Swaddling seems so confining. Is it good for a babys development?
This question is the main reason western cultures all but abandoned the practice of swaddling over the past 100 (or so) years. Think about how comfortable the baby was when she was in the womb – total darkness, almost silent, snug fit … very little input. Suddenly they are thrust into a world of light where their little arms and legs flail and flinch without control. Their little razor-sharp nails scratch their little face and their heavy head lolls without support. Giving your baby a few more months of some of the snug, supporting, and warm sensations of the womb should not be seen as an insensitive act – but a loving one.
