To wrap the baby, you need to wrap it tightly, but not too tightly. There is an art to getting it right, but with some practice and a step-by-step guide, you can also be an expert at swaddling. Here's what you need to know [S], [S].
Why do babies like swaddling?
Swaddling works by suppressing the reflex, an involuntary motor response in infants [s]. When children experience this reflex, they suddenly throw their arms out in front of them.
This protective response occurs when children feel like they are falling or when something alerts them [s]. If a child has a reaction during the night, they will often cry for a parent to come and resettle them.
New parents often learn how to wrap their baby from nurses in the hospital. A blanket wrapped tightly around your baby's body can resemble the mother's womb and help soothe your newborn.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that when done correctly, swaddling a baby can be an effective technique to help calm babies and promote sleep.
Is it safe to swaddle a baby?
Swaddling is generally safe when done correctly, but there are some risks you should be aware of. Swaddling works by reducing the baby's arousal, so it is difficult for the baby to wake up.
There is evidence that lack of excitement may be one of the leading causes of infant death from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
There are some risks in swaddling. Swaddling may reduce the baby's excitement, making it difficult for the baby to wake up. Parents love swaddling - the baby sleeps longer and doesn't wake up easily.
But we know that lack of excitement can be a problem and may be one of the leading causes of infant deaths from SIDS.
Always make sure you wrap the blanket tight enough so that the blanket doesn't unravel but it shouldn't be so tight that your baby is tied up, advises Dr. Hamilton. The blanket should be loose enough at the hips for freedom of movement.
Also use a light blanket to avoid overheating. Most importantly, always follow the safe sleep guidelines when it comes to swaddling.
See: Athlete's Foot Fungus: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
What are the safe sleep guidelines for a child?
Follow safe sleeping practices when swaddling a baby:
- Put your baby to sleep on his back for every sleep.
- Refrain from using loose blankets and do not put anything in the crib other than a baby and a pacifier.
- Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows any signs of trying to roll over or when he's two months old (whichever comes first).
- Avoid over-packing your baby.
How to wrap a baby in a blanket
Here is a step-by-step guide to wrapping a baby in a blanket:
 |
| image source: babymori.com |
- Lay the blanket flat and fold it into a triangle. The wide edge should be at the top and the corner at the bottom. Place the child in the middle, arm down by either side, with the point of the triangle facing down. The baby's head and neck should be above the blanket, and their shoulders and bottom should be on the blanket.
- Take the upper right corner and pull it diagonally down to the right, placing it under the child's right thigh.
- Take the bottom corner and pull it diagonally up and over the right shoulder, tucking it back.
- Drag the upper left corner horizontally to the left and around the back.
See: Top 18 Eye Care Tips at home
How to swaddle a baby with their arms raised
If your baby doesn't seem to like swaddling, he may prefer a different arm position. Many children prefer to wrap their hands over their hearts.
In this position, follow the above steps but place the baby's fists together on his chest rather than on the baby's sides.
 |
| image source: babymori.com |
- Lay the blanket flat and fold it into a triangle. The wide edge should be at the top and the corner at the bottom.
- Place the baby in the middle, but with the top of the blanket under the arms.
- Take the upper right corner and pull it diagonally down to the right, placing it under the child's right thigh.
- Take the bottom corner and pull it around the back, tucking it back.
- Drag the upper left corner horizontally to the left and around the back.
Deciding whether to draw the arms up or down is entirely up to you. You can always try both modes to see which one is best for your child.
Swaddling with the arms raised helps some babies calm themselves but for others, it makes sleeping more difficult. With the arms out.
There is no rule that says you should swaddle all the time, but consistency is generally best.
When do you stop swaddling a baby?
Parents should stop swaddling as soon as their child shows any signs of trying to roll over. Many babies start rolling over at around two months of age.
Since we can't predict the first time a baby will roll, it's important to stop swaddling when he shows signs of trying to roll over or at two months of age, whichever comes first.
Although you may be reluctant to take your baby's sleep aid, his safety is more important and, in the end, he will sleep better without a swaddle. Swaddling also doesn't work after a certain age anyway.
As they get older, the baby is more powerful and difficult to swaddle and also, I find that the restraining effect, which works well when they are young, does not seem to hold the same value.
See: Learn How to Wash and Use Cloth Diapers
How to make your baby sleep without a swaddle?
There is no rule that says you should wrap a newborn baby, and some parents choose not to do it at all. Whether your baby doesn't like it or you're uncomfortable with the small risks associated with swaddling, it's okay to carry your baby on the floor without one.
Just remember that the only bedding your child needs is a tight fitted sheet over the mattress.
Your baby may wake up more frequently if he is not swaddled because the Moro reaction is strongest during the first 12 weeks of life.
However, since swaddling is no longer safe after 8 weeks of age (or when an infant first tries to roll over), weaning can be difficult.
Some parents prefer letting their child learn to sleep without a swaddle from the start rather than trying to take one away while this reflex is still strong.
Summary
Swaddling a baby can be a sleep aid that helps you get through those early months of parenting without losing your mind. When done correctly, swaddling is a safe way to improve and prolong a baby's sleep.
If your new baby's sleeping habits are stressful, it's okay to seek help. Perhaps your partner, family member, or friend can help while you rest, or you can hire a night nurse.
You could also consider investing in a sleep consultant or just letting yourself take a nap when your child does. If you feel sleep deprived of depression or anxiety, contact your doctor.