What is the importance of swaddling a baby?

No, he doesn't need it. It is useful for some babies who still prefer to be cuddled up like in the womb and it helps them sleep. If he prefers to stretch out then he doesn't need to be swadlled. I only swaddled my daughter for about a week and she hated it so I stopped. Congrats!

Nope, not if he hates it. Some babies love it, others despise it.

If your baby hates being swaddled, it isn't important. Swaddling isn't for a baby's safety, it's for his comfort. Swaddling somewhat mimics the tight, cramped quarters of the uterus, thereby making baby feel safe and secure. For some babies, swaddling is a must...they are instantly calmed and soothed by it, and some even enjoy it well past the newborn stage. For others, it's just a needless restriction...they'd rather sprawl out and enjoy their new-found freedom.

It's only recommended to swaddle for the first month or so, anyway, as by that point most infants are strong enough to kick off the blanket. That IS a safety issue, since a loose blanket in a crib with a tiny baby is not a good thing. So, if your son doesn't like to be swaddled, don't force the issue.

Best of luck!

It is not important if your son does not like it. My son in the delivery room flipped out when he was wrapped up. When my sister came down to see him when he was a week old she went to swaddle him since she is a labor and delivery nurse. I just watched and laughed. He again started flipping out. Some babies hate it. It is like there free and finally able to move around. Watch out though. My son at 5 moths is already trying to jump out of my arms, he wants too much freedom. Good luck with your little blessing :)

Swaddling is completely unimportant. Actually the common way of swaddling babies in North America (arms at their sides, legs straight) is bad for baby's development.

http://baby.families.com/blog/is-swaddling-overrat...

Avoiding Risks Associated with Swaddling

It is thought that a tightly swaddled baby can easily become over heated which is thought to in turn, cause SIDS. It is also thought that a baby swaddled too tightly can suffer from hip dysplasia which makes sense since tightly swaddling your baby would place baby's hips in a rather unatural position.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/the-right...

Other studies show it prolongs sleep and even reduces a baby’s risk for sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS — but only if the baby is on its back. Swaddled babies placed on their stomachs are at higher risk for SIDS, as noted in a review article published in Pediatrics last October.

But there is a wrong way to swaddle. The wrong kind of wrapping can affect a baby’s hip development and increase risk for developmental dysplasia of the hip, a relatively common problem that, if not caught early, can lead to premature joint problems and chronic pain in adulthood. Hip dysplasia as a result of swaddling typically occurs in cultures that bundle their babies for portability, sometimes wrapping their legs and attaching them to a cradle board for carrying.

Its supposed to reduce the risk of SIDS. So you might try to swaddle him with his arms free. He might like that better. Good luck.

Edit: Actually it does have somthing to do with safety, it used to be thought swaddling would overheat your baby and that would lead to SIDS but it is now reported that your child should be swaddled rather than having loose covers that could cover his mouth and nose which could cause SIDS. As long as you are smart about it and not keep it too hot or to put on too many clothes on while he is sleeping. And also swaddled babies are less likely to rollover in their crib at night when nobody is watching.

Some b abies need to be others like yours don't want the restriction. My daughter fell asleep only when swaddled but she was two weeks early and in this weather you don't want to overheat him.

my son couldn't stand it either after 2 weeks. He sleeps with his arms stretched out above his head. Its only important for HIM to be comfortable. Just make sure the room is warm enough so his little hands don't get cold, or he is wearing a long sleave jumper.

No, it's just that many (most?) newborns feel more secure when they're wrapped up. If he doesn't like it, don't do it. Some like still having their legs wrapped up, when they outgrow the arms, and some just don't like it at all. Whatever your baby prefers is what you should do.

No. It's a comfort thing for baby. Some like it, some don't.

no way most bays like it because they feel like they are back in your womb but if hes comfy streched out leave him be hes actually safer that way less blankies he can get stuck in