Swaddling is said to be as familiar to babies as it is to their mums because it recreates the secure and cozy feeling of the womb - and using swaddles made of natural cotton muslin only enhances that blissful feeling. Muslin is a finely-woven breathable fabric believed to have originated in Bangladesh during the Middle Ages. Its delicate, yet durable weave, makes the fabric stretchy, and therefore ideal for swaddling, as the natural "give" allows the blanket to be tucked snuggly around a baby without being overly restrictive.

The lightweight muslin also permits air to circulate around the baby's body, while still providing comfort and warmth without the worry that the baby may overheat in moderate weather. Cotton muslin is also a workhorse fabric, in that wraps woven from this natural fibre stand up to repeated washings, only becoming softer - and better - with age.

Of course, all the scientific evidence in the world is no substitute for the experience of millions of mothers through uncountable generations: that swaddling in muslin is one of the most loving, gentle, restorative acts a mother can perform for her child.