Swaddling, Safety, and the Internet "Experts" Who Don’t Read Studies

Swaddling often sparks debate. When a parent shared research to challenge my stance, I read every study she cited. What I uncovered confirmed something I think every parent deserves to know about safe swaddling techniques. Let’s dive in!

A while back, someone left a comment on my Instagram post about swaddling. She disagreed with what I shared and said research backed her stance.

Fair enough—parenting decisions are personal, and swaddling isn’t for everyone and obviously not mandatory. But when someone drops the “there’s research” line, I’m listening because I like to stay informed. So I asked her to send over the citations!

She did. And I spent the next hour or so going through every single link.

Here’s what I found:

Half of them weren’t even studies—they were opinion blogs (some with clickbait headlines obvi).

The actual studies she shared not only did they fail to support her position—they backed up mine. Which was amusing and confusing at the same time.

One of the articles she sent literally agreed with me and called out how media often skews scientific findings.

The wild part is I don’t think she actually read any of them. She just saw that the title/click bait stances supported her stance. But the actual body of the text did not.

If she had actually read the research, she would’ve seen that the “danger” of swaddling almost always comes from how it’s done—not that it’s done.

I’ll be honest, for a moment it made me second guess myself. That’s the power of loud voices online, even if they’re wrong.

But here’s the truth:
Swaddling is safe when done correctly using proper safe swaddling techniques.
And the evidence says so, very clearly.

Yes, some studies have noted associations between swaddling and increased baby sleep risks. But almost every single one of those incidents involved unsafe practices like:

• Continuing to swaddle once the baby shows signs of rolling

• Overheating or wrapping too tightly with non-breathable swaddle blankets

• Placing a swaddled baby on their stomach to sleep

In one study that’s often quoted online, 7 out of 9 babies involved in incidents were swaddled and placed prone (on their tummies). That’s a massive red flag—because placing any baby on their stomach to sleep is considered unsafe, swaddled or not.

So what does safe swaddling actually look like?

• Baby’s hips should be able to move freely (no tight leg wrapping, which can affect hip development)

• The swaddle should be snug at the chest—but not restrictive

• Always lay baby on their back, following safe sleep recommendations

• Use secure, breathable swaddles (zips or Velcro styles are your best friend)

• Stop swaddling at the first signs of rolling (or even sooner, depending on baby’s development)

Do these things, and swaddling can dramatically improve newborn sleep in the early weeks.

The Benefits Are Real:

• Reduced startle reflex, which helps soothe newborns

• Easier settling for babies who struggle to fall asleep independently

• Longer stretches of sleep (yes, even in the newborn stage)

• A more soothed, calm nervous system—and a less frazzled parent

This is why swaddling is recommended by so many pediatricians and sleep specialists when done properly and discontinued at the right time.

It’s not about being pro- or anti-swaddling.
It’s about being informed, realistic, and safe.

And honestly, that’s the foundation of everything I teach when it comes to baby sleep.

There are so many loud voices on the internet telling exhausted parents what to do—without context, nuance, or science. But you don’t need panic posts and cherry picked headlines.

You need clear, evidence-based guidance from someone who actually reads the research—and knows what it’s like to be awake at 3 a.m. googling “Why won’t my baby sleep?”

Here’s what to do next:

Grab my FREE Night Waking Guide
This guide is your shortcut to more sleep in the newborn stage.
You’ll get:

• What’s normal (and what’s not) when it comes to night waking

• Simple shifts to stretch out sleep without tears

• A calmer, more confident plan for your nights

Click here to download it instantly.

And if you’re ready to really take the guesswork out of newborn sleep…

Check out the Newborn Sleep Course!
It walks you through everything—safe swaddling, ideal wake windows, daily rhythm, settling techniques, false starts, feeds, night wakings, and more.

No fluff. No pressure. Just real strategies that work in real homes, from a certified baby sleep consultant who’s been in your shoes.

Over 1,000+ families have used this course to get more sleep in those chaotic early months—without rigid rules or leaving their baby to cry.

If you ever see a scary headline that makes you question what’s working for you and your baby...Send it to me!! I’ll read the full thing—so you don’t have to.

You’ve got this. And I’ve got you xx

References

Moon, R. Y., & Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (2016). Swaddling and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome: A review. Pediatrics, 137(6), e20153275. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-3275

Van Sleuwen, B. E., L'Hoir, M. P., Engelberts, A. C., Boere-Boonekamp, M. M., Kuis, W., Schulpen, T. W., & Lammers, G. J. (2007). Swaddling: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 120(4), e1097–e1106. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2937