How to Swaddle a Baby
Learning how to swaddle a baby sounds easy but in practice it can be difficult to master. Use only lightweight muslin or cotton to swaddle your baby to avoid overheating. Synthetic blankets aren’t very breathable and can trap heat, possible making your baby ill or even suffering from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Also avoid using any additional blankets or pillows for warmth, as these could possibly smother your baby. Don’t worry about your baby getting cold. She will be warm enough once she’s swaddled.
Swaddling involves wrapping your baby in the chosen blanket, leaving only the head uncovered. Use the arms to anchor the blanket in place. Use the blanket to fully encase your baby, restricting her ability to move freely. This helps to eliminate twitching which can wake your baby, leading to a more prolonged sleep.
Reasons to Swaddle Your Baby
There are many good reasons to swaddle a baby. The security and pressure provided by swaddling mimics the safety of the womb. There have been many studies that suggest that swaddled babies feel so secure that they actually sleep longer and deeper than those not swaddled. This leads to a better rested child and parent, which is beneficial for everyone. Swaddled babies move less, and so are more likely to remain on their backs. A child who sleeps on her back is at reduced risk of SIDS.
Premature babies seem to especially benefit from swaddling. Research shows that premature babies who are swaddled are more likely to increase their birth weight faster than those who are not. They develop stronger muscles and the pressure exerted by swaddling might offer some relief for colicky babies.
Swaddling, though quite beneficial, is not a cure-all. It should not be used as an attempt to quite a distressed child. Babies cry for a variety of reasons, such as hunger, a dirty diaper, or simply because they need you. Swaddling is not a method to avoid meeting these needs. Swaddling should only be used as a method of comforting your child and securing a better rest for everyone involved. A newborn child who is screaming, swaddled or not, should not be ignored.
Swaddling is a wonderful method for helping your child to feel calm, comforted, and secure. It is an excellent way to bring a measure of peace into a household and is a perfect fit for many families. Keep in mind, however, that while most babies love to be swaddled, some do not like it at all. Each baby is unique, so you will have to discover if swaddling is the right choice for your baby.
