Swaddling is an ancient practice which goes back to at least classical Roman times: in the King James version of the Bible a passage describing the birth of Christ reads “..and she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger…” (Luke, 2:7). The reasons why swaddling continued in use for so long are probably practical.
It held the infant’s limbs straight as they grew, since they were fixed in position (sometimes with rigid materials such as a backboard) in a very similar way to a broken limb which has been splinted. It was also affordable even by poorer families, and fitted infants of all sizes: the bands could be made from old sheets or clothing, the only fastenings were pins and tying tapes, and as the baby grew, it was simple to add extra bands. And it kept the baby out of danger, because the lack of movement kept it safe in its cradle, and prevented it from falling out, falling into the fire, or being attacked by animals.

Swaddling also kept babies contented – the firm wrapping and the warmth it produced were soothing. But doctors and midwives protested against the practice, alleging that it restricted growth and digestion. And it certainly made it much harder to keep babies clean, since all the wrappings had to be removed just to change one nappy, and the dirty wrappings must have been very unpleasant to handle.