Swaddling (one of the “Five S’s” of infant soothing) is an age-old practice that restricts a newborn’s limbs by using a blanket or cloth and is one way to trigger a “calming reflex” in the first 8 weeks of life. When done correctly, swaddling can prove very effective for helping your little one fall asleep. Swaddling can even help your child stay asleep for longer periods of time—which can be a game-changer in any household with a new addition.

Benefits of Swaddling

While the benefits of swaddling far outweigh the cons, it is still important to swaddle safely. Parkside recommends these guidelines when swaddling a newborn…

• Use blankets that are wrapped snuggly or even use a “ready-made” swaddle blanket.
• The legs should be able to move freely in the swaddle.
• Be sure to watch for signs of overheating in the swaddle (flush cheeks, sweating, or heat rash).
• Keep babies in a onesie or an outfit made of light fabric while wrapped.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends weaning the swaddle around 2 months of age, as babies get closer to rolling over.

As always, feel free to reach out to us with any and all of your swaddling questions/concerns. We want to make this time with your newborn as seamless as possible and swaddling is just one method that may help them feel more comfortable and calm.

Until next time,

Dr. Katie Minton

Parkside Provider, avid runner, and a music lover through and through