Swaddling your baby is a tradition practiced for centuries. Many people believe it helps babies feel warm, secure, and protected.

Before you swaddle your baby, understand both the advantages and the possible risks.

Benefits of Swaddling Your Baby

Before you leave the hospital, a midwife or nurse will usually show you how to swaddle correctly. The main idea is to give your little one comfort and a sense of safety similar to the womb.

With the proper technique and approach, swaddling can offer several benefits, including:

• Helping protect a baby from the natural startle reflex so they are more likely to sleep soundly

• Soothing a colicky baby

• Easing anxiety by mimicking a mother’s gentle touch, which helps babies learn to self-soothe

• Keeping hands away from the face to reduce scratching of the face or scalp

• Supporting longer and better sleep

• Helping reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies away from items such as pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys

• Encouraging babies to sleep on their backs

Risks of Swaddling Babies

Some people question swaddling because of potential risks to babies, such as:

• Swaddling too tightly can limit movement and affect babies' developments. Repeatedly pressing and straightening the legs can increase the risk of hip dysplasia.

• Incorrect swaddling can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

• Swaddling may reduce time spent playing and engaging in activities other than sleep. Spending more time asleep may also contribute to a higher SIDS risk.

Tips for Safely Swaddling Babies

Many caregivers still view swaddling as safe when done correctly. Remember to stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of trying to roll.

Newborns are the group that benefits from swaddling. When babies reach 2 months old, or show signs of rolling, allow them to move freely without a swaddle.

Follow these tips to swaddle your baby safely:

• Use a thin, lightweight blanket to prevent overheating.

• Keep the head uncovered and avoid swaddling up to the upper shoulders.

• Always place a swaddled baby on their back.

• Do not swaddle if the baby shows signs of rolling onto the side.

• Swaddle only newborns and stop by 2 months old, when the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) increases.

• Wrap snugly but not tightly so the legs, feet, and hips can move freely.

• Check your baby’s temperature often, since overheating can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Each baby grows at a different pace. Some babies show an interest in rolling as early as 3 weeks old. At that point, a swaddle may no longer be needed.

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