What is swaddling and what are the alternatives?

[Stacey2313]

Hi I am 20 weeks pregnant and just starting to think about how baby is going to sleep when born, I know I am going to get a Moses basket for them to sleep in but am really unsure what are the best bedding options are. I've heard of swaddling but am very unsure as to what it is and keep hearing about advantages and disadvantages, Have also thought about a grow bag but have heard that they are not suitable from birth. Then there is just the option of having blankets but once again ive heard that's not a good option for a new-born. If anyone is able to help me understand more about these things, I would be very very grateful. Thanks in advance

You can use sleeping bags from birth but only if your baby is 7lb 7oz or heavier. DS took 7 weeks to get there, DD went straight in. This is a great link for swaddling: Hip-healthy swaddling.

I think some babies like swaddling and others don't... My daughter was having none of it! You can ask the midwife to show you in hospital after the birth and see how the baby responds. We used lightweight blankets, tucked firmly at the bottom but folded down low (just above baby's waist) until 3months and then switched to a Gro-bag (the best brand of baby sleeping bag for safety, apparently). Don't worry too much - your midwife will give you all the most up to date advice on safe sleeping.

Many congratulations on your new arrival!

Thank you very much for that I wasn't sure whether the midwife would go into that so Uve set me at rest lol thanks :-D

Just keep different options in mind. With our first we used blankets until he was big enough for a Gro bag, and only stopped using them on his 3rd birthday! But blankets are a pain, esp as he thrashed around a lot with colic, so couldn't wait to use the Gro! Best invention ever as far as I'm concerned! Our 2nd (now 9wks old) is swaddled as his arms fly all over the place and he can't settle. We use a Swaddleme blanket (bought off amazon) at night which I think is excellent!
Each baby is different, you will soon work out what yours likes! Congrats and good luck! :)

Swaddling can be very effective but bear in mind the SIDS guidance recommends against it.

Sleeping bags are great once baby is big enough.

Not at all true from what I have been reading HP...
SIDS and wrapping

Apologies foof if my info is out of date. For what i can see here it looks like the highest risk is in those not previously swaddled who are then swaddled. None of the evidence looks strong though. Probably one of those things that we'll never be really sure about.