How To Swaddle A Newborn

August 15, 2022

Swaddling And Your Babys Sleep Routine

How to Swaddle a Baby | Labor and Delivery Nurse, Nursery, & New Mom Skill

Swaddling is a great way to soothe your baby and create positive sleep associations for a healthy bedtime routine. Sleep associations can be positive or negative, and while negative associations rely on you being there to calm your baby, positive associations are ones that your baby can practice all by themselves.

If you’re beginning to sleep train your baby, swaddling can be a fantastic tool, regardless of the method you choose – whether it’s Ferber, camping out, cry it out or anything other kind, swaddling can soothe babies to sleep. Here’s an example of how you can introduce swaddling into your baby’s sleep routine:

Bathe your baby, lotion them and change their diaper

Massage baby

Put them into pyjamas and their Zen Swaddle

Dim the lights of their room and play some ambient sounds

Gently rock your baby

Feed your baby if you still need to

Put them into the crib and give them a kiss before you say goodnight!

Where To Get A Swaddling Cloth

You can buy a swaddling cloth from most baby stores. There are different types of swaddling cloths. Some of them are simple square or rectangle blankets. Others are sack-like and allow you to zip your baby up. Some have additional flaps on the side that wrap across your babyâs body and are secured with sticky strips.

What Are The Safety Considerations When Swaddling

For your little oneâs safety, keep these tips in mind when swaddling your baby:

Remember to always place your baby on his back in his crib, whether he has been swaddled or not. Placing your baby to sleep on his back is crucial as it can help reduce the risk of SIDS . Also, ensure that there are no blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, or any additional bedding or soft items in your babyâs crib. Since your baby will be quite warm and comfortable in his swaddle, he wonât need the additional blanket anyway.
Since swaddling may lower your babyâs natural ability to arouse himself from sleep, it may make it harder for him to wake himself up. Be aware that this, too, can increase the risk of SIDS.
Swaddling your baby too tightly can cause him to develop hip problems. If you can fit two to three of your fingers in between your babyâs chest and the swaddle, then youâve swaddled just right.
Ensure that your baby isn’t too warm when he’s swaddled. If you see that heâs sweating, has damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, or rapid breathing, he is most likely overdressed.

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When Should I Stop

Most pediatricians and the chair of the task force for the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations, advises that parents stop swaddling babies at 2 months.

According to Dr. Edwards, this is because babies begin to roll intentionally at 4 months and doctors want to make sure swaddling stops well before the baby could roll onto their stomach and be in danger.

For parents who are worried about their baby sleeping, she says, Babies are going to start self-soothing at this age. The startle reflex will start decreasing.

Practice Swaddling With Arms Out Your Baby

Swaddling is practiced by parents all around the world, but that doesn’t mean that everyone’s an expert straight away! From swaddling too loosely to using the wrong kind of blanket, there are a few pitfalls you can fall into if you aren’t careful.

Although millions of swaddle blankets are sold each year, many parents never learn to swaddle a newborn correctly. This is worrying, as incorrect swaddling, much like leaving loose blankets in the crib or placing baby to sleep on their front, can pose a safety risk.

Even if you get confused at first, by the 5th or 6th time we’re sure that you’ll find it as quick and straightforward as changing your baby’s diaper, and it’ll be a part of your baby’s sleep routine that you look forward to!

If you’re still having some trouble, there are plenty of tutorials out there to help, and asking parent friends to do an in-person demonstration can also help – you got this!

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S On How To Swaddle A Baby:

Spread out a blanket and fold one corner down

Place your baby’s head above the fold

Wrap one side of the blanket over the body, arms inside

Tuck the blanket underneath your baby

Fold up from the bottom. Make sure your baby’s legs can bend and that the blanket isn’t wrapped too tightly

Finally, wrap the other side of the blanket across the body and tuck it under

A few things to note: Make sure to always lay your bundled baby on their back, and stop swaddling around two months, or just before your baby can roll over.

Now that youve swaddled your little bundle, enjoy the extra calm a swaddled baby can bring. Still need a little help? Watch the swaddle video below for a tutorial.

Why Babies Like To Be Swaddled

Swaddling works by suppressing the Moro reflex, also called the startle reflex, an involuntary motor response in infants. When babies experience this reflex, they suddenly startle and throw their arms out in front of them.

This protective response is brought on when infants feel like they are falling or when something alarms them. If a baby experiences the Moro reflex during the night, they often wake and may cry for a parent to come in and resettle them.

A properly wrapped and fitted swaddle will prevent the baby’s arms from moving when the Moro reflex comes into play so that they’re more likely to continue sleeping soundly .

