3 Swaddling Myths Debunked

Ever wrapped your newborn more snug than a caterpillar in a cocoon - only to find they’ve escaped their muslin wrap 30 seconds later? Now, you’d be forgiven if you thought this rebellious (or excellent contortion skills) are a sign that your newborn ‘aint happy one bit about being all wrapped up, but in fact, that’s not the case at all! Here, Ann de Belin, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Perinatal & Infant Mental Health, Tresillian, debunks those newborn swaddling myths …  

1. Babies don’t like being wrapped!

That is incorrect. It’s said that wrapping or swaddling provides a sense of security for very young babies. Remember when your baby was in utero they were very contained but still had some movement. Wrapping also provides this feeling for your newborn.  

2. Wrapping does not help settle baby

That’s an incorrect myth. In fact it can help! In the first three months of your baby’s life they often startle easily during the active sleep state. Wrapping can help contain the ‘moro’ or startle reflect that often wakes a baby.

3. Wrapping is unsafe for baby

This is also an incorrect myth. In fact, wrapping helps to keep very young babies sleeping on their back, as recommended by Red Nose.

Tresillian also recommends wrapping your baby so they can use their hands to self soothe by sucking a thumb or fist.