käärinliinat

Käärinliinat, also known as swaddling clothes, are strips of cloth used to wrap infants. Historically, swaddling was a common practice in many cultures worldwide for newborns. The purpose of käärinliinat was to keep the baby's limbs close to the body, mimicking the womb and providing a sense of security. This was thought to prevent the baby from startling themselves with their own movements.

The materials used for käärinliinat varied depending on the region and availability, often including soft linen or cotton. The wrapping technique could also differ, with variations in how tightly or loosely the cloth was applied. While once a widely accepted practice, the use of käärinliinat has become less common in some Western countries due to concerns about potential hip dysplasia and overheating. However, swaddling remains a popular technique in many parts of the world and is sometimes still employed by parents for its calming effects on infants. Modern recommendations often suggest swaddling with the hips loose to allow for natural leg movement.