Ok, So Is Swaddling Bad Or Not?
As anyone who has spent any time on social media can tell you…there’s always something to argue about, and parenting topics are especially sensitive because they are so wrapped up in our personal need to protect and care for our children.
I’m seeing a lot of “anti swaddling” rhetoric lately - mostly in “natural parenting” circles but not always. Let’s address this.
1. Swaddling is an ancient human practice across all manner of cultures as long as there have been people having babies.
That’s because a swaddled baby was calm, quiet, and slept well- which translated to a SAFE baby. We may not have the same “dangers” in our modern world but we do want our babies to feel happy and comfortable and sleep well. Babies were held very tightly and securely inside the womb, and recreating those conditions through swaddling helps them have a gentle transition to learning how to live in the big wide world.
2. Swaddling does not ruin breastfeeding.
This has to be one of the biggest 🤡 I have seen. They are saying if the baby sleeps too well, they won’t eat. I’m sorry but for the most part a hungry baby isn’t going to just not cry from hunger because they’re swaddled, and if you’re properly taking care of your baby with guidance from your pediatrician or midwife etc you will know if you need to wake your baby to give them a feeding.
3. Swaddling does not inhibit a baby’s development.
Swaddling is ONLY for sleeping. At all awake times, they are unswaddled so they can move around, touch things, stretch, practice rolling, etc. When they get a really good restful sleep, their bodies and brains can in fact grow and develop optimally.
Safe swaddling (tight swaddle of arms and chest, on a sleeping baby who cannot roll over yet) is healthy and babies love it 🥰
How about we let moms do what works best for their babies and get some rest without trying to make them worried over every little thing 💁🏻♀️
Follow me on Instagram for pediatric sleep education, free resources, and schedule a discovery call to see if my sleep coaching services are a perfect fit for your family!