Want your baby to have a peaceful, energizing sleep? Swaddling might be a helpful way to enhance their sleep!
Introduction
Swaddling is an old technique used for children to sleep more calmly. It is said to make the baby feel like they are still in their mother’s womb, giving them a calming effect, feeling secure, and improving the startle reflex. But you must be careful of how to do it and know the essential benefits of swaddling!
This blog will guide you with essential information and best swaddling practices for newborns to help your baby get a safe and comfortable sleep!
What is swaddling?
Swaddling is a traditional practice of wrapping babies in a light blanket to help them feel calm and sleep comfortably. This practice allows babies to nap comfortably and is done for naps and night time. The packed warmth makes the baby feel like they are still in the womb and enhances sleep.
Benefits of swaddling for sleep
- Comfort and security: Swaddling makes the baby feel like they are still in the womb, which creates a sense of comfort and security and the baby can enjoy their sleep much more peacefully.
- Reduced startle reflex: The moro reflex prevents the constant movements usually made while sleeping; swaddling the baby reduces these reflexes and helps them keep sleeping without interruptions.
- Improved sleep: They sleep better when swaddling due to warmth, snugness, and the feeling of being protected in a womb.
- Supports healthy hip development: Swaddling supports hip development by controlling baby movements and prevents muscle issues like hip displacement from happening in babies.
The ideal time to start and stop swaddling in babies
Typically, you should begin swaddling your baby 2-3 days after birth, after the baby is calmed and settled. It helps them adapt to the new environment and still feel the warmth of the womb to maintain comfort.
You can stop swaddling your baby after they are 2-3 months or older. It is important to look for signs which indicate that it is time to stop swaddling:
- Pushing arms out of the swaddle
- Starting to roll
- Waking up frequently when swaddled
- Fighting while being swaddled
How to swaddle your newborn
Here is a step-by-step guide for you to swaddle your baby:
- Step 1: Lay a light and breathable blanket in a diamond shape.
- Step 2: Fold the top corner 6 inches downwards to create a straight edge.
- Step 3: Place the baby in the center of the blanket with their neck on the folded edge.
- Step 4: Tuck their left arm down and take the left side of the blanket across the body.
- Step 5: Tuck the right arm down and fold the right arm of the blanket across their body.
- Step 6: Fold the bottom of the blanket over the body to cover their feet and tuck it under their chin.
Things to keep in mind while swaddling your baby
While there are many effective swaddling techniques for babies, there are many things that you should keep in mind while you swaddle your baby:
- Use lightweight and breathable fabric for swaddling.
- Avoid overheating by monitoring signs like a sweaty neck, damp hair, or flushed skin.
- Keep the swaddle comfortable to let the baby breathe and move.
- Do not leave the baby unsupervised when swaddled.
- Avoid thick blankets and tight swaddling around the chest or hip, as it can cause hip dysplasia or make it hard to breathe.
Conclusion
Swaddling is a simple yet effective technique to keep your baby comfortable and feel calm and secure while sleeping. Newborns take time to adjust to the environment outside of the womb and while they continue to adapt, swaddling might give them a feeling of comfort and warmth in the womb that helps them sleep much better and also improves startle reflex. Lastly, every baby is unique and you must find the right swaddle style that suits most to your baby and keeps them relaxed.
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FAQs
Q1. What is swaddling?
Ans: Swaddling is a traditional practice of wrapping babies in a light blanket to help them feel calm and sleep comfortably.
Q2. What are the benefits of swaddling?
Ans: It provides the baby with comfort, security, calmness, improved sleep, and womb-like warmth.
Q3. How do I tell when my baby is overheating?
Ans: Avoid thick blankets and many layers of clothing. Your baby is most likely to be overheating if they have a flushed face.
Q4. When should I start swaddling my baby?
Ans: You can swaddle your baby after 2-3 days of birth when they are calm and settled.
Q5. What are the signs to stop swaddling your baby?
Ans: Usually it is recommended to stop swaddling the baby after 2-3 months of birth. Many signs, like starting to roll, pushing hands out of the swaddle, and fighting while being swaddled, are some signs that suggest stopping swaddling.
