Do we really have to swaddle a newborn?

Question

What’s really the purpose of swaddling a newborn? I’am getting frustrated that I can’t swaddle my baby and even though I keep trying to practice... I still can’t get the handle of it. Is it really necessary? Can’t I just wrap a blanket around my newborn and just keep close eyes on my baby?

Answer

Not necessary, but you can't have loose blankets in with baby. Most babies sleep better when swaddled because they're used to being confined in the womb. It's a comfort thing, not a safety thing. But yeah, no loose blankets.

Answer

It's to mimic your womb and help that transition. There are zip up swaddles if you can't get the hang of folding, I never could fold them right either, but neither of my kids liked being swaddled so I was let off that hook

Answer

Buy a couple halo sleepsack swaddles. They are amazing. My son always slept one arm out from the beginning and then went to two arms out at two months and no swaddle at 3 months. It isn’t necessary but your baby does sleep better usually with it. If you can’t swaddle
Though don’t leave the blanket wrapped loosely on him. Just take the blanket away and have him sleep in a sleepsack.

Answer

Sleep sacks are a good alternative to the loose blanket. Nice and warm with no blankies over their face.

Answer

Read up on the 4th trimester. There are plenty of swaddles out there that are Velcro or zippered. Swaddling really helped my baby sleep.

Answer

Just for comfort and to reduce the Moro reflex waking them up.
My boy hated being swaddled. Was always breaking his arms out so I just put him in a Love to Dream zip up & arms up one and he loved it 😊

Answer

It’s not necessary, but most babies like it. They have been squished in the womb for quite some time, so being all bundled up is comforting for them. If their arms can go out while they are sleeping, it feels like they are falling and it scares them and wakes them up if they are sleeping. 
I love the sleep sacks with the arm flaps with Velcro on them. Easy to fasten and safer than loose blankets.

Answer

It's not necessary but it is helpful to help supress the Moro reflex. There are also wrap swaddles and sleep sacks that do the same thing. 
My baby's hated being swaddled so they just slept free with us.

Do we really have to swaddle a newborn?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products