Three misconceptions about swaddling a baby:

1.    My baby doesn't like their hands wrapped up tight

2.    My baby fights the wrap when I put them in it

3.    They are struggling to get free

Three benefits to swaddling a baby the way I show you:

1.    The hands are wrapped and placed in a natural position (you will notice that your baby places their hands on the chest when you have them lying contented and unwrapped on their back)

2.    Wrap them securely before their nervous system is out of control and over loaded

3.    Once they are asleep it prevents the startle reflex waking them between sleep cycles; allowing for a longer more settled sleep

Swaddling a baby to aid in a settled sleep is appropriate until they are 6 months old. There is much more information about how to settle a baby to sleep and why they may not be sleeping in 'Putting them to Sleep' information CD.

The swaddling technique that I show you in the video is appropriate for the first 3 months after that you can leave their arms free of the wrap which allows them to be able to suck their fist or fingers to self settle.