Things You Should Know About Swaddling A Baby
If you are a mother, you know that swaddling is a magical thing for a baby. It contributes a lot to how they are going to cope with the outside environment. If you had a glimpse in a hospital nursery, you might see babies wrapped in a neat little package, only its little head poking out. Nurses know that a secret to keeping a baby happy and calm is giving them the same feeling inside their mother’s womb. A swaddle is used for that purpose.
Why are babies swaddled?
There are reasons why you should try swaddling a baby. It might look intimidating at first, but taking baby steps on learning how to do it will help you a lot. Before trying it on your baby, it is essential to know why newborn babies need a swaddle.
Swaddling is an old technique for wrapping newborn babies using a thin blanket. Wrapping a baby isn’t just for fun, and it has to serve its purpose. The benefits of swaddling a baby are:
It helps your little one feel secure and safe as he adjusts to life outside the womb.
It keeps your baby comfortable and warm.
It prevents them from flailing their arms or legs.
It promotes better sleep
Swaddle blanket or a swaddle wrap?
If you still want to give your little one a swaddle but do not want to use blankets, there are swaddle wraps available. There are wraps with Velcro tabs or zippers that provide the same experience to your baby. If you prefer to use covers, there will be no need for folding and tucking just like on blankets.
Whether it is a blanket or wrap, make sure that it is not loose. Loose blankets are very dangerous to the babies. Moreover, you might want to check the tightness of the wrap you gave to your baby. Keep in mind that it should not be too tight, but it needs to be snug. You should be able to fit your three fingers inside the blanket touching your baby’s chest.
Do all babies need a swaddle?
Swaddling is a smart way to keep a baby calm. It is also another way for parents to get their babies to fall asleep. Some babies have trouble sleeping on their backs; it is why swaddling might be a good idea for them.
Swaddling provides babies with a night of better sleep, but they do not need a swaddle if they are happy without it. As a parent, do not bother if your baby does not want a swaddle. Their body knows what is best for them, and they will reject your swaddle if they are not comfortable with it.
Although there are babies who refuse a swaddle, if you feel your baby needs it, do not hesitate to give your warm swaddle to your little one. Swaddling your baby for short periods will be fine.
When do you need to stop swaddling?
Swaddling is a smart move for newborn babies, but not for older ones. Older babies who can stretch their arms and break free from blankets should not undergo swaddling anymore. You will want to quit swaddling your little one when they become active and when they start to explore their motor skills. Usually, babies grow active around 3 or 4 months. Some experts recommend stopping swaddling in the second month of your baby.
Now that you have gained the idea about the magic swaddle, it is time to gear up and prepare yourself to be a pro on swaddling. Prepare the blanket or wrap for your baby, and do not forget to enjoy the whole process!
Author Bio:
Emily Stuart is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.