Overview
I used to swaddle both of my kids and would do it again. When done right, swaddling can be great for both you and your baby.
Swaddling calms and cuddles the baby so he can feel safe and protected like he was in your womb. The first time after childbirth is often referred to as the fourth trimester, and carrying and swaddling both promote a feeling for our baby as if still inside our belly.
As my kids were both a little tiny at birth I found it easier to hold and feed them when wrapped up like this. Just more compact.
And putting them down was so much easier, as they would not get frightened by the open space around them and wake up.
But more than personal comfort, swaddling turned out to have real benefits, and this is why, in this article, I want to write about why to swaddle and also explain how.
On this Page
- What is swaddling
- How to do it the right way
- Video tutorial
- The benefits
- Are there cons to swaddling?
- Different blankets and fabrics
- is swaddling safe?
What exactly is Swaddling?
It is a special way we use for wrapping our baby so his movement is a little restricted. While our baby was in our belly he had no space to move arms and legs. Therefore he might get scared of the sudden freedom of his limbs. Wrapping our baby this way we help him feel like he is protected in our womb again. This makes most babies sleep better and longer, be calmer, and cry less.
How to do it the right way
There are a few things we need to know and follow while swaddling… Watch the following slide show :
- There are many different Baby Swaddling Blankets one can purchase, some we have to wrap ourselves and some are already designed in a way to make it easier to wrap the baby in them.
- It is important to not wrap too tight as this could have a bad effect on the baby`s blood flow and hip development.
- On the other hand, a too-loose swaddle could open and get over the baby`s face, which is dangerous for his breathing.
- Be careful not to overheat the baby, let him wear light clothes, and use a light swaddle made of cotton or bamboo, if it is warm.
- Put your baby always on the back while wrapped in for safe sleep.
Watch this video tutorial and learn 5 ways of wrapping your baby.
What are the benefits of swaddling?
- When swaddled right, a baby will feel comfortable and confident and calm.
- He may be able to sleep well and with fewer interruptions.
- During the first few weeks, while our baby is very tiny, it may be much easier for us to handle, hold and breastfeed the baby when swaddled.
- Swaddling and putting our baby on his back for sleep can prevent SIDS
What are the cons?
- If swaddled too tight, this way of wrapping our baby can disturb the blood flow and affect right hip development
- Babies get easily overheated, therefore it is important to use swaddles according to the room temperature
- As soon as babies can roll over it is not safe to swaddle anymore
Different blankets and fabric
The preferred fabric for swaddle blankets is cotton or bamboo. It is light, a little elastic but not enough to come loose, and breathable.
There are “ready” blankets like small sleeping bags you just put the baby in, and there are large blankets you need to learn how to wrap. The “ready” ones are easy to use but the problem is that not all babies are the same size and while some are small but chubby, others may be long and thin so they won t just be that snuggly a fit than the ones you wrap yourself. A few times of practicing and you will manage the wrapping yourself!
Is swaddling safe?
In general, it is considered safe when done correctly. The connection to the increased risk of SIDS is only due to incorrect swaddling. As long as you follow the guidelines and also keep the sleep environment of your baby safe there is no need to worry.
- Always put your baby on his or her back for sleep
- Have the swaddle tight enough to not come loose and cover the baby`s face
- Don t have it too tight or it will overheat your baby and disturb blood circulation and hip development
- Stop swaddling as soon as the baby can roll over
- Use light fabric to protect from overheating
Summary
Which new mom does not dream about a little more or less interrupted sleep? If you learn how to swaddle and get used to doing it for your newborn, you both can definitely profit from this. Besides, your little bundle of joy with only the tiny head sticking out is the cutest thing EVER.
Would you like to share your experiences with swaddling? Did it help you and your baby find more sleep, was it easier for you to handle it as a first-time mom? Did you have a hard time learning the how-to? I would love to hear your story!
Resources
5 ways? Wow! Thanks for the video and all the post. I want to follow Susan Urban’s sleep training method (this one: http://parental-love.com/shop/baby-sleep-training ) and she says wrapping is good. Also sound machine and – of course – routine. There are some drawings but I always prefer a video 🙂
Hi Melody! I am glad you liked the post and found it helpful! Yes, wrapping is very comfortable, not just for sleeping… I personally never tried any sleep training, it always worked for my babies just to keep a certain routine (bathing before sleep is always a part). But if you try, good luck, and let me know how it worked out!
Here we get to know about why and how to swaddle the natural womb feeling information in detail. It helps us to decide that which one is best among its types. I enjoyed reading this article and would suggest others it as well. Thank you for this article! This is really very informative for us.
Hey! I am glad you found this article helpful! let me know which one worked for you… best wishes!