Mothers and fathers-to-be, read this article to find out how to swaddle a baby.
It will teach you the basics of what you need for a fresh start.
You’ve likely heard about babies who are “swaddled” during their first few months of life, but do you know why?
And why is it important? The answer might surprise you!
What is swaddling?
Swaddling is the process of wrapping an infant snugly in material such as cloth or wool that has been folded into a long narrow strip and then wrapped around the baby’s body from feet to shoulders, with arms on either side of the head.
If you want to go for the perfect swaddle remember that this creates a feeling of closeness for both parents and child while providing warmth without being too tight.
It’s a technique that has been practiced for centuries all over the world, mainly used as a method of calming babies and helping them to fall asleep on their own.
When might swaddling be beneficial?
Swaddling can work wonders for some babies, particularly those who are transitioning from the comfort of the womb to the outside world.
If your baby is suffering from colic or seems to have a case of ‘the hiccups’ that just won’t quit, then swaddling might be the thing for your baby.
It can also help regulate body temperature, ensuring that your child will not become too hot or cold during sleep time.
Why is swaddling important?
Babies who are able to self-soothe by use of swaddling seem to sleep longer and more soundly at night, and therefore require less parental intervention (or attention) during the nighttime hours.
The long term benefits of this include:
- Parents have a higher chance of being better rested and therefore more alert to meet the challenges of parenthood, this includes everything from caring for their new baby’s immediate needs as well as having the ability to care for older children that come along during a parent’s lifetime.
- Once you establish a pattern of good and sound sleep for yourself and your child, the two (and the rest of the family) will likely benefit.
If you’re still not sure whether swaddling might be a good choice for your baby, you should definitely speak with your pediatrician.
Your child’s doctor knows your little one better than anyone and can help you make the best decision when it comes to swaddling practices.
How do you swaddle a baby?
So if you’re ready to understand how to swaddle a baby, read on.
Step 1: Lay down a large receiving blanket on the floor, bed, or any other surface where you can spread it out.
Step 2: Fold the bottom of the blanket up about 6 inches. This will be your baby’s feet. If you’re using a thin receiving blanket, fold both ends into thirds before folding the bottom part to create more thickness for your baby’s feet.
Step 3: Fold the remaining section of the blanket just below your baby’s neck, with both hands pull the fabric snug across his or her body.
Step 4: Now that you have a wide strip of the blanket just below your baby’s neck, fold the right side over to meet the left side, ensuring that it is nice and tight.
Step 5: Securely fasten your swaddled baby to your body using a sling, wrap, or snuggly blanket.
You did it! Now you know how to swaddle a baby with ease and comfort for both yourself and your child.
What can you expect from swaddling?
Swaddling mimics the feeling of being in the womb and has been shown to increase feelings of comfort and security.
The use of this technique has been known to reduce crying episodes by up to 50% over a 5-day period.
In a study done recently, it was found that babies who were swaddled slept an average of 45 minutes to 1-hour longer during the night than other babies who were not swaddled.
What can you do if your baby doesn’t like being swaddled?
If your little one doesn’t seem to like being swaddled, then don’t force it.
Though the idea of an adult-like state may be appealing to new parents, it can actually have negative effects on your baby.
A swaddle that is too tight or for too long could make your baby feel restricted and cause him or her breathlessness and overheating.
Doing too much of anything can be a bad thing, so make sure your baby is only swaddled when it is necessary (or desired) and always keep an eye on him or her to make sure everything is okay with their breathing and comfort levels throughout the process.
Once you see that your little one seems uncomfortable by being swaddled, don’t feel bad about stopping the technique.
The most important thing you should be concerned with is your child’s overall health and happiness.
Swaddling is a technique that may be employed by parents to help their baby sleep better at night.
However, it’s important not to overdo the practice and always keep an eye on your little one for signs of discomfort or distress.
If you’re considering swaddling as a nighttime routine, consult with your pediatrician before doing so to ensure safety and effectiveness.