Why do we Swaddle our babies?
The Comfort, the Concerns, and the Neurological Story
For centuries, parents around the world have swaddled their babies. There is something instinctively calming about wrapping a newborn snugly in a soft blanket, recreating the cosy environment of the womb. Swaddling can soothe unsettled babies, reduce crying, and give parents a much-needed moment of rest.
But while swaddling has its comforts, there are neurological reasons why it may not always support optimal development. Babies’ brains are wired to grow through movement, reflex expression, and sensory input. Over-restricting these natural processes may interfere with reflex integration, motor milestone progression, and later learning.
At Nomad Chiropractic, we often get asked: “Is swaddling good or bad?” The truth is more nuanced. Swaddling isn’t inherently harmful—but understanding when, why, and how we swaddle is key to supporting your baby’s development.
A Brief History of Swaddling
Swaddling is not new. In fact, historical records show babies have been wrapped tightly for thousands of years.
Europe and the Middle East: In medieval Europe, swaddling was common for keeping babies warm, still, and portable. Parents believed it encouraged straight limb growth.
Asia and Indigenous traditions: Many Indigenous and Asian cultures used swaddling or cradleboards for security and transport, especially when mothers were working.
Modern Western use: Today, swaddling is often marketed as a sleep solution, helping reduce the frequency of startles and waking.
This long tradition suggests swaddling meets some deep parental need: to soothe and protect. However, our growing understanding of neuroscience gives us new insights into why unrestricted movement is also essential.
Why Parents Swaddle Today
Swaddling remains popular because it can:
Calm fussy babies: The snug wrap mimics the womb, providing comfort.
Reduce the Moro reflex waking baby: The “startle reflex” often wakes newborns; swaddling dampens it.
Help with sleep routines: Parents may get longer stretches of rest.
Provide a sense of control: Especially in the early weeks, swaddling can make caregiving feel more manageable.
For many families, swaddling is a lifeline during sleepless nights. But there’s a bigger story to the Moro reflex and those flailing little arms.
Primitive Reflexes: The Neurological Foundation
Primitive reflexes are automatic survival movements controlled by the brainstem. They are present at birth and should integrate (fade away) within the first year, paving the way for higher brain development.
Moro Reflex (Startle): Triggered by sudden movement or noise, arms fling out then curl in. It protects the newborn and helps stimulate arousal systems. It normally integrates by 3–4 months (Gramsbergen, 2005).
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR): When a baby’s head turns, the arm on that side extends while the opposite arm flexes—often called the “fencing reflex.” It supports hand-eye coordination and midline crossing.
Palmar and Plantar Reflexes: Automatic grasping of fingers and toes, preparing for voluntary grasp and standing balance.
Rooting and Sucking Reflexes: Essential for feeding and survival.
Each reflex is like a neurological building block. They appear in sequence, serve a purpose, and must integrate at the right time for smooth motor and cognitive development. If they don’t, children may later experience issues with balance, posture, focus, or learning (Goddard Blythe, 2005).
Neurological Risks of Over-Swaddling
When babies are swaddled too tightly or too often, their ability to express and integrate reflexes can be limited.
1. Suppression of Reflex Expression
Swaddling dampens the Moro reflex. While this may reduce waking, the reflex needs to fire repeatedly in early months to integrate properly. Suppressing it too much could delay this process (Lipton & Steinschneider, 2012).
2. Reduced Sensory Input
Spontaneous movements—kicking, stretching, arm flails—stimulate the vestibular system (balance), proprioception (body awareness), and tactile pathways. These are the sensory “inputs” the brain uses to wire itself (Galloway & Thelen, 2004). Restriction means fewer signals feeding cortical development.
3. Motor Milestone Delays
Babies learn by moving. Confinement may reduce opportunities for rolling, hand-to-mouth exploration, and midline play—all foundations for crawling and coordination.
4. Impact on Cortical Mapping
The brain’s “map” of the body (somatosensory cortex) develops through repeated feedback from movement and touch. Swaddling that restricts limb motion may reduce the richness of this map, potentially affecting fine and gross motor control later.
5. Long-Term Learning and Behaviour
Research into retained reflexes suggests that children with unintegrated primitive reflexes may struggle with attention, reading, balance, or posture in later years (Melillo, 2011). While swaddling is not the sole cause, overuse may contribute to delayed reflex integration.