Swaddles also keep babies feeling warm and snug, making them more comfortable and helping them rest better. According to Robert Hamilton, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, the swaddled-up feeling a baby experiences may be reminiscent of how they felt while in the womb.

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By Step Guide To Swaddle A Baby

First of all, I think that learning how to swaddle a baby requires not just a correct technique but all your love and attention! The art of swaddling a baby is more than just wrapping them with the right steps. When I used to swaddle my baby girl, I did follow a few techniques that were comfortable for her and even for me. Thats how I formed a correct routine of wrapping her up in a soft muslin swaddle wrap! Therefore, you do not have to make it complicated, just do what your baby likes and whats best for him or her. But, you must follow a few standard steps while swaddling a baby.

Here are the steps you must follow while swaddling a baby.

How To Wrap Baby In Swaddle Sack

How To Swaddle a Baby

How To Wrap Baby In Swaddle Sack. Burtâs bees babyâ¢ swaddle blanket. From there, swaddle as you normally would. 2 days agokeep hips loo se babies who are swaddled too tightly may develop a problem with their hips.

Image Source : https://www.qdessence.com/wholesale-baby-collection/wholesale-baby-sleep-sack/wholesale-newborn-sleep-sack-baby-swaddle-wrap-bag-in-bulk-from-manufacturer.htmlWholesale Newborn Sleep Sack Baby Swaddle Wrap Bag in Bulk

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Folding The Swaddling Blanket

1Obtain your swaddling blanket. Be sure to use a cotton or muslin blanket that is at least 24 by 24 inches .XResearch source You can also purchase blankets that are specially made for swaddling or make them easily using fabric, scissors, an iron, and a sewing machine.

This is the standard size for swaddling a nearly newborn baby. As the baby grows, you may need to use a larger blanket, about 40 by 40 inches .XResearch source

2Fold the blanket for swaddling. Position the swaddling blanket on a secure, flat surface such as on the floor or on a bed. Rotate the square blanket so the corners of the blanket are pointed up, down, and to the sides, or in a diamond shape, rather than being in the position of a normal square. Fold the top corner of the blanket down about 8 inches .XExpert Source

How Long Does It Take To Stop Swaddling

When you have to stop swaddling your baby, you don’t need to go completely cold turkey – in fact, babies tend to find the transition less jarring if you spread each stage out over the course of a few nights.

For example, you might start by swaddling with one arm out while your baby sleeps for a few nights, then move on to both arms, before switching out the swaddle blanket altogether.

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What Are The Benefits Of Swaddling My Little One

Some people say that swaddling seems to help their little one to settle more easily and sleep for longer, others find that it can help calm their baby. Research has shown swaddling, used alongside sound and movement, to be effective at soothing crying babies . It can also encourage babies to sleep deeper and for longer .

Another study found that babies who were born early and were swaddled were calmer and had improved neuromuscular development and better muscle tone, and it soothed pain and discomfort .

Doing A Basic Swaddle

How to Swaddle a Baby the Right Way (Photos & Videos)

1Lay out the blanket on a flat surface. Spread the blanket out on a secure, flat surface, such as your bed or a padded floor. Arrange it in a diamond shape.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source

The blanket should be at least 40 by 40 inches . If you can buy a blanket specifically for swaddling, this is best.

Ideally, the blanket should be made of a light, breathable material, such as muslin cotton. This will help prevent your baby from becoming overheated, especially if you live in a warm area.XResearch source

For easy swaddling, you can purchase a specially designed swaddler with Velcro fasteners that hold the flaps in place. Make sure to choose one thats appropriate for your babys size and age.

2Fold down the top corner of the blanket. Once youve spread out the blanket, fold over the top corner. The folded corner should be on top of the blanket, not underneath it.XResearch source

The folded corner will help guide your placement of the baby.

Your blanket should now resemble the outline of a cartoon drawing of a gem or the Superman symbol, with 3 corners on the sides and bottom and a flat area on top.

Its very important to keep your baby face-up and make sure they are positioned so that their face will not be covered by the blanket after you swaddle them.

The blanket should be tucked snugly enough to hold the baby’s left arm in place at their side.

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How To Swaddle Arms Up

Babies love to be swaddled, but they cant do it forever. Weaning from swaddling can be difficult, so starting the process early by letting your baby have their arms out can help ease the transition.

Letting their arms out of the swaddle gets them used to the feeling of freedom and helps them grow their muscles and learn to self-soothe.

Wants To Suck Fingers

Many babies like to suck their fingers or hands for comfort while they’re sleeping, and that can sometimes mean that you go to your baby’s crib when you wake up only to find that they’ve broken their arm out! While it’s good that your baby is able to self soothe with this technique, it isn’t ideal when it comes to swaddling safety.

