If you’ve ever Googled “how to get my baby to sleep,” chances are swaddling was at the top of the list. In the US, it’s practically a rite of passage: the tiny baby burrito, wrapped tight enough that they can’t startle themselves awake. There are entire aisles in Target devoted to Velcro swaddles, zip-up swaddles, weighted swaddles - you name it.
But hop across the Atlantic to France, and you’ll find something different. Swaddling isn’t really part of the culture. French parents don’t spend hours perfecting their hospital-corner fold.
In fact, many French pediatricians don’t recommend it at all.
So why the difference?
The American burrito baby
In the US, swaddling is seen as a soothing tool. Babies are wrapped snugly to mimic the womb, reduce the startle reflex, and (fingers crossed) sleep a little longer. It’s also wrapped up (pun intended) in the idea of safe sleep (back on their back), with nothing loose in the crib.
For many American parents, swaddling is part of the bedtime routine from day one. But it also comes with a learning curve: the right tightness, the right fabric, the right time to stop (because once baby starts rolling, swaddling is a no-go).
Cue a lot of late-night Googling.
The French “non, merci”
In France, the approach is much more… laissez-faire.
Babies are usually placed in a gigoteuse (a wearable sleeping bag) instead of being swaddled. It keeps them warm without the risk of loose blankets, and it gives them freedom to move.
French parents (and pediatricians) tend to prioritize natural movement over containment. The idea is that babies should be free to stretch, wiggle, and find their own comfort. A snug burrito wrap? Too restrictive.
What this means for sleep (and parents)
American parents often rely on swaddling as a survival tool - one more way to get a few extra hours of rest.
But French parents seem less focused on hacking sleep and more focused on letting baby adapt to family rhythms. (This may also explain why French babies are famously known for “sleeping through the night” earlier, though the truth is more nuanced.)
Neither approach is better or worse, it’s just cultural. The US leans on products and techniques to optimize baby sleep, while France leans on routine and environment.
Finding your middle ground
If your baby loves being swaddled and it helps everyone sleep, great. If they hate it and prefer more freedom, that’s okay too.
You don’t need to pick a “team.”
You can use a swaddle for the early weeks, then move to a sleep sack when rolling starts. Or skip it altogether and go full French with a gigoteuse from day one.
Like so many parts of parenting, the “right” choice is the one that works in your home.
Petites pensées
Whether you’re wrapping a perfect burrito or zipping up a gigoteuse, the goal is the same: a baby who feels safe, cozy, and loved.
And while the US and France may do it differently, one thing is universal - every parent is just trying to get a little more sleep.
Why don't French parents swaddle their babies?
Ans: French parents commonly avoid swaddling because they believe it can restrict a baby’s natural movements. Instead, they often use sleep sacks, which allow the baby the freedom to wiggle and develop self-soothing abilities
What alternatives to swaddling are recommended in French parenting?
Ans: Often, sleep sacks are preferred in place of traditional swaddling. These garments let babies move their arms freely while staying cozy, which may support better self-soothing and comfort during sleep