Most parents ask how to swaddle a baby. They love their children a lot, but they are always worried about their little ones’ relaxation and comfort while sleeping. So, they try hard to find a way to ensure the baby feels relaxed and is safe. Swaddling is a way of newborn care.
So swaddling is the best way for babies to stay comfortable and joyful while asleep.
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What is Swaddling?
Swaddling is a traditional act. Some people think swaddling is an unnecessary baby item checklist. But actually, it can help to promote better sleep. It is necessary for babies as it can reduce reflexive movements that may disrupt their sleep. While swaddling, babies feel relaxed outside their womb because it creates a cozy feeling, just like a womb. If you want to know how to use a swaddle, keep reading.
How To Swaddle A Baby?
Swaddling is a simple technique for soothing them. In which you wrap your baby up in a swaddle blanket. Here is a guide on swaddling techniques step by step and wiggly babies.
1. Find A Straight Place
You are lying your baby’s blanket on a flat surface in a diamond shape and one corner pointing towards the upside. After this, fold the corner from the top, down up to 6 inches.
2. Place Your Baby’s Face-Up In The Swaddle Blanket
The body of your baby should go straight down towards the bottom corner, and its head must sit above the edge that is folded.
3. Wrap The Right Corner
Wrap the right corner of your baby’s blanket over them and fold it under her.
4. Fold The Bottom Corner Up
In this step, fold the blanket’s bottom corner and cover them adequately.
5. Wrap The Left Corner
In this last step, wrap the left corner over the baby’s body and tuck it under them.
These are simple steps to swaddle a baby. However, we must know what type of blanket we should use.
What Kind Of Swaddle Blanket Should You Use?
Choosing a fabric is an excellent idea because it keeps your baby from overheating and allows for breathability. The swaddling blanket can be made of linen, muslin, cotton, and other natural material.
You must always keep in mind that a swaddle should be comfortable but remember it is not too tight. There must be a place to fit three fingers between the blanket and the chest of the baby, and it should be loose around the hips.
A tight swaddle should irritate them and cause overheating.
Benefits Of Swaddling
Do you think that swaddling makes your baby more sleepy? It is true because swaddling has many benefits that you and your baby experience. Here are a few advantages of swaddling.
- Swaddling feels like your baby is comforted and secure, just like your womb.
- It leaves their hands off their face, which can prevent face scratching.
- It makes your baby sleep better for an extended period.
- It helps the little one to settle quickly to sleep
- Swaddled babies experienced less anxiety.
- Swaddling can reduce unnecessary awake-ups due to the startle reflex.
Tips For Safe Swaddling
Learning to properly and correctly swaddle a baby is key to ensuring security and effectiveness. Below are the tips that you should follow before swaddling a newborn.
1. Position Baby “Hands-over-heart.”
It is necessary to get info about the baby’s position while wrapping. You should put the baby’s hand over the chest during wrapping or swaddling the sack. It is traditional in the past for mothers to place their babies’ arms at her/sides. That’s a wrong trick because it can cause limited mobility and joint problems.
2. Do Not Swaddle Too Tightly
Make sure the swaddle is comfortable for your baby or not too tight. Tight swaddle can cause overheating and may disturb the baby’s movements. Try to use a swaddle specially made for children with natural materials like cotton, linen, and another fabric.
3. Do Not Swaddle All Time
Babies want some freedom to do some activities with their bodies. In this way, they will be able to learn their body’s system. You must give time to your baby for development. Leave wrapped during the baby’s sleep even if your little one loves being wrapped.
4. Place Baby On Their Back For Sleep
For a newborn, it is necessary to sleep on the back. When babies sleep in the tummy, this can increase heat and breath on their own exhaled air. Both of these actions can lead to SIDS. So, it is harmful to sleep on the tummy and beneficial to sleep on the back. It reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
5. Keep Your Baby Cool
As we know, swaddling could cause overheating. And this issue raises the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is essential to maintain the temperature of the baby’s room. Keeps the room temperature between 68 to 72 Degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Following this, your baby feels relaxed and comfortable without heat and anxiety.
Is Swaddling Safe Or Not?
It is the truth that not every baby likes swaddling. Most babies want the freedom to move their bodies quickly. At the same time, this time baby started crying and tried to leave out from the blanket. If getting wrapped makes your baby crazier, so you do not have to do this.
However, some babies enjoyed swaddling at that time when their arms were out from the swaddling blanket. You might have to try different swaddles to find the one your baby likes.
When Should You Stop Swaddling?
Swaddling is a perfect way to stay relaxed and comfortable for newborns. But it is dangerous for older babies who can be free from wrapped and swaddled blankets. Swaddling for older babies can interfere with their physical development and disturb their age-appropriate skills.
You should stop swaddling when your baby moves actively and starts to roll over. Sometimes it occurs as early as 2 months, but usually around 3 to 4 months.
Conclusion
Babies’ health and comfort are essential for their health and growth. It is frustrating and stressful at this time, but seeing your baby grow up healthy can reduce your stress. This article discussed swaddling, its benefits, and safety tips. We hope this will be helpful for both mother and baby. If you want more related informational blog do visit Momvila today.
FAQs
At what age should I stop swaddling my baby?
Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling over, typically around 2-4 months old. Rolling while swaddled can be dangerous since your baby’s arms won’t be free to push up and adjust their position. Even if they show signs earlier, you should stop swaddling by about 4 months of age for safety. Transition to a sleep sack or wearable blanket when you stop swaddling.
What are the risks of incorrect swaddling?
Improper swaddling can lead to several issues:
- Hip dysplasia if legs are wrapped too tightly
- Overheating if too many layers are used
- Breathing difficulties if the wrap is too tight around the chest
- Increased SIDS risk if the blanket comes loose and covers the face
Always ensure the swaddle is snug around the arms but loose around the hips and legs, allowing for natural movement.
How do I know if my baby’s swaddle is too tight?
You can check if the swaddle is appropriately tight by sliding two fingers between the blanket and your baby’s chest. This space allows for comfortable breathing while keeping the arms secure. The bottom of the swaddle should be loose enough for your baby to bend their legs up and out at the hips. If you notice signs of sweating, rapid breathing, or flushed cheeks, the swaddle may be too tight or too warm.
