Understanding Swaddling and Its Effects on Infant Sleep
Swaddling has been used since the dawn of time as a method to help soothe infants. While many parents, once they get the hang of it, find swaddling to be an effective way to calm their babies, the practice has been the subject of ongoing research regarding its impact on infant sleep, arousal, and overall safety.
Where Does the Jax Baby Company Stand on Swaddling?
Before we dive into the details of what the research shows or doesn't show, I want to share with our readers where the JBC stands:
At The Jax Baby Co. our job is to support parents, period!
We do a lot of caring for newborns and infants, BUT ultimately, we are supporting the parents. We are the best at what we do! We can get babies to fall asleep own their own in their own bassinet or crib when given the go ahead by parents and there is no medical reason that the infant can't. We can hold, rock, and gently bounce a baby for hours if that's what parents prefer. We have stood over many cribs soothing and replacing a pacifier multiple times a night. We have supported co-sleeping and parents who room share with their infants. And we've helped parents get the information they need to make decisions that are right for their family on nights we aren't there.
So many "professionals", and companies, get caught up in the right or wrong of things that they forget that as professional caregivers, with certification and credentials, we are there to support families we work. And, hopefully in doing so we help make life a little easier, more enjoyable for them. Parents receive enough critique and judgement. The last thing parents need is a trusted professional, whom they invited into their homes to help them, judging them. Believe me, when professionals in this field that get tripped up on the "right" or "wrong" of things, it's a slippery slope.
Likewise, as a professional in the area of infant sleep, when a baby is in our care it is our choice to say, "I can support you in X (I feel it's safe or safe enough)," or "I'm sorry, I can't support you in doing X (X goes against everything I know, and I feel it's too risky for me)." We can share information if they are open to this. I can and have said to parents, "Let's see if there is a way we can collaborate and negotiate so we both feel good in our souls about what we are doing here." Parents I've worked with have almost always been open to this and respected me more for it. At the end of the day, reasonable, mature parents are open-minded, know how to work together, and appreciate the honesty and hard conversations.
There are doctors out there, Dr. Greer comes to mind, who go against the AAP’s stance on safe sleep. In my opinion it sure seems to put a lot of pressure on parents to breastfeed and bed-share, while never leaving the baby’s side or putting them down. Often creating unneeded anxiety and fear that if they don't do X, Y, or Z or don’t WANT to do X, Y, and Z that something must be wrong with them, that they will ultimately put their baby's life at risk, or mess their baby up etc. That's absurd in my professional and personal opinion. Greer has repeatedly compared us to monkeys. I understand the reasoning behind it, sort of, but at the same time, nah, it's not the same, [insert "They Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar]. Monkeys' social lives are different than ours, work life balance, not the same. Different. You can see where I am going with this. For me, it undermines his credibility. His research is based on studies with monkeys, and he directly applies those findings to human infants. For me this goes against everything I am passionate about, supporting the unique needs of families with very real and different dynamics than monkeys.
At the Jax Baby Company, if we say, "We can't, we don't" it is often because we know our liability insurance would not cover us in the event something was to happen. Our livelihood and careers are what allow us to continue to do the work we genuinely love. If you are one of the rare parents who have heard us say we can't or don't, please know this is not us judging you (it's not always about YOU/US), it's just another factor we must take into consideration. No different than a brain surgeon or a food safety inspector.
Let's Get on with It, Shall We?
The Benefits of Swaddling
Research indicates that swaddling can have several benefits for infant sleep, including:
Increased Sleep Duration: Swaddled infants often (not always) experience longer periods of uninterrupted sleep. (For many parents this means they can get the restorative sleep they need to function.)
Reduced Startle Reflex: By limiting sudden movements, swaddling can prevent babies from waking themselves up. (It helps suppresses the Moro reflex that startles newborns awake).
Enhanced Sleep Quality: Swaddled infants tend to spend more time in quiet sleep (versus active sleep where newborns make all kinds of sounds, open their eyes, and move about, more often than not, causing parents to wake and check on them often), a restorative sleep stage crucial for development.
However, while these benefits are widely acknowledged, it is important for parents to also consider the possible risks:
Potential Risks and Considerations when Swaddling
Despite its advantages, swaddling also presents certain possible risks, particularly if not done correctly. Key concerns include:
Overheating: Swaddling too tightly or using heavy fabrics can lead to overheating, which has been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).
Hip Dysplasia: Improper swaddling techniques that keep the legs tightly bound can contribute to hip development issues.
Delayed Arousal: Some studies suggest that swaddled infants may have a harder time waking up in response to breathing difficulties, which is why following safe sleep recommendations are critical.
Now, How Do I Decide if Swaddling is Right for My Family?
