| Swaddling is one of those great things that we | | | | A baby that is swaddles can actually be kept |
| learn when we are still in the hospital with our | | | | from advancing developmentally because of their |
| babies and we'll continue doing as long as it works. | | | | immobility. While most children will wiggle their way |
| Swaddling helps both mom and baby get more | | | | out of the swaddle at this age, they should feel |
| rest, it helps baby feel safe and secure, keeps | | | | free to move about and start experiencing the |
| baby warm, and may even help when a baby is | | | | world around them. The more your child is able to |
| suffering from colic. Swaddling is an art form, and | | | | move around, the more he or she will develop, |
| it's been used for so long because it works with | | | | and the mobility process is already beginning! At |
| more babies than not. So, when do you have to | | | | just one month of age your baby is learning how |
| give it up? Is there a time when you should stop | | | | to move and control his or her body so in just a |
| swaddling your child? | | | | few more months crawling and then walking will |
| During the first weeks of life your child will likely | | | | be a possibility. |
| feel more comfortable when they are swaddled | | | | Babies over one month of age will usually tell their |
| because they'll stay warm, he or she will feel | | | | parents through movements or crying that they |
| secure, and they won't scare themselves with | | | | do not like to be swaddled anymore, so the |
| startle reflexes. But, after about a month or so | | | | swaddling usually stops naturally. But, if your baby |
| you should consider cutting back on the amount | | | | still likes to be swaddled you need to unwrap him |
| of time that your child is swaddled. Swaddling at | | | | or her during their waking hours so they can begin |
| night is still fine at this point, or any time during | | | | to move about. The baby that doesn't want out |
| sleep, but during the waking hours your baby | | | | of the swaddling around this age is few and far |
| should be free to experience the world through | | | | between, but it does happen. Some babies are |
| touch. Babies at this age often start to reach out | | | | just very content to be wrapped and snuggly, but |
| toward things; they can feel the skin of their | | | | it's important for them to begin to learn about the |
| parents, the softness of their blankets, and just | | | | world around them. The only way for this to |
| about everything else in their environment. Babies | | | | happen is through movement, and that can't |
| at this age learn through touch, and it's important | | | | happen when your baby is swaddled. |
| that they are able to do so. | | | | |