When to Stop Swaddling

My son is 3 1/2 months old. We are still swaddling him when he sleeps. Is this ok?  He doesn't seem to have good control over his movements and he will wake himself up if not swaddled.  Although, he is getting strong and can kick his way out of the swaddle if given time to.  When should he start having more control over his movements?  Is there anything we could be doing differently?

You can continue to swaddle him at this age. We typically swaddled our children until 4 to 6 months. Though as they got closer to 4 to 6 months old we usually did not swaddle their arms. There is no harm in continuing to swaddle your son as long as he finds it comforting.

Most 3 1/2 month olds do not have well controlled movements. Give him time each day on a blanket and his motor coordination will progress. Interestingly, motor development progresses from head to toe. In that children should first gain control of their head/neck, then arms/hands and finally his legs.

for more on development see developmental milestones.

Written March 2011 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician