Swaddling is one of the oldest and most trusted ways to soothe newborns — but lately, it's been caught up in social media myths. Some influencers claim that swaddling stops movement, hides hunger cues, or even stresses babies out.
Let’s set the record straight — with facts, compassion, and real-life experience.
A Personal Note from Nicole, Bubbaroo Founder
When my son Jacob was a newborn, he startled easily — especially during nappy changes and before his bath. One night, as my husband undressed him, Jacob let out a scream and suddenly stopped breathing. I thought my husband had dropped him.
It turned out to be an intense startle reaction that overwhelmed his tiny nervous system. He had severe reflux, which made him hypersensitive. That terrifying moment shook me — and it planted the seed that grew into Bubbaroo. I wanted to create a swaddle that would gently calm, not restrict. One that could help babies feel secure, especially during sleep.
What Happened to Jacob? (Medical Insight)
Looking back, Jacob likely experienced what’s now recognised as gastric regurgitation-related apnea — a phenomenon where refluxed stomach contents trigger the vagus nerve, causing a baby to stop breathing momentarily.
A 1997 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that reflux can lead to vagally mediated apnea and bradycardia, even without obvious vomiting. In sensitive babies, this can occur during routine activities like undressing, feeding, or lying flat — especially if they already feel unsettled or overstimulated.
Swaddling alone isn’t the solution to reflux, but for babies like Jacob, it can help soothe the nervous system, reduce overreaction to sensory input, and improve the quality of rest between feeds.
Myth: Swaddling stops babies from moving
Fact: Our swaddles allow natural movement — they gently contain flailing limbs to reduce unnecessary waking from the startle reflex.
Myth: The startle reflex teaches babies how to adjust
Fact: The startle (Moro) reflex is automatic — not a learning tool.
It’s a protective survival response. While it's an important developmental stage, it doesn’t teach babies about the world — it just wakes them up! Swaddling doesn’t suppress the reflex, but calms its impact so babies can sleep more soundly.
Myth: Swaddling hides hunger cues
Fact: You can absolutely see and respond to hunger cues — especially with our breathable, thoughtfully designed swaddles.
Many babies even suck on their hands through our 100% organic cotton fabric — something we see often with Bubbaroo products. This natural behaviour can actually help babies self-soothe. Plus, cotton means no synthetic fibres or nano plastics near their skin or mouths.
Myth: Swaddling just quiets babies while their nervous system stays stressed
Fact: Proper swaddling can reduce stress, not cause it.
Studies show that swaddled babies often cry less and sleep longer — especially in the early weeks when the world feels overwhelming. Swaddling offers a familiar, womb-like experience that can help support nervous system regulation, especially for sensitive or unsettled babies.
What the Research Says About Swaddling & Sleep
A 2022 systematic review published in Frontiers in Pediatrics analysed 17 studies on the effects of swaddling and found that:
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Swaddled infants sleep longer and experience more deep (quiet) sleep
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Swaddling reduces spontaneous arousals, helping babies stay asleep
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It is especially useful for calming unsettled babies or those with colic
However, the study also reinforces the importance of safe swaddling:
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Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep
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Swaddles must be breathable and not tight around the hips
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Swaddling should stop once the baby begins to show signs of rolling over
This evidence supports what Bubbaroo has always advocated: swaddling can support better sleep when used safely and responsibly.
Why Parents Trust the Joey Pouch & Joey Pod
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Natural movement: Armholes, bell-shaped design, and transitional features of the Joey Pod Transitional Swaddle
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Hip-healthy fit: Bell-shaped design so babies can kick and frog their legs
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Soft, breathable fabric: 100% cotton — no synthetics, no nano plastics
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Designed for safety: Meets international sleepwear safety standards
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Grows with your baby: From swaddling to arms-out sleep with our Joey Pod Transitional Swaddle
Final Thoughts
Swaddling is not about control or suppression. When done safely, it’s about comfort, support, and helping your baby transition gently into life outside the womb.
At Bubbaroo, we know this not just from the research — but from lived experience. If you’ve had a scary moment like I did with Jacob, know that you’re not alone. You’re doing an incredible job.
Let our products give you peace of mind while your baby rests more soundly.
