Baby Swaddling: Is it Safe for a Baby?

Babies have been wrapped in swaddling blankets from time immemorial. Parents and newborns benefit from this time-tested strategy. It's simple and effective, and it works. Swaddling your baby correctly will make them feel like they've returned to their mother's womb. Startle reflex and colic may both be alleviated with proper swaddling techniques. But there are risks and safety guidelines that you should be aware of before your start swaddling your baby.

What is Swaddling?

Swaddling a baby is a traditional practice, in use since around 4000 BC. You may have even noticed the hospital nurse swaddle your newborn in a thin blanket. Swaddling involves wrapping a baby in a light, breathable blanket to make them feel calm and sleepy. Babies are wrapped gently, avoiding the neck and head to reduce any chances of suffocation. Swaddling a baby can help transport them to a sweeter time when they were snug and secure in your womb.

Why You Should Swaddle a Baby?

Here are 5 reasons why you should swaddle baby:

1. Swaddling prevents the onset of reflexes

The startle response is a reaction that is present in all newborns. As a result of this response, their arms and legs twitch violently as they sleep. The hands of a newborn might fly up and smack their face if their hands aren't snugly wrapped around their torso.

Imagine falling asleep peacefully and waking to the sensation of someone slapping you across the face. Logically, a baby's nighttime waking may be caused by this response. In a swaddle wrapper for baby, your baby's arms and legs are prevented from hitting their face and waking them up.

2. Swaddling helps babies to sleep longer

Adorable newborns are notoriously infamous for not sleeping straight through the night. Even though this is typical, many parents are in dire need of some shut-eye. Babies that are swaddled have been shown to sleep longer.

The outer world is chilly, overstimulating and noisy compared to the womb. Using a baby swaddle wrap may regulate the baby's body temperature and give them the cozy sensation of being in the womb again.

3. Swaddling can assist colicky babies

An inability to be soothed for lengthy periods is known as colic. A baby with colic may continue to wail even after you have fed, hugged, and calmed them in every manner conceivable. You and your baby both need a good night's sleep after a night of endless crying.

You can use a swaddle baby wrap to alleviate your baby's suffering and help them sleep or relax comfortably.

4. Swaddling may encourage safe sleep

It is recommended that all newborns be placed on their backs while sleeping. To keep them on their back as long as possible, use swaddling. Swaddle baby wrap helps to keep your infant on their back and not their stomach. However, when a baby can turn over, swaddling is no longer appropriate. Although swaddle newborn wraps are adorable, a baby's crib should be clear of loose blankets, toys, or pillows to provide the safest sleep possible.

5. Swaddling reduces instances of face scratching

The nails of a newborn might be particularly difficult to clip because of their length and brittleness. And it is typical for fatigued infant to massage their face, if their hands are free. You may even see minor scratches on their face because of this. Consider swaddling your infant to help keep their face free. There is no way for them to scratch their face since their arms are so tightly cuffed.

Know the Risks

According to some studies, swaddling may affect breastfeeding, if babies are prevented from having skin-to-skin contact during feedings. However, no long-term negative effects have come to light yet.

Swaddling a baby for longer durations could also mean they sleep more deeply, which may reduce the time they are awake, interacting and learning from their surrounding environment.

Additionally, some studies suggest that swaddling a baby tightly could increase their risk of developing hip dysplasia- a developmental problem in a baby’s hip joint. Ensure that your baby has enough space to bend up and out at the hips to allow the natural development of their hip joints.

Is swaddling my baby safe?

Swaddling your baby is absolutely safe and beneficial, if you follow swaddling safety guidelines. Make sure to always put your baby to sleep on their back and avoid stomach or side positions, especially if the baby is swaddled. Additionally, you should stop swaddling your baby whenever they present the first signs of rolling over.

Safety Points to Consider While Swaddling

Here are some safety points you must follow when swaddling your baby:

• Check your baby’s temperature and environment regularly to prevent overheating. Make sure they’re wearing suitable clothes according to the weather and avoid swaddling them if they’re unwell.

• Try a swaddle baby wrap made of light and breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin. Avoid placing any additional material or blanket on top of your swaddled baby as it could cause suffocation or overheating.

• Make sure to avoid swaddling your baby above the shoulders- let their neck and head be free. And use hip-friendly swaddling techniques to ensure their hips and knees are free to move and kick.

• Always put your little one to sleep on their back and never put your swaddled baby on their stomach or side.

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How to Swaddle a Newborn Baby?

Here are some steps you can follow for swaddling your baby:

• Choose a thin, lightweight blanket for swaddling.

• Spread the swaddle baby wrap out flat with one corner folded down.

• Lay your baby face-up on the blanket with their head over the folded corner.

• Straighten your baby’s left arm and wrap the left corner of the blanket over their body, tucking it between the right arm and right side of the body.

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• Now, tuck the right arm down and fold the right corner over their body and under the left side.

• Fold the bottom of the swaddle baby wrap loosely and tuck it under one side of the baby.

• Ensure that the blanket is not too tight and your baby’s hips are free to move. Try to keep a space of at least 2-3 fingers between your baby’s chest and the swaddle baby wrap.

Final Thoughts

Swaddling your baby can be a great way to encourage them to sleep longer and more safely, prevent them from scratching their face, reduce startle reflexes and even provide relief from colic. By following the safe swaddling guidelines and steps, you can be a pro at swaddling in no time!

References

American Academy of Pediatrics: “Swaddling: Is it Safe?”