Swaddling 101
In this article, we’ll address several common questions families have about swaddling such as: What is swaddling? Is it safe and is swaddling right for your baby?
Swaddling involves gently restricting movement by cocooning an infant snuggly, inside a blanket, with only their head peeking out. Humans have been swaddling infants for centuries and though it’s faded in and out of style, the practice is still very popular today. Let’s talk about why this ancient practice is trending today and how swaddling may help your newborn during their first few months.
Benefits of Swaddling
We know swaddling has been around for a while but why? Swaddling offers a practical approach to soothing an infant and helping them sleep for longer durations. Newborns are easily over-stimulated by their environment. Swaddling calms a distressed baby by “returning” them to the secure, familiar feeling of the womb.
For safety, infants should always be put to sleep on their backs. Unfortunately, this safe sleep position often allows a newborn to be awakened repeatedly by their startle reflex. You may have noticed your sleeping baby’s arms suddenly flail out, waking them from a peaceful slumber. Swaddling inhibits the Moro reflex (also called the startle reflex) by securing the baby’s arms down at their sides and preventing a startling wake from sleep.
Even though swaddling appears to be beneficial, it must be done safely.
Tips for Safe Swaddling
Purchase a product designated for swaddling
Fortunately, swaddling your baby at home no longer requires expert-level origami skills or years of practice. Many products are now available that swaddle an infant in one easy step. Choose a specially designed swaddle product that snaps, zips, or velcros to keep your baby safely and securely in the swaddle.
Always place infants on their backs
Always put your baby to sleep on their back. Additionally, whether napping or playing, it’s extremely dangerous to place a baby on their tummy or side while in a swaddle. The side position makes it too easy for a baby to roll onto their tummy. A swaddled baby, lying on their stomach, cannot use their arms to help raise the head and breathe easily. This can lead to suffocation.
The swaddle should be snug on the top, and loose on the bottom
Wrap baby snuggly around the upper body, with arms down at their sides, but leave enough room for your hand to fit through at the chest region.
Swaddling too tightly around the hips can increase the risk of hip dysplasia. The swaddle should be loose at the hips and legs, with any extra material tied in a loose knot at the bottom. Your baby needs to be able to move and spread their legs easily.
Avoid overheating
To prevent overheating, dress infants in only one outfit under the swaddle. It should be appropriate for the ambient temperature/weather that they will be sleeping in. The head should be uncovered and watch for signs of overheating (sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, a heat rash, and/or rapid breathing).
Keep the sleep area clear
Do not place any covers, blankets, or clothing over the swaddle. Extra layers can lead to overheating or cause the baby’s face to become covered during sleep. The baby’s swaddle sack or swaddle blanket should be the top layer.
Know when to stop swaddling
As soon as your baby shows any signs of trying to roll over, stop swaddling. Rolling onto the tummy while swaddled can lead to suffocation. Be on the lookout for signs of this milestone. Many babies start working on rolling at around 2 months of age.
Swaddling can soothe a fussy newborn and help them to sleep for longer stretches, However, we recommend only using products specifically designed for swaddling and following all safety guidelines listed here and those recommended by your child’s healthcare provider. If you need further guidance or support, you can chat now with one of our coaches on the MissPoppins app.
