Swaddling is rather a controversial topic for new moms. So we decided to show you why swaddling is important and good both for parents and your baby.
However, the key for the many benefits of swaddling is that you do it correctly. Because of that, we added the basic techniques of correct swaddling.
When you use a sleep garment, a blanket or a swaddle wrap, it is highly important to make sure you do not cover your baby’s nose or face. If you swaddle your baby, do not overdress him/her and use only baby clothes made of 100% cotton.
You can swaddle your baby to sleep as long as he/she does not roll to the side or tummy.
Swaddle your baby only during the night. Finally, make sure your baby is comfortable to move in a swaddle wrap. At least three fingers between your baby and a swaddle wrap is recommended.
If you are sure your baby is swaddled to sleep safely and correctly, we can talk about many benefits of this infant-rearing technique.
Why is swaddling good for your baby?
In order to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), swaddling is a good idea. That is the reason why you should always put your baby on his/her back when swaddling.
Swaddling regulate the baby’s temperature. Regulation of the baby’s temperature is especially important for infants with very low birth weights. A study has shown that the temperature rises when a baby is swaddled in an incubator.
By swaddling, you can prevent your baby from waking up in the middle of the night because of the startle reflex. The startle reflex is a response to sudden stimuli, and it can be seen as a random arm movement which is completely normal for an infant.
So we can say that your baby sleeps better when swaddled to sleep. Swaddling helps babies sleep for longer continuous periods of time.
Your baby cries less when swaddled. According to pediatrician Harvey Karp in his bestselling book “The Happiest Baby on the Block” published in 2002, reducing crying when babies are swaddled is one of the main reasons why he recommends this sleep method.
In addition, swaddling can soothe your baby when he/she is in pain, according to research.
In a study, premature infants improved their neuromuscular development and showed better motor organization and better self-regulatory ability when swaddled to sleep.
Especially if your baby suffers from neonatal abstinence syndrome or neonatal cerebral lesions, swaddling is highly recommended.
Why is swaddling good for mothers?
If your baby cries less and sleeps longer when swaddled, you can get free time for yourself. Whether you are a home-working mom, whether you want to do something you like, or whether you just want to take a nap together with your baby, swaddling is definitely good for you.
When your baby is swaddled, you are sure that your baby is safe and comfortable, which is maybe the most important goal when caring for a newborn.
To sum up, when swaddled, your baby sleeps better, he/she cries less. Swaddling regulates your baby’s temperature, and the baby easily soothes himself/herself in a swaddle wrap. These are some of the most important reasons you should swaddle your baby to sleep.
And we do not forget more free time for mothers, as well.
Gabriella Diesendorf
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