Physical Health Risks of Swaddling
Beyond neurology, swaddling carries physical risks when not done properly:
Hip Dysplasia: Tight wrapping of the legs in extended positions can increase risk of hip dysplasia (Van Sleuwen et al., 2007). Healthy swaddling should allow free hip movement.
Overheating: Excessive wrapping is associated with overheating, a known risk factor for SIDS (AAP, 2016).
Rolling Hazards: Once a baby can roll, swaddling becomes unsafe, as it may trap them face-down.
Safe Sleep vs Swaddling: The Ongoing Debate
The American Academy of Pediatrics (2016) acknowledges swaddling may reduce crying and improve sleep but cautions against its routine use, especially beyond 2–3 months or after rolling begins.
Key safe sleep considerations:
Always place baby on their back.
Stop swaddling as soon as baby shows signs of rolling.
Use breathable fabrics.
Avoid overheating (no hats or multiple heavy layers).
Some sleep consultants promote swaddling as essential for soothing. Neuroscience suggests balance: comfort early on, then gentle transition to arms-free sleep as neurology demands movement.
Gentle Alternatives That Support Neurology
Parents seeking the benefits of swaddling without the drawbacks can try:
Wearable Sleep Sacks: Keep baby warm while allowing hip and arm movement.
Arms-Out Swaddles: Wrap the torso but leave arms free to move and self-soothe.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Regulates baby’s nervous system, temperature, and breathing (Moore et al., 2016).
Baby-Wearing: Carriers offer closeness while allowing some movement and vestibular input.
Floor Play & Tummy Time: Daily free play is essential for strengthening muscles, integrating reflexes, and wiring the brain.
The Nomad Difference
At Nomad Chiropractic, we specialise in paediatric neurology and development. Our approach is not about whether swaddling is “right” or “wrong”—it’s about balance.
We assess:
Primitive reflexes to see if they are integrating on time.
Motor milestones to check rolling, crawling, and sitting progression.
Neurological development including posture, symmetry, and sensory processing.
Through gentle chiropractic adjustments, cranial and spinal work, and reflex-integration exercises, we help babies build strong foundations for growth. We also guide parents on safe play, tummy time, and movement strategies to support the developing nervous system.
What would I say if I wasn’t afraid to hurt your feelings?
Don’t swaddle your baby. You and your baby will thank you for it down the track.
Final thoughts:
Swaddling has a place. It soothes, comforts, and supports parents in those exhausting early weeks. But it should be used thoughtfully—never as a long-term substitute for the movement and reflex expression babies need.
Your baby’s brain grows through movement, touch, and exploration. Allowing those little arms and legs to move freely supports integration of primitive reflexes, builds sensory systems, and lays the foundation for learning and coordination in later childhood.
At Nomad Chiropractic, we’re here to help you navigate these decisions with confidence. If you’re unsure about your baby’s reflexes, development, or sleep strategies, our team can provide gentle, evidence-based support.
FAQs
Is swaddling safe for newborns?
Yes, if done correctly and not too tightly. Swaddling should allow hip movement and not cause overheating.
When should I stop swaddling?
By 3–4 months, or as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling.
Does swaddling affect brain development?
When overused, swaddling may limit reflex expression and sensory input, both of which are critical for neurological development.
What are good alternatives to swaddling?
Sleep sacks, arms-free wraps, skin-to-skin, baby-wearing, and plenty of supervised tummy time.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations. Pediatrics, 138(5).
Galloway, J. C., & Thelen, E. (2004). Feet first: Object exploration in young infants. Infant Behavior and Development, 27(1), 107–112.
Goddard Blythe, S. (2005). Reflexes, Learning and Behavior. ACER Press.
Gramsbergen, A. (2005). Reflexes in the newborn: Their role in the survival of the neonate. Early Human Development, 81(12), 943–950.
Lipton, E. L., & Steinschneider, A. (2012). Infant sleep and swaddling: A developmental perspective. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 33(4), 327–332.
Melillo, R. (2011). Disconnected Kids. Penguin.
Moore, E. R., Bergman, N., Anderson, G. C., & Medley, N. (2016). Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 11.
Van Sleuwen, B. E., et al. (2007). Swaddling: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 120(4), e1097–e1106.
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Updated: 23/09/25
