Swaddling restricts exercise/strength?

wonkatalia

My mom was lecturing me today about swaddling LO at night.  She says that babies stretch/exercise while they are sleeping and that by restricting her arms, I'm inhibiting this.  Does that make sense to anyone else? 

I was told while in the hospital that swaddling was best for baby and LO sleeps best when swaddled (has started sleeping 7-8 hours last week at 7 weeks old).  We use the Summer Infant SwaddleMe blankets so she can still kick and wiggle her legs.  DD is only 8 weeks but already holds her head up on her own well and seems to have pretty good neck control for her age to me.  She also tries to put her weight on her feet and stand (with us holding her up, of course).  We do floor time and tummy time unswaddled, of course.

I told my mom that didn't make any sense at all and I would ask my pediatrician next week at our 2 month appt, but I will continue to swaddle until then.  Has anyone heard anything like this?  

MaMaC15

I read that a baby more than 4 months should not be swaddled because of this. Yes, they do many exercises and stretches during the night that helps their development.  My LO is still swaddled. I wouldn't worry about it until your LO is over 3 months. That is what I am going to do.

kelleylk

Swaddling is the only thing that will keep LO asleep at night.  He wakes himself up when he isn't swaddled.  We also use the SwaddleMe.  I love it.  I will continue to swaddle until he can sleep well without it.  I'm not to worried about him not "exercising" at night.  He get plenty of exercise and stretching during the day.

theniquee

My oldest wouldn't sleep if he could move his arms.  As soon as he touched his face, he'd wake up.  The SwaddleMe's were a joke to him, he'd wriggle right out.  We started to use the Miracle Blanket until he was about 4 months old.  Despite that, he developed physically ahead of the usual schedule.  I wouldn't worry about it.