Follow me at@drClaire
When I was in medical school, the nurses in the newborn nursery taught me how to swaddle babies. They taught me how to lay the blanket down and how to tuck the edges around the baby so that he became a little "papoose." Sometimes it worked like absolute magic to calm a cranky newborn. Over the years, I’ve taught parents to swaddle and have swaddled my own babies.
But not only does it not always calm a baby, it’s not always a good idea. And as with everything we do in life, it’s important to use common sense when you swaddle.
Swaddling has been part of caring for babies for centuries — millennia, really. It makes a baby feel like he’s back inside the womb — or like he is being snuggled close. It has been shown to help many babies sleep better. It can be particularly helpful for babies with neurologic problems or colic, or for babies born addicted to drugs.
It also can really help some parents get their babies to fall and stay asleep on their backs, which is what we recommend to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. Some babies have trouble with sleeping on their backs because they startle themselves awake; when they are swaddled, that’s less likely to happen.
But there are downsides to swaddling. Because it keeps the legs together and straight, it can increase the risk of hip problems. And if the fabric used to swaddle a baby comes loose, it can increase the risk of suffocation.
Another warning about swaddling comes froma studypublished in the journalPediatrics, which found that when swaddled babies were put on their sides or bellies, their risk of SIDS went up a lot. For those put on their bellies, especially babies more than 6 months old, the risk doubled.
Although the study can’t tell us exactly why the risk doubled, one can imagine that a tightly swaddled baby might not be able to get her head up if she started having trouble breathing — and if that swaddling blanket came loose and she was face-down, it also might make smothering more likely.
This is what I meant before about common sense. Just because something works sometimes doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone or every situation — and doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think before you do it.
Here’s what parents should consider when they think about swaddling:
- Babies don’thaveto be swaddled. If your baby is happy without swaddling, don’t bother.
- Always put your baby to sleep on his back. This is true no matter what, but is especially true if he is swaddled.
- Make sure that whatever you are using to swaddle can’t come loose. Loose fabric and babies is a dangerous combination.
- For the healthy development of the hips, babies’ legs need to be able to bend up and out at the hips. Swaddling for short periods of time is likely fine, but if your baby is going to spend a significant amount of the day and night swaddled, consider using a swaddling sleep sack that lets the legs move. It may not be quite as effective from a calming standpoint, but it is safer for the hips.
FAQs
It's important to know when and how to swaddle babies safely. Once it seems like they're trying to roll over — often around age 2 months — they shouldn't be swaddled. And all infants, swaddled or not, should always be placed on their back for sleep.
Is swaddling still recommended? ›
Swaddling can be very helpful in the first days and weeks of life. However, it should be discontinued once the baby is actively trying to flip from back to front, which can happen as early as 6-8 weeks of age. “Actually, the goal should be to swaddle as little as possible,” says Dr. Srinivas.
Should you feed your baby swaddled? ›
Do not swaddle while feeding, as this can cause the baby to overheat. Swaddling during feeding can also suppress some of the baby's important reflexes. During breastfeeding, a baby who can move freely can latch on better and nurse more effectively.
Is there no need to swaddle? ›
You should stop swaddling your baby when he starts attempting to roll over. Many babies start working on this move at about 2 months old. Swaddling once your baby can roll over may increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and suffocation.
Is it OK to leave baby Unswaddled? ›
But according to the Contemporary Pediatrics guide, Swaddling 101, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), many babies can stay calm with no swaddling at all. The guide however, suggested that fussier babies can be calmed with the help of a swaddle.
What to do instead of swaddling? ›
Here are a few options:
- Sleep Sacks or Wearable Blankets: Sleep sacks or wearable blankets are designed to provide a cozy and secure sleeping environment while allowing freedom of movement for your baby's arms and legs. ...
- Baby Sleeping Bags: Baby sleeping bags are a popular alternative to traditional blankets.
A common question is whether parents should swaddle their babies. The AAP recommends that parents swaddle their baby if they would like to, following the proper guidance.
Do doctors recommend swaddling? ›
Swaddling can be safe when done correctly. It can help babies sleep better and may be especially helpful with babies born with brain conditions, colic, or an alcohol addiction. It's important to remember that babies don't have to be swaddled, but if they are, loose blankets should be avoided.
Why do Americans swaddle babies? ›
That's because newborns tend to startle themselves in their sleep, flailing their arms and waking themselves up. Swaddling keeps those little limbs glued to their sides and, hopefully, gives mom and dad a little more shut-eye.
Is it OK to leave baby swaddled all night? ›
Swaddling for short periods of time is likely fine, but if your baby is going to spend a significant amount of the day and night swaddled, consider using a swaddling sleep sack that lets the legs move. It may not be quite as effective from a calming standpoint, but it is safer for the hips.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents keep their babies swaddled for 12–20 hours per day for the first few weeks after birth. This relaxes babies. Swaddling a baby correctly also protects her from overheating, injuries and sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.
Do babies sleep better swaddled or Unswaddled? ›
One study showed that swaddled babies 2 months or younger slept more deeply, startled less often, and fell back asleep more easily than babies who weren't wrapped. Swaddling may also help reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies from rolling over onto their stomachs.
Is swaddling not recommended anymore? ›
There isn't a universal age for coming out of the swaddle; instead, you'll want to stop swaddling when your little one is showing signs of rolling. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)(1), we typically see babies begin to roll around 3-4 months.
Why shouldn't you swaddle? ›
Some child care centers may have a policy against swaddling infants in their care. This is because of the increased risks of SIDS or suffocation if the baby rolls over while swaddled, in addition to the other risks of overheating and hip dysplasia.
What happens if babies are not swaddled? ›
Babies that are not swaddled don't sleep as well as babies who are. A newborn has a very strong reflex called the Moro reflex that is also known as the startle reflex. The slightest movement of the baby's arm or leg can activate the reflex and startle the baby to the point of them being wide awake and screaming.
Do babies sleep better swaddled or not? ›
One study showed that swaddled babies 2 months or younger slept more deeply, startled less often, and fell back asleep more easily than babies who weren't wrapped. Swaddling may also help reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies from rolling over onto their stomachs.
Do newborns' arms have to be swaddled? ›
Leave the arms free or the hands by the face: Some babies prefer to have their arms free, while others find it calming to have their hands near their faces. Make sure baby is not too warm: Swaddling should be done to help your infant feel secure, not to keep them warm.
Will baby get used to sleeping without swaddle? ›
Most babies adjust to sleeping without a swaddle blanket within 1-2 weeks.
How to stop startle reflex without swaddling? ›
A: To stop the Moro reflex without swaddling, you can try creating a calm and soothing environment for the baby, using gentle touch and rhythmic movements and gradually introducing more self-soothing techniques as they grow.
