Should I Swaddle My Baby For Daytime Naps?

Swaddling is a form of infant soothing that can help babies feel secure, warm, and calm during the day. But it can be a controversial topic. Parents often wonder if they should swaddle their baby for daytime naps. For some babies, swaddling for sleep can be a great help and provide a feeling of security and warmth. But for other babies, swaddling can be too restrictive and may actually be more disruptive.

Pros of Swaddling for Daytime Naps

• Comfort: A lot of babies may find swaddling very comforting, providing snugness and warmth, a feeling similar to the snugness and warmth in the womb.
• Calming: Swaddling can help calm a baby who is overstimulated, making it easier to fall asleep faster.
• Protection: During strategic swaddling, the baby receives enough mobility to be comfortable while also having secure and safe boundaries that may help protect against unnecessary movements or falls.

Cons of Swaddling for Daytime Naps

• Over-reactive: Some babies feel overly reactive from swaddling and end up fighting it, leading to poor sleep.
• Restrictive: Definitely true for some babies, swaddling can be seen as too restrictive for comfortable sleep.
• Inability to Roll-over: Swaddling can prevent the baby from moving freely, potentially inhibiting their ability to roll-over.

Ultimately, swaddling for daytime naps is an individual decision that is up to the parent depending on their baby’s temperament, preferences, and needs. It is recommended that babies should not be swaddled until they reach four months of age and should stop swaddling as soon as they are able to roll-over.