Swaddling, the practice of tightly wrapping infants in cloth, has a long and varied history, deeply embedded in the socio-cultural fabrics of numerous societies across Europe, especially during medieval times. This article aims to analyse the implications of swaddling on the skeletal development of medieval infants, with a focus on the osteolytic conditions observed in archaeological studies.
The Origins and Persistence of Swaddling Practices
The origins of swaddling can be traced back to ancient civilisations, with written accounts highlighting its practice as far back as the Roman era. Roman texts indicate that infants were swaddled immediately after their first bath, ostensibly to prevent physical deformities. Soranus of Ephesus, a prominent medical figure of the time, advised that swaddling should continue until an infant’s body was sufficiently strong, typically recommending the removal of swaddling bands around 40 to 60 days post-birth. However, differing opinions existed; Plato suggested extending the practice until the child reached two years of age.
This method continued through the medieval period, as illustrated by the works of the 13th-century encyclopaedist Bartholomew the Englishman, who echoed earlier sentiments regarding swaddling’s role in promoting healthy growth and preventing deformities. Indeed, evidence suggests that infants were often swaddled for prolonged periods, sometimes until the age of one or more.
The Biological Impact of Swaddling on Infant Skeletons
The infant Jesus is often portrayed in swaddled clothing, such as this painting by Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506)
Recent archaeological investigations have facilitated a more detailed understanding of the physical impacts of swaddling on medieval infants. A notable focus of this research has been the presence or absence of osteolytic lesions in the bicipital tuberosity of the radius, a condition previously studied extensively in biomedical literature. These studies report a significant correlation between immobilisation and osteolysis, characterised by decreased bone volume and altered surface morphology.
A 2018 doctoral thesis by Caroline Partiot from the University of Bordeaux, analysing the skeletal remains of infants from three different burial sites – two in France and one in Sudan. Her research offers compelling evidence supporting the hypothesis that swaddling significantly impacted medieval European infants. The study found that only the medieval children from Western France exhibited skeletal deformations, most likely due to the widespread use of swaddling. These deformations were absent in the remains of infants who died before reaching full term, further reinforcing the idea that prolonged immobilisation during early life contributed to these skeletal changes.
In our own archaeological corpus, we noted that the absence of osteolytic involvement of the bicipital tuberosity was particularly common among infants and younger individuals, whereas these conditions emerged progressively in older individuals aged around 42 months and older. This pattern suggests a potential connection between the immobilisation stemming from swaddling practices and the observed skeletal changes.
Two compelling arguments emerge from this analysis. First, the physiological similarities between the osteolytic conditions observed in our archaeological findings and those reported in biomedical studies suggest a shared mechanism related to immobilisation. Second, the exclusive occurrence of these skeletal changes in older individuals supports the hypothesis that swaddling may have enforced a restricted range of motion during the crucial early months of life, potentially leading to adverse skeletal development.
Cultural Beliefs, Infant Care, and the Evolution of Swaddling
Portrait of Swaddled Twins: The Early-Deceased Children of Jacob de Graeff and Aeltge Boelens, created in the year 1617 – Rijksmuseum / Wikimedia Commons
The widespread adoption of swaddling practices in medieval Europe had significant implications for infant care. While it aimed to protect infants from potential deformities and promote proper development, the implications on natural movement and skeletal health raise critical questions regarding the long-term impacts of such cultural practices. For example, Mauriceau’s 17th-century observations highlight societal fears of deformity and a rigid adherence to swaddling to ensure a ‘proper’ form.
Despite emerging critiques of swaddling from the 18th century onwards—pointing out its potential to deform infants if done excessively—the practice persisted across generations. Even in the mid-20th century, swaddling remained commonplace in rural French communities, emphasising the deeply ingrained nature of this custom.
Conclusion: Cultural Traditions and Biological Consequences
The historical practice of swaddling reflects a complex interplay between cultural beliefs and biological realities. While intended to safeguard infant health, swaddling potentially contributed to adverse skeletal development outcomes, particularly concerning osteolytic conditions observed in archaeological findings. The 2018 study by Caroline Partiot further confirms the distinct impact of this practice in medieval Western Europe, suggesting that cultural traditions had tangible effects on physiological development.
Future research that further investigates the ramifications of early immobilisation on long-term health can help elucidate the impacts of cultural practices such as swaddling, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of medieval childhood and its implications for human biology.
Dr Lorris Chevalier, who has a Ph.D. in medieval literature, is a historical advisor for movies, including The Last Duel and Napoleon. Click here to view his website.
By Lorris Chevalier
Swaddling, the practice of tightly wrapping infants in cloth, has a long and varied history, deeply embedded in the socio-cultural fabrics of numerous societies across Europe, especially during medieval times. This article aims to analyse the implications of swaddling on the skeletal development of medieval infants, with a focus on the osteolytic conditions observed in archaeological studies.
