Swaddling: yes or no?

[Mrstobe90]

Hi!

I’m currently pregnant with DC1 and have been doing a lot of research on the best ways to put a newborn down for sleep.
I’ve read both good and bad things about swaddling so was wondering if anyone has any opinions or advice on it?

Some babies do sleep better when swaddled. My daughter did. My son was ok in a grobag.

Totally child dependant!

My first loved being swaddled and even now wraps himself in a duvet "cocoon" as he calls it because it makes him feel snug and safe (his words), he's 11!

My second however, absolutely hated being cocooned from day 1. She preferred to have her hands/arms free and again, she's 4 now and doesn't even like duvets or blankets to be tucked in so she can roll out or kick them off whenever.

Personally, I like the idea of swaddling and would do it again if I had another as I think it can be soothing for them to be 'enclosed' again. As long as you don't do it too tightly, there are special stretchy bags you put them in now instead of wrapping and they look great, and don't force it then I doubt it would cause any harm.

I swaddled DD till she was 12 weeks and then she went into a grobag - she has always been a brilliant sleeper. I loved swaddling her it just felt really comforting.
Then we had DS .. hated being swaddled, hated being in a sling, hated being cuddled......hated sleeping!
He sleeps now...thankfully 😊

Definitely swaddle.

DS hated it. Hated a sling. Hated having covers over his legs in his pram. He's 3 now and sleeps starfished with no covers over him even on the coldest winter nights. DD loved it. Loved the sling. Loves being tucked up in her pram.

Totally child dependant.

Both of mine loved swaddling

You may read articles warning against it - this often relates to bundling their legs up which can impact their hips. Wrapping their arms and leaving feet free is perfectly fine for development

Swaddling always worked well for me

I second child dependant. My daughter absolutely hated it. We had a sleepyhead.

Worth trying. My son hated it and would spend the whole time violently wriggling to get free (even as a newborn). But some babies love it!

I’ll definitely try it :) thanks everyone! I’m hoping she likes it