Swaddling?

[Flowermum]

I was just wondering, does anyone swaddle their babies?

I still swaddle DD (almost 9 months) and thought it was quite normal... Now I'm not sure.

I replied to a post on another forum/site from a woman who was looking for a swaddling blanket for her impending arrival, telling her that I used a miracle blanket at the start but now just use a sheet, trying to be helpful. But a few posts down someone has said they can't believe you can still swaddle at nine months!

Am I doing something very wrong??? I just don't really know what I'd do without swaddling! In fact, I think I might still be swaddling her when she's five, it settles her so easily!

But seriously though, am I impeding her development? Will it harm her hips/joints/breathing?

ARGH!!!

[Beka]

if it suits you and she's not over heating at night then i can't see you'd be doing any harm- all 4 of mine have been flappers and would have screeched if swaddled but if she's happy i can't see it makes sense to change that nor that you're impeding her when she's learning to control motor skills etc during her waking hours.

I've never read any research to suggest it's bad (aside from obvious sids prevention advice about overheating, not covering head at night etc) but I'm sure if anyone has they'll post it so you can make your own mind up.

[Jejune]

Swaddling is great, as long as your little one likes it! None of my babies ever liked to be swaddled (my mother didn't believe me until she tried to do it and my son shrieked and yanked his arms free) so it didn't work for us. But if your daughter is enjoying it still, it's working for you two. I think it's likely someone was surprised that a nine month old would tolerate swaddling! That's unusual, but not bad.

[Erika]

Aoife, Siun has no issues with motor skills, crawls like no ones business and loves standing and cruising! She is the happiest little baby and judging by her poking and slapping ability (:giggle) has no arm joints issues! So I would say BAH to whoever made you feel bad for swaddling. Keep doing it and I'm just jealous that she swaddles so easily. Sasha never did enjoy it and yelled if I tried to do it.

[Kristi]

I do not see a problem with it if she enjoys it and it settles her. :)