Abstract
Introduction: High rates of vitamin D deficiency rickets have been reported among Uzbek infants. Our study attempts to clarify the implications of the traditional Uzbek custom of constraining infants to a type of cradle known as a Beshik, in the development of infantile rickets. For up to 2 years after birth, Uzbek infants may spend almost the entire day inside Beshik under a full cover and with their body swaddled, i.e. wrapped snugly in sheaths of cloth or similar material so that the movement of the limbs becomes severely restricted. This practice generally prevents all exposure to sunlight.
