#asktheexpert Good day Doctor, can you please advise up to how many months from birth should we swadle baby both legs and hands or only body by leaving hands free.

Is it required to swadle only during night sleep or full day and night while baby is sleeping?

can you pls advise on this?

Question

#asktheexpert Good day Doctor, can you please advise up to how many months from birth should we swadle baby both legs and hands or only body by leaving hands free.

Is it required to swadle only during night sleep or full day and night while baby is sleeping?

can you pls advise on this?

Accepted Answer

Swaddling is commonly used to help newborns feel secure and sleep better, but it should be done safely and appropriately as your baby grows. Here’s a general guideline:

Newborn to 2 months: It’s safe to swaddle your baby’s body, including the arms, during the first few weeks of life as this helps mimic the snug environment of the womb and can reduce startle reflexes. This type of swaddle helps them sleep more soundly and prevents jerking movements that may disturb their sleep.

2 to 3 months: As your baby grows and gains better control of their movements, it’s recommended to gradually transition away from swaddling with the arms tucked in. At this stage, leaving the hands free can allow them to explore and self-soothe by sucking on their hands or using their fingers. Swaddling only the body while leaving the arms out is a safer approach after this period.

3 to 4 months: By this age, most babies are beginning to roll over, which makes swaddling with arms in a potential safety concern. If your baby is showing signs of rolling over, it’s time to stop swaddling their arms completely. Instead, you can use a sleep sack or wearable blanket that provides comfort and warmth without restricting arm movement.

Always make sure that the swaddle is snug around the chest but loose around the hips and legs to allow for healthy hip development. Never swaddle too tightly, especially around the chest area, as this can affect breathing and circulation. Once your baby shows signs of rolling over, it’s important to transition away from swaddling entirely to avoid the risk of suffocation.