Swaddling is an option - not a necessity. Wrapping a baby snuggly in a blanket is thought to make the baby feel protected and cozy like she was while only recently in her mother's womb. And indeed, some babies seem to settle down when they are swaddled, drifting peacefully off to sleep. Some, however, look like they're hot and bothered in those tight little blankets. They keep trying to get their hands out for some air. Why not take your cue from your baby? If the baby seems happy after you've swaddled her, then continue on for awhile. If she looks uncomfortable, feels hot or sweaty, then take off everything she's wearing except her diaper and try swaddling her again. If she now looks happy, then continue to swaddle her in this cooler way. However, if she just seems happier lying in your arms or in her baby chair with the freedom to move and kick a bit, then don't swaddle her at all. As for the swaddling at the hospital - well, I don't think any brand new baby is going to complain about being swaddled in those first minutes after birth. Newborns look snug as a bug in a rug when they're fresh out of the womb and newly swaddled. How long they want it after that is a matter of personal preference. Sarah Chana