Swaddling a baby by wrapping him in a blanket so that his arms and legs are held close to his body helps keep the infant warm. According to the University of Florida Family, Youth and Community Services, swaddling may calm some crying babies. A study of 16 infants reported in the May 2005 issue of "Pediatrics" found that swaddled infants enjoyed more sustained sleep during the night. As babies get older, the effectiveness of swaddling decreases.
Movement
When your baby begins moving around more in her sleep, swaddling may make her feel uncomfortable and lead to more wakefulness. Pediatrician Judith Owens of Providence, Rhode Island told BabyCenter that this happens around two months of age for many babies.
Rolling Over
When your child is able to roll over on her own, you should stop swaddling. A child whose arms are confined could roll over and become trapped against the side of the crib or smother face-down in the mattress.
Fussiness
Some babies don't like being swaddled, according to Dr. Owens. If your child fusses and fights at the swaddling, she may be more comfortable unswaddled.
Temperature
While swaddling can keep a baby warmer in cooler temperatures, wrapping the baby in blankets in warmer weather can make the baby too warm. According to Dr. Owens, an overheated baby is at greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome. She recommends you keep the child's bedroom between 60 and 70 degrees.
