blogs · Mar 24, 2022

Swaddle your Baby - Everything you need to know!

Swaddle your Baby -

Everything you need to know!

IS IT A GOOD IDEA?

Parents have swaddled their babies for centuries. A technique that has lasted generations to comfort the child and ease the stress put on new parents. But what exactly is swaddling?

‘Swaddling’ is the term given to a particular method of comforting a child when they’re very young. To swaddle a child, you wrap them securely in a light blanket so their entire body, except for the head, is wrapped up. A little bit like a big burrito!

Whilst this method of cradling a child is age-old, it has been seen as controversial and potentially dangerous for a number of years now. But there are two sides to every situation, and this one is no different. There are genuine plus sides to swaddling your child, but there is also an element of caution to be had. Throughout this piece, we want to educate and inform you on the best way to swaddle your child and when it might not be such a good idea.

Your baby was probably wrapped in a nice little box the first time she went to the hospital nursery, with only her fuzzy tiny head sticking out. That's because nurses know that swaddling is one of the secrets to a happy, peaceful infant. Swaddling is a common practice that involves gently covering a baby in a light, permeable blanket to help them relax and sleep. Only their bodies should be wrapped, not their necks or heads. The idea is that swaddling your baby would make them feel safe and comfortable, similar to how they felt in the womb.

What are the benefits of swaddling my little one?

The first three months of your baby's existence are considered a transitional fourth trimester, according to a new parenting trend. The theory is that the first three months of your baby's existence are a difficult adjustment for them from the womb to the outside world.Given this, it's understandable that newborns would like to be wrapped lightly (but not too tightly) in order to feel comfortable, much as they did in the womb.

The medical community is split on whether or not swaddling is a helpful technique. So, if you're thinking of swaddling your baby, make sure you always use proper swaddling techniques to keep your infant secure. Swaddle your baby in our double layered muslin cloth which is made of organic cotton and comes in different colours and prints .

As your baby adjusts to life outside the womb, a wrap can help her feel protected and secure.
Swaddling keeps her from flailing her arms and legs, which could set off her startle reflex and cause her to wake up.
The infant is kept warm and comfy in a wrap until her internal thermostat kicks up.

what is the best type of blanket to use for swaddling a baby?

It's crucial to get the correct swaddling blanket. Fabric that is soft, breathable, and not too stiff is ideal. A cotton muslin swaddling blanket is recommended. Swaddling with a muslin blanket is ideal since it is a highly breathable fabric that prevents overheating while also giving greater stretch, allowing your baby to move about more freely. You can check out our range of Muslin Swaddles Set which are made of organic cotton and comes in a variety of colours and prints for your little one from here.

Here's how to swaddle a newborn like an expert, as well as the keys to keeping to safe swaddling techniques and knowing when to quit.

step 1

Remember to swaddle your baby with a muslin blanket. Take it out and fold one corner of the wrap back to form a triangle. Place your infant in the middle, just below the folded corner, with the shoulders just below the folded corner.

step 2

Place your baby's right arm, slightly bent, beside the body. Pull the same side of the wrap around your baby's chest, keeping the right arm hidden behind the cloth. Leave the left arm free by tucking the swaddle's edge under the torso.

step 3

Tuck the fabric into the top of the wrap by your baby's shoulder by folding the bottom corner of the swaddle up and over their foot.

step 4

Place your baby's left arm, slightly bent, alongside the body. Pull the same side of the wrap around your baby's chest, keeping the left arm hidden behind the blanket. Underneath your infant, tuck this side of the swaddle.

What are the benefits of swaddling my little one?

TIPS FOR SWADDLING YOUR BABY :

There are certain dangers to swaddling your infant. If your infant is not correctly swaddled, it could be dangerous. If your baby is wrapped in too many blankets, in covers that are too heavy or thick, or if they are wrapped too tightly, they may overheat.

Swaddle your infant only up to their shoulders; the neck and head should not be swaddled.
Wrapping your infant when breastfeeding is not a good idea because breastfeeding leads them to become heated rapidly and they may overheat. If your baby is not swaddled, he or she will have a more natural position and latch on to the breast more effectively.
Another factor to consider is that routine swaddling may muffle the infant’s voice, delaying the response to the baby. Swaddled newborns feed less frequently, suckle less well, and their arousal circuits are affected by their restricted arm movement, according to research.
Wrap your infant tightly yet gently under a blanket (not too tightly). It's not a good idea to swaddle your infant so tightly that his or her hips and knees can't move around freely. Swaddling your newborn too tightly can result in hip dysplasia, which is a condition in which the hip does not form properly.
Reduce the risk of hip dysplasia by using hip-friendly swaddling techniques. Make sure your baby can kick freely with their hips and knees. Your baby's legs should be able to naturally fall into place (like frog legs).

Always place your infant on their back to sleep. Never place a swaddled infant on their front or side to sleep.
Check your baby's temperature on a frequent basis to ensure that he or she does not become excessively hot or overheated. Make sure they're dressed appropriately for the weather.
If your baby is being cared for by someone else, make sure they are aware of safe sleeping practises and how to swaddle correctly. Take your time showing and explaining proper swaddling, and make sure they understand that your baby should always sleep on his or her back.

How long can I safely swaddle my baby for?

Swaddling your infant should only be done when he or she is a newborn. You should move them away from swaddling as soon as they show symptoms of learning to roll over or can already roll over. This allows them to alter their head position with their hands and arms if they roll over onto their side or front. As early as two to three months old, your baby may begin to learn to roll over. If you can master the art of swaddling your infant, you might be able to get a few additional hours of sleep.

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