Some research has questioned the safety of swaddling,[1] as well as potential effects on breastfeeding,[2] but other research suggests it can provide comfort and prevent a baby from becoming startled. If you decide to swaddle your baby, here is some advice from Durham University's Sleep and Infancy Centre.
- Wrap your baby firmly but not tightly.
- Your baby’s legs and feet should be able to move and bend at the hip.
- Make sure your baby‘s head is not covered.
- If you bring your baby into your bed, remove swaddling so they don’t overheat. Remember to follow safe sleeping advice if you bring your baby into your bed.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- If you are going to swaddle, it is safest to do this from birth – not when your baby is two or three months old.
You can also find more advice about swaddling a baby from The Lullaby Trust.
References:
[1] Basis, Baby Sleep Info Source. A project for the Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre, Swaddling for Sleep. Available: https://www.basisonline.org.uk/swaddling-for-sleep/#:~:text=Swaddling%20can%20also%20put%20babies,move%20covers%20from%20their%20faces
[2] NCT, Swaddling a baby: the benefits, risks and seven safety tips. Available: https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/slings-and-swaddling/swaddling-baby-benefits-risks-and-seven-safety-tips