Swaddling your newborn baby is one way to make them feel comfy and safe. It keeps them warm and tucked in for a good sleep. Since it imitates their position when they are still in the womb, it’s the best way to comfort them for two to four months.
Baby swaddling is a skill new parents must learn. It’s simple to accomplish, but it may be challenging at times, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. To ensure your baby’s safety, you must do it correctly.
That said, here are six safety tips to remember when swaddling your newborn:
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Choose The Right Blanket
Your baby’s comfort is the top priority, so it’s a must to choose the softest and comfiest baby swaddle blankets. To avoid rashes on your baby’s delicate skin, and to prevent overheating, go for a breathable swaddle wrap—not too thin, not too thick.
The most common fabric used to make swaddle blankets is cotton, jersey, and bamboo. The softest and most popular material used to make swaddles is cotton muslin. It’s smooth on the skin, breathable, and not too thick.
Bamboo swaddles, on the other hand, are ideal for people with delicate skin. It has a higher absorption rate than muslin and is excellent at controlling temperature.
A jersey swaddle is another wonderful alternative. This is the stretchiest of the three, but it is also the thickest. It gives more warmth than the other two and, because of its increased stretchiness, cuddles your infant softly yet firmly.
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Swaddle Your Baby Just Tight Enough
Swaddling can be a bit tricky. If you swaddle your baby too loose, the blanket might unfold and cover your baby’s face. But, if it’s too tight, it might cause problems in your baby’s hip joint.
To swaddle your baby just tight enough, make sure the legs can still move and kick. Straightening your baby’s legs when swaddling might result in hip dysplasia.
For the upper body, try to place your two fingers between your baby’s hands and chest to make sure there’s enough space. They should still be able to move their arms a bit even when they’re wrapped.
In addition, secure every fold by tucking it in. Make sure the blanket won’t unfold for your baby’s safety and uninterrupted sleep. Flailing their limbs may trigger their reflex and wake them up.
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Lay Your Baby On Their Back
When swaddled, make sure your baby sleeps on their back. It’s the safest position for a newborn since sleeping on their side or front could lead to suffocation.
One of the purposes of swaddling is to help your baby adjust from the womb to the outside world. This is why when they are wrapped and laid on their back, they might be able to dose off faster, and sleep longer.
Keeping your baby laid on their back while sleeping reduces the risk of SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome.
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Learn Several Swaddling Techniques
There are several swaddling techniques you can try. You may leave their arms out, create a ‘hood’ for extra comfort, and try different folding and tucking styles.
As you swaddle your newborn every nap time and night time, you’ll notice what’s comfier for them. This is why it’s best to try out different techniques as you go along.
Some of the simplest swaddling techniques that you may follow are the classic swaddle and knotted swaddle. Regardless of the technique, you’re using, make sure that your baby’s movements aren’t too restricted, especially the legs.
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Keep The Blanket Just Right On The Shoulder
Don’t swaddle your baby’s neck and head. Keep the blanket just a little above the shoulder for your baby’s safety.
If you want to provide an extra cover to keep your baby’s head warm, you might try a specific swaddling technique that leaves a cozy hood. This hood should not swaddle your baby’s head nor cover their face.
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Only Swaddle Your Baby Up To Two To Four Months
Remember to stop swaddling your baby when they have started learning how to roll over. This usually happens between two to four months.
Swaddling a baby who rolls over when they sleep is not safe. Aside from the risk of unfolding the swaddle wrap and covering their face, they also won’t be able to roll back up since their hands and legs are restricted.
As an alternative to swaddling, you may use sleeping bags that allow babies to freely move. These are safer for babies who are already capable of bigger movements.
Takeaway
Prioritizing your newborn’s safety and comfort is essential to keep them happy and healthy. It can be stressful and frustrating at times, but seeing them grow up in love and joy will always be worth the busy days and sleepless nights.
