Experts feel that swaddling can be helpful for some newborns by making them more comfortable and secure when sleeping on their back. It may help ease the symptoms of colic as well. Take care to swaddle properly and securely, but not too tightly. Swaddling too tightly can cause problems with your baby’s hips.  It is also important that the blanket not come loose and pose a suffocation or re-breathing danger to the baby. Swaddling can also cause your baby to become too warm. If you plan on swaddling your baby at home, ask your nurse to teach you how to swaddle safely and effectively.

Once your baby becomes wiggly and squiggly, it might be a good time to discontinue swaddling (usually 4-6 weeks.)

Last Updated: Dec 29, 2009