Why is swaddling babies my absolute favorite technique for calming fussy babies?
Many parents have learned that swaddling babies is a critical step in calming newborn crying.
Your newborn baby has spent the last few months tightly cradled inside a warm, dark womb. For the first few months of their life on the "outside," they have little control over the movements of their arms and legs, and much of their movements are involuntary. After birth, in addition to the new and sometimes overwhelming lights, sounds, and touches, there is all of the space around them that was previously unavailable. It can make your newborn baby feel insecure. Swaddling babies reduces their involuntary movements and calms them. (I expect it reminds them of their former warm, snug home.) This is why most hospitals use this technique shortly after birth. It reduces the chance that their startle reflex will upset or awaken them, and is even thought to extend their REM sleep. Some studies suggest that swaddling may even reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). See this article on SIDS Prevention for more ways to protect your newborn baby. Many cultures today and throughout history have used some form of swaddling babies. Through archeological records, it is believed the technique has been used in some form for as many as 6000 years. Swaddling your baby is very simple to do, and is useful for as long as it continues to calm your child. I found swaddling my babies to be helpful until they were several months old. Here are some basic steps to swaddle baby: * Spread a thin receiving blanket or shawl out on a flat surface in a diamond shape. * Fold down the top corner of the blanket. * Lay the baby on top of the blanket with her head above the fold. * Take one side corner and wrap it very snugly over the baby, making sure that the baby’s arm is laid flat against her side. Tuck the excess blanket around and under the opposite side. * Lay the bottom (feet) corner over the top of the baby. * Bring the final corner over to the opposite side of the baby – again making sure that the baby’s arm is flat against her side and wrap the excess blanket snugly around the back. You may tuck the end of the blanket inside a fold, or even use a diaper pin to secure
To view the above video, click on the controls at the bottom of the video screen. Interested in knowing more about this method of swaddling from "The Happiest Baby on the Block"? Read my review of this method of calming a crying newborn. Swaddling Tip: Experiment with different sized blankets and different materials such as flannel or a thin, breatheable knit. Also experiment with the placement of the baby on the blanket. I like to place the baby slightly off center, and begin wrapping with the short side first. Caution: Make sure that the blanket can not cover any part of the baby's mouth. Also be sure that the temperature in the room is appropriate for the covering. Restriction of air flow and overheating are thought to be a contributors to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
This process may need to be repeated since the baby’s squirming will loosen the blanket. When used consistently from the beginning, I have found this technique to be a wonderful help in calming newborn crying and signaling baby that it is time to sleep. There are many swaddling blankets available on the market which make swaddling babies easier. They are often in unique shapes, various materials, and include velcro or other attachments. My favorite ones are called SwaddleMe by Summer Infant. Check them out at Amazon.com. Note: Be sure to let your baby have plenty of time unswaddled and free so that she can strengthen and exercise muscles. See Related ArticlesTips for Better Newborn Sleeping Guide to Newborn Sleeping New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
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