How To Swaddle A Baby
This is an age-old practice of restricting the movement of an infant’s limbs. It is where you wrap the baby tightly in a blanket or swaddling clothes.
Swaddling is still widely practiced in modern times. This is due to the various advantages that it provides not only to the newborn child but also to the parents.
The primary advantages of swaddling include maintaining your infant’s body temperature. This provides them with a sense of security and comfort. It also reduces or even eradicates colic symptoms.
Is It Good To Swaddle Your Baby?
Typically, medical professionals teach new parents how to swaddle their babies. Wrapping your newborn in a small blanket in a way that mimics the womb can help calm them.
Correct swaddling can help soothe fussy newborns and put them to sleep.
If you follow safe sleeping and hip-friendly swaddling guidelines, there is very little chance of harm to your baby from swaddling.
Whether or not you swaddle your baby, it is best to put them to sleep on their back. When your baby begins to show symptoms of being able to roll over, you should also stop swaddling them.
Baby Swaddle Benefits
Swaddling your infant may appear to some as a throwback method, yet there are many fantastic advantages that need consideration and are undoubtedly warranted.
Consider The Following Advantages Of The Swaddling Technique For Infants:
- Decrease The Risk Of SIDS
Even though the cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is largely unknown, some environmental factors appear to be connected to an increase in SID.
This includes fluffy pillows, sleeping on excessively soft surfaces, or overheating. These might obstruct a baby’s respiratory patterns.
Since you won’t have to rely as heavily on the aforementioned items thanks to swaddling, the danger of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) drops dramatically.
- Better Sleep Patterns
Swaddled infants have a greater tendency to have significantly deeper sleep. In addition to that, wrapping an infant in a swaddle prevents them from waking up suddenly.
- Anxiety Relief
There is a connection between swaddling and a reduction in anxiety and a sense of security in infants. Infants feel safer and more secure when swaddled. This is because it brings back memories of being in their mother’s womb.
- Less Crying
Swaddled infants tend to cry less because they are more content.
- Preventing The Startle Reflex
Startle reflexes are a common cause of waking and distress in babies. Swaddled infants are significantly less likely to experience these problems.
How Long Should Babies Be Swaddled?
Babies benefit from the relaxing effects of swaddling, but they also need time to explore their environment.
Babies like skin-to-skin contact, stretching, free movement, and bathing opportunities. A key risk factor for SIDS is rolling onto the stomach while sleeping. Therefore, remember to stop swaddling as soon as your baby can roll over on their own.
When this time comes, which could be as early as two months or as late as four months, swaddling with one arm out is a smart approach to begin weaning from swaddling.
When To Stop Swaddling A Baby
- Outgrowing The Startle Reflex
All infants have a natural startle response known as the Moro reflex. Babies can sleep through the night without being woken by their own waving arms if they are swaddled.
Yet, by the time they are 2 to 4 months old, most newborns have outgrown this. It may be appropriate to cease swaddling your baby if you see decreased sleep startles.
- A Swaddled Infant Can Easily Free Himself
Babies can develop the strength to unswaddle themselves while sleeping. If you realize your baby can escape their swaddle after you have wrapped them, you should stop doing so.
This will help reduce the danger of sudden infant death syndrome. Too many loose items, such as stuffed animals, cushions, or blankets, should never be left in a baby’s cot. This is because of the risk of suffocation.
- The Baby Begins To Roll Over
Babies sleep best on their backs, but if they figure out how to roll over, they will start doing it even when you set them down. However, once your baby begins to roll over, you need to stop swaddling them.
This will make them move their legs and arms freely. Babies can suffocate if rolled over when swaddled. They may also be unable to release themselves or roll back to a safe position if their legs and arms are bound in the swaddle.
What Precautions Should I Take?
Tips For Safe And Hip-Friendly Swaddling:
- If you are going to have someone else watch your baby, you should make sure that they are also aware of safe sleeping tips and how to swaddle a baby safely.
Ensure they understand the importance of always putting the baby to sleep on their back. This is done by swaddling them safely and explaining the process to them.
- To lessen the likelihood of hip dysplasia, practice hip-healthy swaddling practices. Check that the baby has a full range of motion in their knees and hips so they can kick. Don’t force your baby’s legs into a rigid position; rather, let them relax into a more natural position.
- Use a small muslin square or cotton sheet to swaddle your infant. Never put anything on top of your swaddled baby, especially something that can trap heat, like a blanket. Adhere to safe sleep guidance, which includes placing your infant on a level, solid surface without any pillows or blankets.
- Make sure your baby always sleeps on their back when they go to bed. When putting a baby to sleep in a swaddle, never put the infant on their side or front.
- Never encase your baby’s head and neck in a swaddle; stop swaddling at the shoulders.
Double-check that all objects are properly fastened and won’t shift as your baby plays to prevent accidental asphyxia.
- If you plan on using a swaddling blanket or product, be sure it is in good condition, fits your baby securely, and is not defective. To reduce the risk of overheating, use the manufacturer-recommended weight or age rating.
- Take into account the ambient temperature and your baby’s temperature to avoid overheating.
Ensure the baby is wearing weather-appropriate clothing and check their temperature frequently. If your baby has a fever or is sick, you should not swaddle them.
Overall, Swaddling Is A Helpful Practice
While swaddling your baby may help them sleep better, doctors recommend discontinuing the practice once your baby demonstrates independent rolling attempts.
Stop swaddling, switch to a lighter blanket, or turn down the thermostat if you see your infant getting too hot.
Remember that swaddling your baby is not required. If you are considering the risks and benefits but can’t make up your mind, consult the pediatrician caring for your baby.
Your doctor or nurse can also demonstrate proper swaddling techniques. Swaddling is one method you can use in the newborn period to help your baby sleep through the night.
You can also try different things to discover what helps your newborn, such as establishing a bedtime routine and playing gentle music.
You will be able to see how much progress your baby has made since that first night home when it’s time to stop swaddling.