My little one is 7 wks old and sleeps sooo much better when we swaddle her, but I always feel bad for confining her, because she loves to have her hands free. I was just wondering how long everyone else swaddled their little ones....also, how old is too old to swaddle?

I don't think there is an age that is considered "too old." My son was swaddled until he was 4 months old. One night I went to put him in the swaddle and he clearly did not want it. That was when I knew we didn't need it any longer. I have heard some people using it until their baby was 6 months.
My son needed the swaddle for awhile b/c he always woke himself up with his hands. Once he got through this stage, we no longer needed it.

If it is working for you, keep using it. You can try taking it away, but if your baby always wakes, you know to keep the swaddle. Some people will also keep one arm out when trying to wean from the swaddle. You can also loosen the grip on the swaddle.

My daughter did not like to be swaddled, in fact when she was just a few days old int he hospital she was flopping around trying to get free and was much more content with her hands and feet out. We only swaddled for the first few weeks and then gave up. But I agree that I don't think there's an age that's "too old." My nephew was swaddled until he was almost 4 months because he enjoyed that feeling and slept SO MUCH better that way. They knew itw as time to stop when he would fidget to get out of it.

Good luck!!

Youneak,
My Ella never liked swaddling either. She also never liked being held like a "baby" if you know what I mean. Craddled in my arms. Hated it and wouldn't sit still for a second in that position. :D

My DD did not tolerate swaddling and would break free even at 1 day old.

My daughter was born 6 weeks prem, and could not suck and had severe reflux to the point that her esophagus was burned, the only way that she got any comfort was by being swaddled and she was swaddled up until her first birthday,in a single bed sheet, I even had to do it in her pram if we were shopping, she loved it, sure I got stares but bad luck she was happy, your child will tell you when it is enough, just relax and go with the flow and enjoy.

I feel guilty because she doesnt necessarily like it, and often fights it, but it seems to be the only way she can sleep more than an hour at a time. Otherwise her hands always wake her up.

Ditto what Kelto Kel said.

My daughter is just over 4 months and we just stopped swaddling because she starting crying and fighting it about a week ago. She doesn't sleep as well as she use to but she was obviously ready to have her hands free. I would keep doing it as long as it calms and comforts and stop when it seems to do the opposite. I asked a few docs their opinions and they all said it was fine as long as she was able to be mobile and free during her awake hours. For the transition, we are using sleep saks which seems to calm her down some and cue sleep since she is use to her legs being in something.

I feel guilty because she doesnt necessarily like it, and often fights it, but it seems to be the only way she can sleep more than an hour at a time. Otherwise her hands always wake her up.

I felt the same way b/c my son would also fight it, but it was the only thing that calmed him. He was fussy and his hands always startled him awake. Do not feel guilty though b/c babies get cranky when they keep waking up and from lack of sleep. Your DD needs her sleep and if swaddling is going to allow her to get it, then keep doing it. Once she gets rid of the startling reflex, she will start to sleep better without the swaddle.