, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at King Fahd University Hospital in Al-Khobar, issued strong warnings to mothers and fathers about the dangers of continuing to practice certain inherited social customs, specifically swaddling (wrapping the baby tightly) and using baby walkers, stressing that these practices pose a real threat to the healthy growth of the child's skeleton.
This came during the activities of the “Rakeezah” awareness campaign, which was launched by the hospital’s medical director, Dr. Majed Al-Abdali, and organized by the Department of Orthopedic Surgery with the aim of raising community awareness of foot and ankle health, and correcting misconceptions about bone growth and prevention of permanent injuries.
The thalamus and its relation to congenital hip dislocation
Dr. Al-Ibrahim refuted the common belief that swaddling a baby tightly strengthens their bones or straightens their spine. The consultant explained that this forced pressure, especially when it forces the baby's legs together, can actually cause congenital hip dislocation in otherwise healthy children, as their joints are still soft and developing at this stage.
He added that this habit could seriously worsen the condition and lead to permanent deformities if the newborn already suffers from mild degrees of hip instability, which necessitates an immediate cessation of this habit and its replacement with allowing freedom of movement for the child’s lower limbs.
Walkers: The myth of teaching walking and the risk of deformity
In a related context, the consultant debunked the myth that walkers are effective in accelerating walking instruction, advising against bringing them into the home altogether. He pointed out that global medical studies and recommendations from international pediatric academies warn against these devices, not only because of their ineffectiveness, but also because of their direct harm.
Al-Ibrahim explained that walkers encourage children to try to touch the ground with their toes, which can lead to strain on the Achilles tendons and increased bowing of the legs, not to mention other household risks such as falls. He cited the example of previous generations who learned to walk naturally, correctly, and gradually without the need for these commercial devices that hinder natural motor development and balance.
Bowed legs and the "W" shape posture
Regarding the phenomenon of bowed legs, the consultant classified the causes into three main types:
- Physiological type: This is normal and disappears automatically with growth.
- The type resulting from rickets: its main cause is a deficiency of vitamin D, and its treatment is with medication.
- Pathological type: It relates to problems in the growth centers and is diagnosed exclusively through clinical examination and X-rays.
Dr. Ibrahim also strongly warned against children sitting in the “W” position (sitting with legs crossed backwards), as it has a direct negative effect in causing foot deformity while walking and putting pressure on the knee and hip joints, directing that the child be taught to sit cross-legged or with legs extended forwards to ensure the straightness of the bones.
Advice for parents: Avoid comparisons
Al-Ibrahim urged parents to refrain from comparing their children's walking speed, emphasizing that individual differences are perfectly normal up to the age of two and a half. He pointed out that calcium deficiency is not directly linked to delayed walking, as is commonly believed, explaining that concerns should be directed towards checking vitamin D levels or consulting a neurologist to rule out neurological causes in cases of significant delay.
Parents were reassured that most cases of inward foot deformity do not require special medical shoes or intensive physical therapy, but rather depend primarily on adjusting sitting positions and periodic follow-up, as these cases tend to improve spontaneously and gradually until the child reaches the age of eight.
