Although it may appear simple to wrap a baby in a swaddle, which is similar to a burrito… however “easy” isn’t the term that springs to mind when you’re a sleep-deprived parent holding a fussy baby at 2 in the morning!
Swaddling a newborn may seem to a new mother like a form of esoteric jujitsu practised solely by nurses and midwives.
Swaddling is a method of keeping a newborn infant warm and content by wrapping them tightly in a blanket or other soft fabric. It can help soothe a fussy or crying infant and put them to sleep more soundly.
Swaddling a baby can have several potential benefits, including:
1. Calming:
Some infants find that being swaddled in a blanket makes them feel more secure and quiet. A newborn may find solace in the fact that being snugly covered in a blanket might give them the impression of being back in the womb, where they spent their first few months of life. A baby’s ability to fall asleep more soundly and with less fussing and crying is one of the potential benefits of swaddling.
2. Better Sleep:
Newborns who are swaddled may sleep more soundly and for longer periods. This could be since swaddling a baby makes them feel more like they are still within their mother’s womb, which can be reassuring for them. The sensation of being wrapped up securely may also help to minimize a baby’s startle reflex, which is what can cause a newborn to wake up when they are sleeping.
3. Easier To Handle:
When a baby is swaddled, they are less likely to become startled or flail their arms, which can be beneficial when you are attempting to change their diaper or dress them. Swaddling can also make a baby easier to handle. A newborn who is fussy or irritable may benefit from the sensation of being firmly wrapped, which can assist to soothe the baby and make the baby more manageable.
4. Temperature Regulation:
A baby’s core temperature can be maintained with the help of a swaddle, which may be of utmost importance in chilly situations or for preterm infants. The sensation of being wrapped up in something snugly can assist in the regulation of a baby’s body temperature, so ensuring that they remain warm and content.
It is essential to keep in mind that not all infants will react favourably to being swaddled, and some could even find that having more room to move around is more comfortable for them. It is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your infant and notice how they react when they are swaddled. If they appear to be struggling or uncomfortable, you may need to make some adjustments to the swaddle or abandon its use entirely.
In a nutshell, there is a multitude of compelling arguments in favour of giving this time-honoured tradition a shot. However, it may be a little nerve-wracking to try to figure out how to accomplish it on your own.
The following is a step-by-step guide that will teach you how to swaddle a baby like a pro, as well as the keys to adhering to appropriate swaddling techniques and the signs that indicate when it’s time to quit.
How To Swaddle Step-By-Step?
To swaddle a baby, you’ll need a large, soft blanket and follow these steps:
1. Place the blanket on the ground in a horizontal position with one corner tucked in slightly.
2. Position the infant so that their head is elevated above the corner that has been folded over the blanket.
3. Place the infant in a sitting position and bring the corner of the blanket on the baby’s left over to their right side. Tuck it under their left arm.
4. Place the right corner of the blanket over the baby’s left side, then tuck it under the right arm of the child.
5. When the baby is being wrapped up in the blanket, fold the upper corner of the blanket down over the chest and tuck it under the chin.
It is essential to make sure the baby is not wrapped too tightly, as this can impede both their movement and their ability to breathe normally. The swaddle should be comfortable for the baby but not overly constricting. If it seems as though the baby is suffering or is not comfortable while being swaddled, you may need to make some adjustments to the swaddle or stop using it altogether.
Swaddling Techniques For Newborns
There are a few various methods of swaddling that can be used for newborns, and the one you choose to use will depend on your personal preference as well as the requirements of your child. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
Traditional Swaddle:
The traditional method of swaddling entails wrapping the infant in a blanket and pinning their arms to their sides while wrapping their body in a manner that is very close to their skin.
To accomplish this, begin by laying the blanket out flat, placing the baby on top of it with their head above one corner, bringing the left corner of the blanket over the baby’s right side and tucking it under their left arm, bringing the right corner of the blanket over the baby’s left side and tucking it under their right arm, and finally folding the top corner of the blanket down over the baby’s chest and tucking it under their chin.
Modified Swaddle:
Swaddling the baby’s arms while allowing them freedom of movement in their legs is the principle behind the modified swaddle technique. To achieve this, you will need to follow the instructions for a traditional swaddle, but instead of tucking the blanket under the baby’s right arm, you will only tuck it under their left arm.
“Lovey” Swaddle:
The “Lovey” swaddle is a method that entails wrapping the baby in a blanket and then placing a small stuffed animal or another comfort object on top of the blanket, close to the baby’s face. This technique is known as the “Lovey” swaddle. After that, the “lovey” can serve as a source of comfort for the infant by being used with the stuffed animal.
Swaddle “Sack”:
In addition, there is a wide selection of commercially available sacks for swaddling that are designed to make the process simpler. These sacks come equipped with Velcro or other types of closures that enable you to safely transport a baby inside the sack without the need to wrap a blanket around the child first.
It is essential to check that the baby is not wrapped up too tightly, as this can impede the child’s ability to move around and breathe normally. The swaddle should be comfortable for the baby but not overly constricting. If it seems as though the baby is struggling or is not comfortable while being swaddled, you may need to make some adjustments to the swaddle or stop using it altogether.
For more techniques, check out swaddling techniques for newborns.
How Many Hours Should A Newborn Be Swaddled?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that infants sleep on their backs and that they should not be swaddled once they reach the age of 2 months or show signs that they can roll over. Swaddling should be avoided altogether after infants reach this age.
In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infants should not be put to sleep on their stomachs because this position is associated with an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
As long as the newborn is being watched carefully at all times, it is generally okay to swaddle them for brief periods while they are awake. However, swaddling a newborn for sleep should be done with caution, and it’s important to follow safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS.
If you decide to put your newborn to sleep in a swaddle, it is vitally important to make sure that they are not wrapped too tightly, as this can impede their ability to move and breathe. Swaddling is a great option for parents.
The swaddle should be comfortable for the baby but not overly constricting. If it seems as though the baby is struggling or is not comfortable while being swaddled, you may need to make some adjustments to the swaddle or stop using it altogether.
Conclusion
The practice of swaddling can be an effective method for soothing a fussy or crying newborn and assisting them in getting a better night’s sleep. However, when it comes to sleeping, it is especially important to use the proper technique and be aware of the potential risks associated with swaddling.
It is recommended that swaddling be used only when the baby is awake and being supervised and that the baby not be wrapped too tightly, as this can interfere with their movement and breathing.
Swaddling should be used only when the baby is awake and being supervised. It is best to stop swaddling the baby once they reach the age of two months or when they show signs of being able to roll over, as it is no longer safe to do so after this point.
One must always adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines, such as positioning the infant on their back while sleeping rather than on their stomach. In addition to this, it is essential to be alert for any indications of discomfort or unease and to make appropriate adjustments in response to these cues.
Swaddling can be done in a variety of ways, including the traditional method, a modified method, using a “lovey” or a commercial swaddle sack. All of these methods are acceptable as long as they adhere to the safe sleep guidelines and do not restrict the baby’s ability to move around or breathe normally.