Some studies have shown that swaddled babies wake less frequently and sleep longer than non-swaddled babies. There is limited evidence that wrapping babies helps to protect against sudden unexpected deaths in infancy. However, there is no evidence that it is harmful if you wrap your baby safely.
Babies don't have to 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.
But if you want to stop sooner — maybe you're tired of the whole swaddle wrapping thing or your baby doesn't seem to sleep any better with a swaddle than without — it's perfectly fine to do so. Babies don't need to be swaddled, and some actually snooze more soundly without being wrapped up.
Babies who are swaddled too tightly may develop a problem with their hips. Studies have found that straightening and tightly wrapping a baby's legs can lead to hip dislocation or hip dysplasia. This is an abnormal formation of the hip joint where the top of the thigh bone is not held firmly in the socket of the hip.
Most babies adjust to sleeping without a swaddle blanket within 1-2 weeks. However, it can take longer for younger babies who are still experiencing the Moro reflex regularly and will wake up more frequently without their swaddle.
Babies don't need to be swaddled to be healthy and happy. If your baby is happy without swaddling, that's great news. Simply embrace it! Swaddling past the age of 2 months can potentially be harmful to their growth and healthy development.
Swaddling protects your baby against their natural startle reflex, which means better sleep for both of you. It may help calm a colicky baby. It helps eliminate anxiety in your baby by imitating your touch, which helps your baby learn to self-sooth. It keeps her hands off her face and helps prevent scratching.
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.
If it is warm outside, putting your baby in a diaper underneath the swaddle may just be enough. If however, the temperature is cold, it's a good idea to put baby in a short or long sleeved onesie or even footy pajamas to ensure that baby is kept warm.
Swaddling helps babies sleep longer, reduces anxiety, and prevents face scratching. Risks include overheating, hip dysplasia, and decreased arousal, which may increase the risk of SIDS. To swaddle safely, don't over-swaddle, ensure a secure swaddle, and avoid swaddling too tightly.
You should stop swaddling your baby when they start to roll over. That's typically between two and four months. During this time, your baby might be able to roll onto their tummy, but not be able to roll back over. This can raise their risk of SIDs.
If I have never swaddled my child, when would be too late to start? Swaddling is probably most beneficial in the first 3 to 4 months; an age when many babies experience the distress of infant colic.
If you're wondering how to keep baby warm without swaddle the Lullaby Trust recommends using “light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag.” Especially when unwell babies need fewer, not more bedclothes.
The temperature can make your baby cry. They may cry because they are too hot or too cold. If your baby is fussy because of the temperature, there are signs that you can look for. Signs of the baby being too hot are sweating, damp hair, heat rash, or clammy skin.
Although your baby's hands and face may feel cold, this may differ from their core body temperature. To give you a better idea if they are warm or cold, feel the skin on their tummy and back. Their skin should feel warm and not too hot or cold.
Stop swaddling your baby when they begin to roll over which can happen as early as two to three months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends weaning the swaddle when baby starts to show signs of trying to roll over.
Allow baby to be exposed to some noise while napping. If baby is able to tolerate some background noise, he or she will be less likely to startle at sudden changes in noise or position.
If your baby is swaddled, keep them swaddled throughout their night feeds. Or if your baby is older, keep them in their sleeping bag. If you need to do a diaper change before or during their feed, re-swaddle them again or put them back in their sleeping bag as soon as they are changed.
Many Parents Swaddle Incorrectly!
Well, the most common swaddling mistake is not swaddling tight enough. Many parents are afraid of swaddling too snugly. When your baby is loosely swaddled, she will most likely bust her arms out and startle herself awake.
SIDS is most common at 2-4 months of age when the cardiorespiratory system of all infants is in rapid transition and therefore unstable. So, all infants in this age range are at risk for dysfunction of neurological control of breathing.
Recap on Swaddling a Newborn for Naps
So to answer your question, YES! Yes, you should swaddle your newborn for naps! Swaddles are a safe and effective way to create a positive sleep association and help your newborn feel safe, snug, and calm so they can get all the sleep they need.
More than 90% of all SIDS deaths occur before 6 months of age. 72% of SIDS deaths occur in Months 1–4. To reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death: Always place baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night.