If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably heard about swaddling. Swaddling is the practice of wrapping your baby in a thin blanket so that their arms and legs are snug against their body.
If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably heard about swaddling. Swaddling is the practice of wrapping your baby in a thin blanket so that their arms and legs are snug against their body.
It’s often used as a way to help calm crying babies, and it can also help your baby sleep for longer periods of time. But did you know that there are many other benefits of swaddling your baby? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the other advantages of swaddling and provide tips on how to do it correctly.
Swaddling Keeps Baby Warm
One of the main reasons why parents choose to swaddle their babies is because it keeps them warm. Babies lose a lot of heat through their head and neck, so keeping their arms and legs snug against their body helps them to stay warm. This is especially important in the early days after birth when your baby’s immune system is still developing.
Swaddling Reduces the Risk of SIDS
Studies have shown that swaddling can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is likely because swaddling helps babies to sleep on their back, which is the safest position for sleeping infants. Additionally, swaddling helps to prevent babies from rolling onto their stomachs, which is another major risk factor for SIDS.
Swaddling Prevents Baby from Scratching Their Face
Babies have a natural reflex called the Moro reflex, which causes them to flail their arms and legs outwards when they feel like they’re falling. This reflex can startle babies and cause them to scratch their face with their nails. Swaddling prevents this from happening by keeping baby’s arms and legs close to their body.
Swaddling Helps Baby Feel Secure
Babies are used to being snug in the womb, so being wrapped up tightly can help them feel secure and comforted. This feeling of security can help to calm down crying babies and help them to sleep for longer periods of time.
How to Swaddle Your Baby
Now that we’ve gone over some of the benefits of swaddling, let’s talk about how to do it correctly. First, lay out a large square piece of fabric on a flat surface. Fold one corner of the fabric down about six inches, then place your baby on top of the fabric so that their head is resting on the folded corner. Wrap one side of the fabric around your baby’s body, tucking it underneath them as you go. Then wrap the other side around in the same way. Finally, tie the two corners of the fabric together at the top of your baby’s head. Make sure that the knots are tied securely but not too tightly – you should be able to slip two fingers between the fabric and your baby’s chest comfortably. And that’s it! You’ve successfully swaddled your baby!
Quick View
