They say swaddling helps babies sleep — and for a short window, it can. It quiets the startle reflex, limits motion, and gives everyone a few hours of peace. But here’s what’s really happening underneath: That startle reflex isn’t bad — it’s the body’s first safety system. Inside the womb, babies move constantly. They twist, push, and stretch; their hands are almost always by their face in every ultrasound. That movement builds coordination, fascia mobility, and the foundation for regulation onc

Stepping Reflex In Babies: Timeline, Signs, And 8 Reflexes