Swaddling your newborn
Swaddling newborn babies has been a tradition for thousands of years across many different cultures, mainly because there are huge benefits for babies.
Wrapping your newborn firmly in a soft blanket reminds him of being in the uterus, so he feels comfortable, secure and sleeps more contently. As adults, we pull our covers tightly over us and curl up into balls for comfort, and babies are the same.
Research has suggested that swaddling can reduce the risk of SIDS in young babies, because it helps to keep babies on their backs and stops them from slipping down underneath their covers. For sleep-deprived parents swaddling can be a boon because babies tend to sleep more peacefully if they’re swaddled. It stops them from waking themselves up with their ‘Moro’ or ‘startle’ reflex, where they involuntarily jerk their legs and arms around. It can also prevent them from scratching themselves with their fingernails, which grow rapidly in the first few months and can be tricky to cut. It’s also thought that swaddling helps ease colic symptoms because it exerts gentle pressure on the abdominal area.
It’s likely you’ll be shown how to swaddle before you leave the hospital, and here are gurgle’s tips…
How to swaddle your newborn
Use a cotton sheet or a lightweight cotton receiving blanket. Don’t use a synthetic blanket or anything too warm, such as a comforter or quilt.
1. Place the blanket diagonally on a flat surface and fold the top triangle down about six inches. Place your baby in the middle of the blanket with his head at the top edge.
2. Tuck the right side of the blanket tightly around your baby so that the edges are underneath his left arm. Fold the bottom of the blanket up choosing one side to tuck it into.
3. Wrap the left side of the blanket around your baby and tuck underneath his right arm.
Make sure you aren’t wrapping him too tightly, or that his head is covered. Your baby’s room shouldn’t be too hot or too cold – around 65-68 degrees is ideal.
Don’t swaddle your baby if he has a fever, as his body temperature will be higher and he may overheat. You’ll probably find that he starts to dislike being swaddled when he reaches a month or so – it’s best to stop wrapping him snugly at that point, as it may interfere with his mobility and development.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.