Maybe the choice is clear for you, great! If you are a first-time parent, take it from many seasoned parents, it is easy to get caught up in the "when I am a parent I won't do x, y, and z," or when I have a baby, I am going to do x, y, and z." From experience some of those hard "yes" and "no" subjects, will stick, but most won't. I promise!
If you're like most parents, this is the hard part. Noone can answer this for you. As parents it's one of those first of many hard decisions. I tell parents all the time. Consider all aspects of things. How might this affect my baby? How might this affect me and my partner, because we ultimately have to parent this baby together, so our relationship matters, BIG time? Is this conducive to helping us all get the sleep we need and stay true to our parenting style? Do we really know what our parenting style is yet or are we in the investigating stage of deciding what works for us, not just me?
Parent-to-parent, professional aside, all of us (parents) have made decisions we weren't 100% sure of. That's 99% of parenting. Nearly all of us have done something slightly sketchy to get some much-needed quiet time, sleep, or a shower.
For example, placing a baby in a swing to get an hour of silence. The baby falls asleep in the swing, and we have to decide to move them to a safe sleep surface or not. What are the risks here? What are the benefits? I assure you there are risks and benefits you may not have thought about or know about.
Another example: Taking your newborn for a ride in the car to get them to stop crying and go to sleep only to come home and you find yourself needing to go inside to pee. You have to make a decision. Do you leave your newborn in the car and run to go pee really quick? Do you take them with you in their car seat? Do you get them out of their car seat and take them inside with you? Do you have someone come out and sit with your baby while you run in? What are the risks here? What are the benefits? I assure you there are risks and benefits you may not have thought about or know about.
Safest Swaddling Guidelines (we have to date)
To ensure that swaddling is done as safely as possible, parents should adhere to the following guidelines:
Always place babies on their backs to sleep, whether swaddled or not.
Use a lightweight, breathable swaddle and ensure it is snug around the arms but loose around the hips and legs.
Stop swaddling as soon as an infant shows signs of rolling over (typically around 2-3 months old).
Avoid weighted swaddles or sleep sacks, as they can pose suffocation risks.
Keep the sleep environment free of loose bedding, pillows, and soft toys.
put baby to bed on a firm, flat (not elevated even for reflux) sleep surface with a well- fitted sheet
keep the room cooler 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit
Worth mentioning, The American Academy of Pediatrics says:
Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Avoid the use of commercial devices that are inconsistent with safe sleep recommendations. At a minimum, any devices used should meet safety standards of the CPSC, the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association, and the ASTM.
The Role of Swaddling in Safe Sleep Practices
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a firm, flat sleep surface and discourages bed-sharing. Parents who choose to swaddle should do so in combination with other safe sleep practices, such as room-sharing without bed-sharing, immunizations, use of a fan for air movement/ ventilation, breastfeeding when possible, and maintaining a smoke-free environment.
While swaddling can be a helpful tool for soothing newborns, many infants can learn to sleep well without being swaddled, and as they grow, transitioning to a wearable blanket or sleep sack is another alternative.
Final Thoughts
Swaddling may help some infants sleep more soundly, but it should be practiced with caution and in alignment with safe sleep guidelines. Parents should be aware that improper swaddling techniques or continued swaddling beyond the recommended age and development comes with some possible risks as well as benefits.
By understanding the benefits and risks associated with swaddling, parents can make informed decisions to support their baby's sleep while prioritizing safety and taking into consideration the needs of their entire family, including their selves.
Lastly, the Jax Baby Company is here to support your parenting journey. You will only do this (have a newborn) a very limited number times in your life. You deserve to do it with rest, support, encouragement, and peace of mind! To be connected on our team and prepare for the most wonderful fourth trimester, don't wait (reaching out to us as early in your 2nd trimester is best) contact us today and let's get started!
Authored by Elizabeth Luke
Elizabeth is the founder and CEO of The Jacksonville Baby Company. Elizabeth and her husband and best friend, Richard are parents to four children. With certifications in Postpartum and Infant Care Support, Childbirth and Newborn Care Education, Lactation Support, and Infant Sleep, she is a wealth of knowledge and has a heart that is passionate about helping parents live their best lives while also ensuring their children are safe, happy, and leading their healthiest lives possible! Contact us today to book support!
Research:
Good website for your own research: CDC, NIH, AAP, Home | The Lullaby Trust, and La Leche League Safe Sleep 7 if you are choosing to breastfeed and bed share with your baby
AAP Evidence Base for 2022 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment to Reduce the Risk of Sleep-Related Infant Deaths Rachel Y. Moon, MD, FAAP,a Rebecca F. Carlin, MD, FAAP,b Ivan Hand, MMD, FAAP,c and THE TASK FORCE ON SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME and THE COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN
PDF of the same above
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