The Origins and Persistence of Swaddling Practices
The origins of swaddling can be traced back to ancient civilisations, with written accounts highlighting its practice as far back as the Roman era. Roman texts indicate that infants were swaddled immediately after their first bath, ostensibly to prevent physical deformities. Soranus of Ephesus, a prominent medical figure of the time, advised that swaddling should continue until an infant’s body was sufficiently strong, typically recommending the removal of swaddling bands around 40 to 60 days post-birth. However, differing opinions existed; Plato suggested extending the practice until the child reached two years of age.
This method continued through the medieval period, as illustrated by the works of the 13th-century encyclopaedist Bartholomew the Englishman, who echoed earlier sentiments regarding swaddling’s role in promoting healthy growth and preventing deformities. Indeed, evidence suggests that infants were often swaddled for prolonged periods, sometimes until the age of one or more.
The Biological Impact of Swaddling on Infant Skeletons
Recent archaeological investigations have facilitated a more detailed understanding of the physical impacts of swaddling on medieval infants. A notable focus of this research has been the presence or absence of osteolytic lesions in the bicipital tuberosity of the radius, a condition previously studied extensively in biomedical literature. These studies report a significant correlation between immobilisation and osteolysis, characterised by decreased bone volume and altered surface morphology.
A 2018 doctoral thesis by Caroline Partiot from the University of Bordeaux, analysing the skeletal remains of infants from three different burial sites – two in France and one in Sudan. Her research offers compelling evidence supporting the hypothesis that swaddling significantly impacted medieval European infants. The study found that only the medieval children from Western France exhibited skeletal deformations, most likely due to the widespread use of swaddling. These deformations were absent in the remains of infants who died before reaching full term, further reinforcing the idea that prolonged immobilisation during early life contributed to these skeletal changes.
In our own archaeological corpus, we noted that the absence of osteolytic involvement of the bicipital tuberosity was particularly common among infants and younger individuals, whereas these conditions emerged progressively in older individuals aged around 42 months and older. This pattern suggests a potential connection between the immobilisation stemming from swaddling practices and the observed skeletal changes.
Two compelling arguments emerge from this analysis. First, the physiological similarities between the osteolytic conditions observed in our archaeological findings and those reported in biomedical studies suggest a shared mechanism related to immobilisation. Second, the exclusive occurrence of these skeletal changes in older individuals supports the hypothesis that swaddling may have enforced a restricted range of motion during the crucial early months of life, potentially leading to adverse skeletal development.
Cultural Beliefs, Infant Care, and the Evolution of Swaddling
The widespread adoption of swaddling practices in medieval Europe had significant implications for infant care. While it aimed to protect infants from potential deformities and promote proper development, the implications on natural movement and skeletal health raise critical questions regarding the long-term impacts of such cultural practices. For example, Mauriceau’s 17th-century observations highlight societal fears of deformity and a rigid adherence to swaddling to ensure a ‘proper’ form.
Despite emerging critiques of swaddling from the 18th century onwards—pointing out its potential to deform infants if done excessively—the practice persisted across generations. Even in the mid-20th century, swaddling remained commonplace in rural French communities, emphasising the deeply ingrained nature of this custom.
Conclusion: Cultural Traditions and Biological Consequences
The historical practice of swaddling reflects a complex interplay between cultural beliefs and biological realities. While intended to safeguard infant health, swaddling potentially contributed to adverse skeletal development outcomes, particularly concerning osteolytic conditions observed in archaeological findings. The 2018 study by Caroline Partiot further confirms the distinct impact of this practice in medieval Western Europe, suggesting that cultural traditions had tangible effects on physiological development.
Future research that further investigates the ramifications of early immobilisation on long-term health can help elucidate the impacts of cultural practices such as swaddling, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of medieval childhood and its implications for human biology.
You can learn more in Caroline Partiot’s thesis, Diversité biologique des enfants décédés en période périnatale et traitements funéraires au Kerma classique Les exemples de la nécropole 8B-51 (Kerma classique, Soudan) et des cimetières de Blandy-les Tours (Xe -XII e siècle, France) et de Provins (XIIIe -XVIIIe siècle, France), which was completed at the University of Bordeaux in 2018. Partiot is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Austrian Archaeological Institute at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. You can also follow her on Bluesky.
Dr Lorris Chevalier, who has a Ph.D. in medieval literature, is a historical advisor for movies, including The Last Duel and Napoleon. Click here to view his website.
Click here to read more from Lorris Chevalier
Top Image: Swaddled baby in cradle. 15th century Medical Recipe Collection, England – Wellcome MS 5262 fol. 7v. Credit: Wellcome Library, London.
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