Swaddling is an age-old technique.
Snugly wrapping a blanket around a baby replicates being in the womb and has been shown to help calm and settle little ones to sleep. If used correctly they will feel snug and secure which will keep them asleep for longer and it is also great for preventing the startle (Moro) reflex.
Definitely worth a try if you need a little something extra to help soothe a fussy new-born.
If you’re considering swaddling your baby, make sure you always follow safe swaddling guidelines to protect your little one:
• Swaddle your little one for all sleeps day and night as part of your routine.
• Never put a swaddled baby to sleep on their front.
• If your baby can roll or if there is a chance your baby may roll – stop swaddling.
• Overheating is a risk.
Use thin materials to swaddle (think about all the layers you are wrapping around them) and regularly check your little one’s temperature to ensure they are not getting too hot. Signs they are getting to hot include sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and rapid breathing.
• Do not swaddle above the shoulders.
• Don’t swaddle too tight and keep hips loose – Babies who are swaddled too tightly may develop a problem with their hips.
• Do not have any loose blankets in your baby’s sleep space including a swaddling blanket that comes unwrapped as this increases the risk of suffocation if they end up covering your little ones face.
Here is a step-by-step mini guide: how to swaddle your baby safely – Source NCT.org.uk
1. Lay down your chosen swaddling blanket on a flat, safe surface like the floor.
2. Arrange the blanket in a flat diamond shape. Turn the top point of the diamond down and smooth it out.
3. Put your baby down gently on their back on top of the lightweight blanket.
4. Put your baby’s right arm down gently by their side and wrap that side of the blanket up over their right arm and across their front over to the left. Tuck the blanket snugly underneath their left side.
5. Think hip-healthy. The idea is to wrap your baby gently but firmly so they feel snug and secure without restricting their legs from falling into a natural frog-like position. Always make sure their neck and face are uncovered.
6. Bring the bottom corner of the blanket straight up and fold it upwards towards your baby’s shoulders, making sure it does not cover your baby’s neck or face in any way.
7. Place your baby’s left arm down by their side and wrap the blanket up over their left arm across their front and across to the opposite side of their body. Tuck it behind their right side. Hey presto, you have your very own baby burrito.
Do you swaddle your little one? I would love to hear below.
Leigh. X
Does your child start waking hourly after a couple hours of good sleep? Then this blog is for you!