If this happens, you can use swaddling techniques that allow your baby to have a few fingers out when sleeping to suck on, or even an entire arm – the detachable arms on our Zen One are perfect for when you want to do this!

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When Do I Need To Stop Swaddling My Baby

You’ll have to stop swaddling your baby when they can roll over from their back to their tummy independently, as being swaddled and rolling onto their front can pose a SIDS risk for your baby. Most babies start to roll over at around 4 months old, but it’s completely normal if your baby rolls a few weeks before or after this.

Regardless of their age, if they’re rolling, you’ll need to make the transition.

Should All Babies Be Swaddled

How to Swaddle a Baby: Step by Step | UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital

Generally, swaddling is safe for all newborns. But if your baby has hip dysplasia or other hip issues, swaddling may aggravate that. Be sure to check with your pediatrician if thats the case for you.

Also, because all babies are different, some just dont like being swaddled. Or, they may be fine with having their torso swaddled, but want their arms free.

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What Safety Points Do I Need To Consider

Follow these seven safe and hip friendly swaddling tips:

Consider your baby’s temperature and their environment to prevent overheating. Check their temperature regularly and make sure they are wearing suitable clothes for the weather. Do not swaddle them if they are unwell or have a fever .

Swaddle your baby using thin materials such as a small, cotton sheet or muslin square. Do not place any additional material on top of a swaddled baby, for example a blanket which could cause them to overheat. Follow safe sleep guidance, laying your baby on a firm, flat surface clear of any other items .

Don’t swaddle your baby above their shoulders their neck and head should never be swaddled. Ensure any material is secure and won’t come loose as your baby moves, to avoid suffocation .

Use hip-healthy swaddling techniques to reduce the chance of hip dysplasia. Make sure your baby is able to move their hips and knees freely to kick. Your babys legs should be able to fall into a natural position rather than straight down.

Always put your baby to sleep on their back. Never put a swaddled baby to sleep on their front or side .

If you use a swaddle product or blanket check that it conforms to safety standards and is well fitted, without fault or damage. Follow the manufacturers guidance on age or weight ratings and consider using a lower tog rating to minimise overheating risks .

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Swaddling Your Baby

Swaddling can help a baby sleep but has both pros and cons. The advantages of swaddling your baby include:

Better sleep. For babies, being swaddled is like being back in the womb. One study of 16 babies aged 10 to 16 weeks found that swaddling increases the amount of time they stay asleep and decreases the number of times they startle and wake by themselves.
Less crying. A study on 368 babies who cried excessively found that babies under seven weeks old cried slightly less after being swaddled.
Premature babies. Swaddling has been found to help premature babies with improved development of nerves and muscles, better organization of motor movement.
Calming and pain relief. Premature babies who are swaddled during a weighing were less distressed compared to babies who arenât swaddled. In a study, it was found that swaddling can help relieve pain in premature infants after a heelstick blood test.
Sleep position. Parents who swaddle their babies are more likely to place them flat on their back when swaddled, which is the recommended sleep position for babies.â

Disadvantages include:

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How To Swaddle A Baby Safely

Summary

Swaddling is a technique that involves wrapping a baby snugly and securely in a blanket. To swaddle a baby safely, the blanket must support the babys body comfortably, but not too tightly, leaving the head showing so they can breathe.

Swaddling may help babies sleep better, as it helps stop them from jolting awake when noises or motion trigger their startle reflex. It may help comfort babies by resembling the conditions inside the uterus.

However, swaddling has some potential risks if a person does it incorrectly or at the wrong age for the baby.

This article discusses how to swaddle a baby safely, why technique matters, when to swaddle, and the benefits. We also look at why a baby may resist swaddling and when to stop swaddling.

To swaddle a baby safely:

Spread a square blanket out on a flat surface. Position it so that the corners point north and south, like a diamond.

Fold the top corner down one-third of the way toward the middle of the blanket.

Lay the baby face-up on the blanket, with their shoulders lined up where the top of the blanket ends.

Straighten the babys left arm against their body, and wrap the left corner of the blanket over them. Tuck it between their right arm and right side of the body.

Straighten the right arm against their body, and fold the right corner of the blanket over them. Tuck the blanket under their left side.

Swaddling is generally safe if a person uses the right technique. Swaddling may be unsafe if:

How To Avoid Overheating When Wrapping A Baby

In warm weather, dress your baby in a singlet and nappy underneath the wrap. Overheating has been linked to SUDI, so try to keep baby cool and comfortable during sleep.

In cool weather, dress your baby in a lightweight jumpsuit under the wrap. Dont use a bunny rug or blanket it can cause overheating. Be careful not to overheat the house, especially if baby is ill.

Wraps that are too high can cause baby to overheat and also block babys breathing. Dont let the wrap cover your babys face, head, ears or chin.

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