The Do's and Don'ts of Swaddling

The first time your baby came back from the nursery, she must have been wrapped in a cute little package, with only her small little face poking out. That is because midwives and nurses know the secrets to a calm, happy newborn baby- swaddling.

Swaddling is a very old practice of wrapping infants with a soft blanket or cloth around their bodies. It is known for soothing babies and who doesn’t adore a tiny baby burrito?

Many believe that a blanket wrapped snuggly around your little darling can resemble the mother's womb and help soothe your newborn baby and promotes better sleep. Babies find this comforting, and swaddling becomes their favorite thing to help them settle down, go to sleep, and stay asleep.

In case you are wondering, a swaddle is a comfy fabric in the shape of a square used to wrap your bub, papoose style! The cloth should be breathable, durable, soft, and washable. Nothing too fancy! Oh, and it should also be big enough to wrap around your baby.

Let’s look at the benefits of swaddling

• A swaddle helps your baby feel safe and secure as she gets used to life outside the womb.
• Mimics the snug environment of the mother’s womb
• Help keep your baby warm and cozy until her internal thermostat gets to work
• Limiting the Moro reflex (also known as the startle reflex) where she flails her arms and legs, which can cause her to wake up
• Help keep your baby calm, possibly when your baby is gassy or has colic
• Comforting your baby during something that can be a little uncomfortable for her, like a bumpy car ride

Is swaddling safe?

Yes, swaddling is safe and an effective technique to help soothe infants and promote sleep when done correctly following safe and hip-friendly swaddling guidance. It also reduces the risk of SIDS in children that are not yet able to roll over.

Make sure that you are following safe sleeping guidelines such as always laying your baby down to sleep on their back and not on their sides or the front.  In addition, as soon as your little one starts rolling, it’s time to stop swaddling immediately.

How to swaddle a baby safely?

• Swaddle your baby using a light breathable material. Suitable cloth includes bamboo swaddles, cotton muslin wraps, and receiving blankets.
• Swaddle snugly but don’t make it too tight, you should be able to insert two or three fingers between the cloth and your baby’s chest. Tight swaddling also stops your baby’s hips and knees from moving freely which might cause hip dysplasia. Your baby's legs should fall into a natural position like frog legs.
• Never swaddle your baby’s head or neck.
• Your baby should always be put to sleep on their back avoid using the sides or the front position. Sleeping on the back is the safest sleeping position to avoid the risk of SIDS. Whether you are swaddling or not.
• Swaddling can cause overheating that is why you need to keep a check on the baby's temperature to make sure they don’t get too hot. The signs of overheating include, damp hair, flushed cheeks, sweating, rapid breathing, and a heat rash. Avoid the temptation to bundle your baby in extra layers. Make sure they are wearing suitable clothing for the weather.
• Ensure that the swaddling blanket doesn’t come unwrapped; it could cover your baby’s face.
• If you have hired a sitter for your baby, make sure she knows how to swaddle safely and about safe sleeping advice.

What type of blanket should I use to safely swaddle my baby?

Choosing the right swaddling blanket for your baby is important. You want something that is soft, strong, and breathable, smells good, stays clean and lasts longer.

We recommend using a bamboo swaddle blanket. Swaddling with a bamboo blanket is perfect because it is environment friendly, can regulate temperature, and is super soft and light, and very long-lasting

How to swaddle you baby, easy step by step

Wrapping your baby up may seem a little daunting at first, but it only takes a few simple steps

• Use a flat space, like the middle of your bed. Remember, we recommend using a bamboo swaddle. Take it out and fold it into a triangle by folding one corner. Place your baby in the center of the swaddle blanket, place her head above the folded edge of the blanket, and the body should extend toward the bottom corner
• Arrange your baby’s right arm parallel to their body, with the elbow slightly bent. Tuck the bamboo blanket under her right arm and her back, leaving the arm on the opposite side free.
• Bring the bottom corner of the blanket up over her feet and then tuck the blanket under the fold under her chin.
• Pull the right side over your baby’s body and tuck the edge of the swaddle under their body.

If your little one is too fussy and squirmy for you to swaddle securely, give her a little time to get her wigglies out before giving it another go. But if you feel that your baby is always fighting swaddling time, or trying to wiggle out, she probably doesn’t like being swaddled or might be getting too active.

Can I swaddle a baby at night?

Swaddling your baby at night is safe until your child starts to show signs of rolling over. Rolling over is a sign that you should stop swaddling your baby immediately because it is a big milestone that starts around 4 months, but some kids start much sooner, or even later.Your little one rolling over while being swaddled can increase the risk of suffocation because they will not be able to use their arms to roll themselves back.

Parents, please give swaddling a try for your baby’s comfort and your own. Getting the sleep your baby needs is very important for their health and well-being. Make sure to use bamboo swaddles for the best results.

Note: This is not medical advice and solely recommendations and opinions. For the perfect Baby Swaddle Click this link Bamboo Baby Swaddles.