Swaddled babies sleep for longer cycles with fewer spontaneous awakenings, and tend to be safer, more alert sleepers!
This study examined the arousal threshold for auditory stress in infants who were swaddled while sleeping. The study found that swaddling promoted sleep continuity and decreased spontaneous arousal and was associated with increased responses to environmental auditory stress.  Conclusion: Swaddling makes your baby sleep longer but also makes her more alert to dangerous situations.

(Franco, Patricia, MD, PHD et al. Influence of Swaddling on Sleep and Arousal Characteristics of Healthy Infants. Pediatrics. 2005; Vol 115: 1307-131)

Swaddled babies sleep longer, dreamier and safer.
This study examined twenty-six infants swaddled and put to sleep on their backs. The results showed that swaddling decreased startles during deep sleep and during Rapid Eye Movement, or REM, decreased complete awakening during deep sleep, and decreased the chance of a small startle progressing to a complete awakening. Overall, swaddled babies slept longer durations and were aroused for shorter periods during REM sleep and woke less during deep sleep than un-swaddled babies. The authors believe that these effects may limit parental intervention and help keep babies asleep on their backs, thereby decreasing the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  Conclusion: Swaddle your baby and everyone can sleep longer and better knowing baby is comfy and safe.

(Gerard, CM, Harris KA, Thach BT. Spontaneous Arousal in Supine Infants while Swaddled and Un-swaddled During REM and Quiet Sleep. Pediatrics. 2002: 110(6))    NEXT >>