The Art of Swaddling: A Guide to Better Sleep for Your Baby
The age old question… is swaddling really necessary for better newborn sleep???? The answer is YES! One time-honoured practice that has been proven to promote better sleep in infants is swaddling. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of swaddling, how to do it safely, and why it might be the key to unlocking peaceful nights for both you and your baby.
Hold on… my baby dislikes swaddling! Shouldn’t I stop because they’re protesting? Nope, keep trying! This doesn’t mean they dislike swaddling, it means they are past the stage of an easy fix to being soothed with the swaddle. You may need to pull out some other soothing techniques (sucking, swinging, shushing, side lying to settle). Think about it, when your baby was in the womb, they were nestled in very close and tickly wrapped. They could feel the pressure all around their body and felt comforted by it. Now that they are out and in this over stimulating world, they seek the comfort of being in the womb. Swaddling is a great way to give them that comfort!
It’s a bonus that swaddling triggers their calm reflex and ensures they don’t wake themselves up with the Moro Reflex (where their hands and arms move in a jerky motion).
The Benefits of Swaddling
Swaddling is the ancient practice of snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket or cloth to restrict their movement. This age-old technique offers several advantages for both infants and parents:
Improved Sleep Quality: Swaddling helps babies sleep more soundly by preventing the startle reflex, which can often wake them up during sleep.
Reduced Anxiety: The gentle pressure of a swaddle mimics the feeling of being in the womb, providing comfort and security for your little one, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Regulated Body Temperature: Swaddling can help regulate a baby's body temperature, preventing them from getting too hot or too cold during sleep.
Extended Sleep Duration: Babies who are swaddled tend to sleep for longer periods, allowing both baby and parents to enjoy more restful nights.
Easier Bedtime Routine: Swaddling can be incorporated into your baby's bedtime routine, signaling to them that it's time to sleep. This consistency can be helpful in establishing healthy sleep patterns.
How to Swaddle Safely using a muslin wrap
While swaddling can be incredibly beneficial, it's essential to practice it safely to reduce the risk of accidents or complications. Here's a step-by-step guide to swaddling your baby safely:
Choose the Right Blanket: Opt for a lightweight, breathable blanket to avoid overheating. There are also specially designed swaddle blankets with Velcro or snaps that make the swaddling process easier.
Positioning is Key: Lay the blanket on a flat surface in a diamond shape and fold down the top corner. Place your baby on their back with their neck on the fold.
Secure the Arms: Gently bring your baby's right arm down and wrap that side of the blanket snugly around their body. Tuck the loose end under their back.
Fold the Bottom Corner: Fold up the bottom corner of the blanket over your baby's feet, leaving enough room for them to move their legs comfortably.
Secure the Left Arm: Bring your baby's left arm down and wrap the remaining side of the blanket around them. Tuck any excess fabric under their back to create a secure swaddle.
Check for Comfort: Ensure that the swaddle is snug but not too tight, allowing your baby's hips to move freely and ensuring there's enough space for proper breathing.
The basic swaddle with a muslin wrap
Ensure the swaddle is not over your baby’s face or neck. It should fix on their shoulders, but below their ears.
Remember: Keep the swaddle firm and tight, you should be able to see your baby breathing through the fabric.
Picking a swaddle
There a few different kinds of swaddles on the market:
The muslin wrap: This swaddle requires the parent or caregiver to wrap the baby up using their preferred method.
ErgoPouch: These swaddles are easy to use, however require a ‘across the body’ arm technique. These swaddles also transition out of the swaddle very easily!
Love To Dream: These swaddles are easy to use, however require an arms up technique.
SwaddleMe: These swaddles are easy to use! They have a velcro strap to keep the fabric in place.
Conclusion
Swaddling is a time-tested technique that has proven to be a valuable tool for parents in promoting better sleep for their babies. By providing a sense of security and comfort, swaddling helps infants sleep more soundly and for more extended periods. Remember to practice safe swaddling techniques to ensure your baby's well-being. As with any parenting practice, it's essential to monitor your baby's response and adapt your approach to suit their individual needs. Sweet dreams await both you and your little one with the gentle art of swaddling.
