Mothers have been swaddling their babies for centuries.
- Swaddling continues to remain current, thanks to Dr. Harvey Karp, a leading authority on newborns. His popular manual, The Happiest Baby on the Block explains to new parents that the swaddle technique imitates the womb-like security which soothes and calms infants from 0-5 months old.
- It is true that the action of swaddling a baby reduces spontaneous arousals. When babies are bundled up properly, they are able to pay attention to their instinctual calming reflexes, thereby keeping them from flailing their arms and startling themselves, which may be a cause of interrupted sleep.
- It is comforting to know that when babies are swaddled without restriction to their breathing or leg movements, they will sleep longer and more soundly when placed on their back.
