Ask Our Expert - Concerns That Swaddling Hinders Growth

September 06, 2008

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Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.


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Ask Dr. Needlman Concerns That Swaddling Hinders Growth

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Needlman, We still swaddle our four-month-old at bedtime, including arms. We heard that this may hinder growth. Is it true? — Nana T. in Sacramento, CA

ANSWER	June 13, 2001


Dear Nana, I have never heard or read that swaddling hinders growth, and I cannot think of a reason that it should. In many parts of the world, infants are swaddled almost all of the time. Often, this occurs in less industrialized nations, where infants may be fed less than their counterparts in richer nations. This coincidence might account for the belief that swaddling results in poor growth. Many infants like the feeling of being swaddled, particularly when they sleep. When your baby no longer wants to be swaddled, I expect he will let you know. — by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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