Babies, Sleep, and Swaddling: Essentials For Busy Parents

Education & Support
Written By Sonya Boersma

Swaddling is an old practice and a longstanding tradition in some cultures. It involves tightly wrapping babies in a blanket or cloth to restrict arm and leg movements. Theoretically, this creates a cozy and secure feeling for babies, helping them sleep longer, but no research supports that. Recently, commercial swaddles have been marketed well. Unfortunately, research demonstrates this seemingly innocent practice can be problematic and even dangerous.

As a parent, your primary concern is for the safety and well-being of your little one. Please keep this page handy so you can make an informed decision about how to care for your baby.

Caveat: There is more that could be said about each of these. This is not meant as personal advice or medical advice. If you have questions, please feel free to connect.

Swaddling Safety Update: A Guide for Parents

Risks associated with Swaddling

Sleep-Related Death (SIDS):

  • Swaddling reduces night wakings, raising the risk of SIDS. It restricts access to arms and hands, increasing the risk of suffocation if a baby rolls onto their stomach.

  • Prevention: Keep your baby’s arms and hands, free and accessible.

Interference With Breastfeeding:

  • Swaddling interferes with the natural process of breastfeeding, and bonding.

  • Prevention: Prioritize skin-to-skin contact and do not restrict movement of arms and hands.

Less Skin-to-Skin Contact:

  • Swaddled newborns may have poorer circulation and miss out on skin-to-skin benefits.

  • Prevention: Have more skin-to-skin moments to help regulate body temperature and form a closer connection with your baby.

Overheating:

  • Over-bundling can lead to overheating, increasing the risk of SIDS.

  • Prevention: Look for signs of overheating. Opt for a light skin-to-skin contact or light sleep sack.

Slower Weight Gain:

  • Swaddled babies can delay feeding behaviors, leading to slower weight gain and potential reduction in milk supply.

  • Prevention: Allow your baby’s hands to move freely to support breastfeeding initiation and help babies signal hunger cues.

Hip Dysplasia:

  • Swaddling increases the risk of hip dysplasia.

  • Prevention: Ensure your baby has full movement of the hips.

Babies Need Their Hands:

  • Swaddled babies, or babies with mittens, miss out on natural self-soothing like hand sucking, affecting their comfort and instincts.

  • Prevention: Allow your baby access to their hands for self-soothing. Trim nails as needed.

Safe Alternatives to Swaddling

Tips for taking care of your newborn:

  • Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket that allows hip movement and access to their arms and hands.

  • Practice skin-to-skin contact for bonding and regulating your baby’s temperature. For extra warmth, place a light blanket over your baby’s back. (Skin-to-skin also builds your baby’s neurons and microbiome.)

  • Instead of using mittens, trim or file your baby’s nails regularly. Occasional scratches may indicate when to file or trim.

  • If your baby does not calm without a swaddle, swaddle briefly while holding or watching the baby, then unswaddle. Also try other comforting techniques, such as back-patting, baby-wearing, or a warm bath.

  • Wean your baby from swaddling by starting with a swaddle during sleep and opening up the arms once they’re asleep.

  • Progress to putting your baby down to sleep with free arms and then free their legs. Finally, switch to a wearable blanket or sleep sack.

Conclusion:

As parents and healthcare providers, the commitment to caring well for your babies is clear. Understanding the potential risks of swaddling is essential for your baby’s well-being. Consider safe alternatives like skin-to-skin contact, a lightweight blanket, or perhaps a sleep sack to provide comfort without compromising safety.

Sonya Boersma, BScN, MScN, RN, IBCLC & Jessica Maitland, IBCLC mentee © 2024, with Lactation Care

Thanks to the RN/IBCLCs who reviewed this. Special thanks to Dr Louise Dumas PhD for her review.

Permission granted to use this in its entirety with © Sonya Boersma, Lactation Care. For other use, contact sonya@lactationcare.ca

Sonya Boersma

Sonya Boersma, a Master of Science, educated Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, is the Principal Consultant behind Lactation Care. Bringing evidence into practice and helping you meet your goals. These are Sonya’s overarching considerations.

https://lactationcare.ca
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Babies, Sleep, and Swaddling: Vital Knowledge For Professionals and Curious Parents