Why Your Newborn’s Legs Should Look Like a Frog’s – The Truth About Swaddling

When a long-awaited baby finally arrives, mothers are often surrounded by advice from family, friends, and especially older generations. Unfortunately, much of this advice is based on outdated beliefs or myths that can sometimes harm the baby’s health and development.

One common mistake is tying or tightly wrapping the baby’s legs, which can lead to serious health problems that last a lifetime. Pediatric consultant Dr. Doaa Mansour explains why it’s essential for your newborn’s legs to remain in a “frog-like” position during the first weeks of life and the dangers of improper swaddling.

The “Frog Position” for Healthy Legs

• Traditionally, many mothers and grandmothers believed that swaddling meant pulling the baby’s arms tightly down by the sides and binding the legs straight and close together.

• They thought this helped the baby sleep better by preventing constant movement.

• In reality, keeping the legs pressed straight down increases the risk of hip dislocation (hip dysplasia), a condition that may require surgery and cause long-term disability.

• Instead, a newborn’s legs should naturally stay bent and spread apart, just like a frog’s legs, to allow healthy hip development.

Limited Benefits of Swaddling

• A 2007 systematic review highlighted some benefits of swaddling:

  • It may help premature babies with muscle development.

  • It can keep babies warmer and mimic the womb environment.

  • Loose swaddling (not tight binding) may reduce startle reflex and improve sleep.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swaddling only in the first two months of life, and always leaving room for natural movement, especially in the legs.

Risks of Tight Swaddling

• If done incorrectly, swaddling can:

  • Restrict breathing and put pressure on the chest.

  • Cause infections or discomfort.

  • Lead to hip dysplasia, particularly in girls.

  • Interfere with muscle and motor development.

Healthy Swaddling Guidelines

• Use a soft, wide cloth, wrapped gently without pulling tightly.

• Always leave enough room for the baby’s hips and legs to bend and move.

• Stop swaddling after two months, when the baby needs free movement for growth.

• Never tie the legs together or force them down straight, as this may cause deformities and future walking problems.

✅ Key takeaway: Swaddling can be safe and comforting if done gently and only for a short period, but the baby’s legs must remain free in the natural frog-like position to protect hip health.