Swaddling Your Baby: What You Need To Know

When your baby went to the hospital nursery for the first time, they most likely returned wrapped up neatly with only their furry little head showing. The reason for this is that nurses are aware of one of the tricks to calm a baby: swaddling. The method of swaddling involves wrapping a baby in a soft and comfy blanket or piece of fabric. It not only looks cute but also provides your little one with the perfect relaxing experience for better sleep. Wrapping your baby in a swaddle blanket can also help minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

WHICH TYPE OF SWADDLING BLANKET IS COMFORTABLE?

The two main types of swaddling blankets are squares and secure styles. When you “wrap” your newborn into a burrito-like wrap, you need a square swaddle blanket. To keep your baby in place, the latter has either a Velcro end or zippers.

Square swaddles

The square swaddles are unquestionably the most adaptable because you can use them as a light blanket, pram cover, and breastfeeding cover. They are also perfect for hotter climates due to their lightweight and breathable material. The only drawback to using these swaddles is that it could take some time to get the hang of them. But once you figure out how to wrap them around your baby, you can always make a cover that’s perfect for your kid.

Secure-style swaddles

Secure-style swaddles, on the other hand, are incredibly practical and simple to wrap around your little ones, particularly if you are attempting to use them at odd hours of the night. It’s also helpful if your infant occasionally manages to get off of the blanket. There are several choices when it comes to swaddles with closures, and some of them even provide your child with enough space to move their arms and feet. Remember that as they are just wrap-around blankets, they are less adaptable than square swaddle blankets and your child would soon outgrow them.

TIPS TO SWADDLE YOUR BABY

Swaddle tightly, but not too much

The bottom of the blanket must be free enough so that your baby’s legs remain curled and spread out.

Gently put your baby on their back

Whether you are swaddling or not, it’s the safest posture for the baby. Don’t forget to fold the swaddle blanket’s bottom below your child as well.

Maintain a comfortable temperature

Swaddling could lead to overheating, which might increase the risk of SIDS. So you should maintain a suitable temperature in the room. Likewise, don’t cover your kid with excessive layers because it can irritate your little angel’s sensitive skin.

The swaddle blanket and a pair of sleepers should suffice to keep your baby comfortable. There are several indications that your newborn may be excessively hot, including sweating, wet hair, red cheeks, heartburn, and fast respiration. You should look for these indications as a basic guideline and put only one extra layer on your kid than yourself.

Don’t swaddle all the time

For nap time and nighttime sleep, it is better to swaddle your baby because infants awake occasionally to get fed. You will also have many opportunities to check in on your little one. Feel free to look in more often if it offers you a sense of security to check as your baby naps.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Swaddling helps with preventing your baby from thrashing its arms and legs, which might set off its startle reaction and disturb its sleep. Your baby will be warm and comfortable in a swaddle blanket till its internal temperature rises up. You can also mimic the feel of the womb by wrapping your kids into the position they are in your womb, allowing them to enjoy deep sleep.