How Swaddling Helps Your Baby Sleep Better? 

Swaddling is one of those age-old baby care techniques that has stood the test of time and for good reason. For generations, parents have wrapped their newborns snugly in soft blankets to help them feel calm and secure.

Often described as turning your baby into a cozy little “burrito,” swaddling mimics the warm, confined environment of the womb, which can be incredibly comforting for a newborn adjusting to life in the outside world. But while swaddling can be a soothing tool for both babies and parents, many caregivers wonder:

Is it safe? How do you do it properly? And when should you stop?

In this guide, we will reveal how swaddling helps your baby sleep better. From its calming benefits to the perfect wrap, you’ll learn everything. Say goodbye to sleepless nights, and welcome a healthier, happier baby!

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What is Swaddling?

Swaddling involves tightly wrapping a child in a blanket, swaddle or suit while exposing only the part of their head. The primary goal of swaddling is to keep your baby warm and snug for better nighttime sleep. Swaddling your baby has many benefits. It improves the quality of your newborn’s sleep, enhances their comfort and security and regulates their body temperature.

Some babies love the comfort of a good, firm swaddle, while others like to be wild and free. If swaddling is something you are planning to do with your baby, here are some of the basics.

The Ins And Outs Of Swaddling

Swaddling is a bit of an art, and kind of like human origami, but once you master the technique, it can be a really effective way to wrap your baby for warmth and security. It’s been used for centuries, across many cultures, and is thought to recreate the snugness of being in the womb.

So yes, done properly, the swaddle can help calm young babies. It’s also a good way to suppress the newborn startle reflex – that mysterious occurrence where babies throw out their arms and get extremely unsettled because they feel like they’re falling. Swaddling the arms seems to inhibit this reflex.

When Should I Swaddle My Baby?

Swaddling babies can be used for nighttime sleep and naps to comfort them. It can be used if your baby is fussy or if they are crying. Swaddling can help to ease colic, which is when a healthy infant cries for longer than other babies.

Swaddling your baby might be a good idea the next time he or she needs a vaccination. Wrap your baby, but leave one leg unwrapped for the vaccination. can comfort the baby during and after the shot.

How to Safely Swaddle a Baby?

1. Spread out a thin blanket for a baby with the corner slightly folded.
2. You can place your baby’s head on top of the folded corner. You can place their arms to the side, cross them or leave them out. Do whatever comforts your child.
3. Wrap the left corner around your baby and tuck it behind their back. On the right, go under the arm.
4. Fold the blanket at their chest and bring up the bottom corner. The blanket should not touch your baby’s face. The hips and the knees of your infant should be turned out and slightly bent. The blanket being pulled too tightly can increase the risk of Hip Dysplasia. This is a problem in the way hip joints are formed.
5. Wrap the right side around your baby, and then tuck the blanket under the back of their left side. Only the neck and head should be visible. You can’t tuck their blanket under the arm of their left side if you are leaving their arms out.
6. Be sure that your baby is not wrapped too tightly. You should be able to slip your hand between the blankets and their chest. Your baby will be able to breathe easily. Check that the blanket doesn’t come off.

Is swaddling safe?

Yes, it’s considered safe, however, there are a few precautions that should be taken when swaddling your baby:

• Make sure the baby sleeps on her back and that you follow all the safe sleeping guidelines for babies. You’ll also want to ensure the swaddle doesn’t get so loose that it could potentially cover your baby’s face and restrict her breathing.
• While swaddling is all about snugness, just make sure it isn’t too tight around your baby’s chest. The idea is to create a snug wrap where you can easily fit a couple of fingers between the wrap and your baby’s chest.
• Don’t let your baby overheat in her wrap. Choose a lightweight muslin in summer, and keep the room at a moderate temperature.
• Improper swaddling can damage your baby’s hip sockets and lead to hip dysplasia, so just be sure you allow enough room for your baby to bend her legs up and out, with knees slightly splayed and hips flexed.

How do I wrap my baby?

So many YouTube videos to choose from! But it’s five simple steps:

1. Lay a wrap down on a flat surface in a diamond shape. Fold the top corner down approximately 15 centimetres.
2. Put your baby on her back, with her shoulders positioned level with the fold.
3. Hold your baby’s right arm down to her side, slightly bent. Take the same side of the swaddle, and pull it over your baby’s body. Tuck the swaddle under the baby’s body, leaving the left arm free.
4. Fold up the bottom of the swaddle, and tuck it into the top.
5. Hold your baby’s left arm down to the side, slightly bent, then take the remaining swaddle and wrap it over your baby, tucking in the remaining fabric underneath your baby. Voila, snug as a bug.

When should I stop swaddling?

When you notice your baby’s moving around more and rolling over, you’ll need to rethink the swaddle. This could be a good time to give it up, or if you think it’s still necessary for your baby, increase your vigilance so she remains safe in her swaddle.

Use Safety Tips When Swaddling Your Child

When you swaddle a baby, remember these safety tips to ensure your child’s protection.

• If you want to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), your baby must sleep on their back. It is important to place your baby on its back in their crib. This may reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Make sure that your baby’s crib is free of blankets, stuffed toys, pillows or other soft items. Your baby will stay warm and snug in the swaddle. They won’t require an extra blanket.
• Swaddling is safe, but it can reduce the ability of your baby to wake up easily when asleep. This could increase SIDS risk. Consult your healthcare provider if you are concerned that swaddling could cause SIDS.
• Can you wrap your baby too tightly? You can swaddle your baby too tightly. Just make sure you leave room for two or three fingers to fit between the chest of your baby and the swaddle. Swaddling your child too tightly can cause hip problems.
• To keep your baby warm, choose infant sleep clothing such as layers or a wearable sleep sack or a blanket. A secure sleep area should be free from soft or loose bedding. Wearable blankets and sleep sacks should be stopped as soon as a baby starts to roll. Sleep sacks, which do not swaddle the baby and allow them to move freely, are allowed to be used for as long as desired.
• Swaddling increases the risk of your baby overheating. Swaddling your baby should not make them too hot. You may be overdressing your baby if you notice them sweating or have wet hair, flushed lips, heat rash or rapid breathing.

Conclusion

Swaddling can be a wonderful way to help your newborn feel safe, secure, and comforted, much like they did in the womb. When done correctly, it can promote better sleep, reduce startle reflexes, and even make soothing your baby easier. However, it’s important to follow safe swaddling practices, stay aware of your baby’s cues, and know when it’s time to stop.

Every baby is different, and some may love being wrapped up snugly while others may resist it altogether, and that’s perfectly okay. As with many aspects of parenting, swaddling is about finding what works best for your baby and your family. Trust your instincts, stay informed, and don’t be afraid to ask your pediatrician if you’re unsure. With a little practice and patience, swaddling can become a calming and reassuring part of your baby’s early routine.