Does Swaddling Cause Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Does Swaddling Cause Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Swaddling has become a bit of a controversial topic these days. Some people and professionals are still using and recommending this age-old practice, and some have done a 180 and turned completely against it.


Historically, swaddling has been used all over the world, in various cultures, for thousands of years, with the goal of calming a baby, and reducing night wakings by promoting a deeper sleep.


Lately though, particularly here in our Western culture, there have been a lot of questions as to whether swaddling is safe or whether it is detrimental to a baby’s development.  And I have even been hearing and reading about some healthcare professionals saying that swaddling causes sensory processing disorder.  Eek!!! #saywhat?
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What Are Sensory Processing Difficulties & When Should I Be Concerned?

What Are Sensory Processing Difficulties & When Should I Be Concerned?
Everything we learn and take in from our environment comes into our body (and brain) through our senses, and once the brain has integrated or processed this information, we act on it1.  When a person or child is having difficulty perceiving and/or interpreting information from these senses, this is often referred to as sensory processing differences, issues, or concerns.  The brain does not receive all of the sensory information necessary to do an effective job. And, as a result, there will be more effort and difficulty in every day activities, and less success and satisfaction.
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What You Need to Know about the 8 Senses and Sensory Processing in Babies

What You Need to Know about the 8 Senses and Sensory Processing in Babies

We live in a sensory-rich world. Everything we learn and take in from our environment comes into our body (and brain) through our senses, and once the brain has integrated or processed this information, we act on it. Sensory processing is the ability of the nervous system to register input from our senses, interpret the information, and form a response (either a motor response, language, cognition, etc).


We actually have 8 senses..... and when one or multiple sensory system(s) aren’t working efficiently, then the brain views some sensations (or incoming information) as too strong, or not strong enough.  This is when we often see signs of sensory issues, or differences. And yes, we see this even in babies.
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Help! My Child Won't Sleep!

We ALL need sleep, so when our child is not sleeping, it affects the whole family! As parents we are somewhat prepared for the sleep exhaustion that comes along with a newborn, but what we struggle with is when our babies won’t nap, seem to fight falling asleep, need the comfort of mom/dad next to them to fall and stay asleep......

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