Swaddling baby is one of the most gentle, effective and beneficial practices for you and your little one. If you’ve never had a newborn, then the idea of wrapping your baby up so tightly that he can’t move his arms might sound like a crazy idea. But most experienced parents will tell you their newborn is comforted when wrapped in a swaddle.
What is swaddling ?
Swaddling is an ancient practice of snugly wrapping a baby to help him feel safe and secure. Recent medical studies have shown that swaddle your baby helps him to fall asleep and wake less often when swaddled.
When your baby is first born, everything is different outside the womb, so creating a similar environment for him to sleep in during the first months of life helps him to adjust. Swaddle your baby keeps him snug, just as he would have felt in your womb, and this helps him feel safe while he gets used to the world he has been born into.
When do I need swaddles ?
The first two months are a time in which your baby becomes adjusted to the world outside the womb and swaddling can really help with this. But after this, your baby needs to be able to move around and develop mobility and also self soothing skills.
What to use as swaddle ?
The versatile swaddle : the muslin swaddle.
Soft, lightweight and incredibly versatile, the muslin swaddle isn’t just for the newborn months. You’ll soon discover that it can double as a sunshade, a nursing cover, a burp cloth, a changing pad, a cloth diaper, or even a sling.
The simple and easy to use swaddle : the wrap swaddle.
The swaddle wrap is another type of swaddle. It allows parents to use it in multiple ways. Arms in, arms out, one arm in and one arm out. Its use is less versatile than a muslin swaddle, but easier manageable for those who don’t feel comfortable with muslin swaddles.
How do I swaddle my baby ?
The beauty of swaddling baby is in its simplicity. If you have muslin and two loving hands, you can’t go wrong. It’s just about finding a technique and establishing a routine that both you and your little one are most comfortable with.
With this step-by-step guide and a little practice, you’ll be a master swaddler in no time.
Is swaddling safe for my baby ?
As with anything you do with and for your baby, swaddling can present some risks and it’s important to be aware of them.
If the material you are using is too thick or the temperature in the room too hot, your baby could overheat. The aim of swaddling is to help your baby feel safe, rather than keep him warm. To be on the safe side, use muslin material or a cotton sheet, rather than a blanket when swaddling your baby.
You do want the swaddle to be snug but make sure it’s not so tight that your baby’s circulation can be cut off.
Once your baby is able to roll over, he should no longer be swaddled. There is a risk that he may able to roll onto his tummy but not get back again. Without the ability to use his arms, he may not be able to get himself out of trouble.
Few recommendations :
• Never cover your baby’s head
• Never place babies on their tummy but on their back
• Don’t swaddle your baby at every sleep time
• Don’t keep swaddling older babies once they start wriggling and moving
Now you know how to swaddle your little one the best way and safely, then go for it !
Do you swaddle your baby ? Are you for or against swaddling baby ? Was your first time swaddling baby easy ? Share with us and for other mummies your experience by commenting below.
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