Pros and Cons of Swaddling

To Swaddle or Not to Swaddle

Swaddling has been gaining popularity in the last several years, and it is estimated that about 90 percent of babies in the United States are swaddled in their early months. Proponents swear by it, and it can help babies calm down and sleep better. It is not for every baby or every family, though, and there are concerns that it can sometimes be dangerous. Should you swaddle your little one? Let’s take a closer look at swaddling.

What is Swaddling?

An ancient practice, swaddling involves wrapping a baby snugly to promote good sleep. It soothes babies by recreating the cozy feeling of being in the womb. It can also make it easier for them to sleep on their backs, which is the recommended position to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Swaddling can be particularly useful for babies with a strong startle reflex, and it can help soothe fussy babies. Done properly, and only in the early months, swaddling can be extremely beneficial.

Swaddling Benefits

Swaddling is a widespread practice because of its many benefits.

• Swaddling helps babies sleep more soundly. Swaddling comforts babies by giving them the feeling of being held close, and the weight applied by the swaddle can have a calming effect. Additionally, because babies who are swaddled startle less, they are less likely to jerk and wake themselves up.
• Babies who are swaddled tend to cry less. Fussy babies are often comforted by swaddling. In fact, it has been shown to decrease crying in by up to 42 percent in babies eight weeks old or younger. Even colicky babies are often calmed by a swaddle.
• Premature babies can benefit from swaddling. There is evidence to indicate that swaddling helps with their muscle and nerve development, as well as motor movement.
• Swaddled babies don’t need loose blankets to be cozy. Parents who want to make sure their babies stay warm may be tempted to cover them in their cribs. However, blankets can pose a suffocation hazard, making swaddling a good alternative.
• Babies in a swaddle can’t scratch their faces. Babies do not have much control over their movements, but they do have very sharp little fingernails. Consequently, they tend to scratch themselves. By holding their arms immobile, swaddling prevents these scratches.
• It is easier for swaddled babies to sleep on their backs. This makes parents more likely to put them to sleep flat on their backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS.

Can Swaddling be Dangerous?

Even with the benefits swaddling provides, there are some risks, especially if the swaddling is improperly done.

• Swaddling may increase the risk of SIDS. While swaddling encourages back sleeping, which reduces the risk of SIDS, swaddling can further increase the risk of SIDS for babies on their stomachs. This is believed to be the result of lowered arousal. In other words, swaddling can make it more difficult for a baby to wake up, increasing the risk of SIDS.
• Improper swaddling can result in loose bedding. If the baby wriggles out of the swaddle, the cloth can be loose in the bed, increasing the risk of suffocation.
• Babies who are swaddled may overheat. Be careful, if you are swaddling your baby, that your baby isn’t overdressed. Touch the baby’s chest or the back of the neck, and if he or she is hot or sweaty, use a lightweight, breathable fabric for swaddling, or remove a layer of clothing.
• Improper swaddling increases the risk of developmental hip dysplasia. The hip is a ball and socket joint, and when a baby is swaddled too tightly, the ball of the hip can be shifted so that it slides out of place in the socket.

How to Safely Swaddle

The first thing to know about swaddling is that it should only be done in the first two months. Beyond that, there are some tips to follow to be sure you are swaddling safely.

• Don’t overdo it. Babies can’t yet regulate their temperature, but overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. That’s why it is so important to make sure the baby isn’t too hot.
• Use a secure swaddle. You can use a regular blanket or a blanket that is designed for swaddling, but whichever you use, make sure it’s secure. Otherwise, it can come undone and cover the baby’s face during sleep.
• Keep it secure without making it too tight. A swaddle that is too tight can not only affect the hip joints but can also hinder lung function. Using a blanket designed for swaddling can make it easier to achieve the right fit.
• Stop swaddling when your baby learns to roll over. If a swaddled baby rolls onto his or her stomach, it can lead to SIDS.
• Limit baby’s swaddling time. Babies need to spend time moving freely, learning to move around and become more mobile.
• When in doubt, ask. At your birthing location, someone should be able to teach you proper swaddling techniques, to help you avoid risks.

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