Swaddling

[n0ne]

Can anyone give me any advice/opinions on this? It seems to be the done thing in the US but isn't in the Netherlands where I am. Should I bother? How is it done? My LO is 5.5w now - is it too late? She seems to sleep fine without it?

Its a personal pref - some babies are comforted by not being able to move around so much (as they were not able to in the womb).

Really wouldn't if your baby settles without. Most stop at about 6 weeks anyway as they want to explore their hands. Also latest research suggests a link with SIDS and advice is to avoid.

At antenatal class we were warned that disadvantages include overheating (and hence SIDS) and poor muscle development/limb alignment as babies naturally carry their (arms and) legs slightly bent and straightening them out and binding them that way prevents the natural development.

On the other hand they also said that some cultures do it a lot and that if you really want to then it might be fine.

Sounds like you have no need though :-)

Am in the UK and swaddled from day 5. Helped DD's sleep immensely and she slept in her swaddled pods til about 6 weeks. Then we moved into sleeping bags. If your baby doesn't need it then don't bother