Why Swaddle My Baby?

Swaddling is performed for many different reasons. Most importantly, it prevents the Startle Reflex, caused by a immature nervous system. By 6 months of age, most babies outgrow their need to be swaddled and can sleep “arms free”. Other reasons for swaddling include a feeling of comfort and warmth when arms and legs are gently confined to the body’s “core” as in the womb, where they spent 9 months growing. Babies also lack finer motor skills and hand/mouth coordination for the first few months of life, making self soothing nearly impossible- and many times, very frustrating after multiple attempts. Swaddling helps to cease the urge of “busy hands” from traveling to the mouth and face where scratching and Rooting can occur.