Swaddling is an age old tradition of wrapping baby securely in her blanket. There are many great reasons to swaddle your baby, most of which you may already know. Swaddling helps ensure your baby feels safe and secure, snuggled tight just like she was in your womb, allowing her to ease into her new environment and helping her to adjust to all of the new experiences.
Here's my little one swaddled in one of my favorite blankets. Swaddling is typically done with with receiving blankets, muslin wraps, or special baby swaddles.
Some medical studies maintain that swaddling appears to be a positioning technique that can enhance neuromuscular development of the very low birth weight infant and that it might have a role in further lowering SIDS risk. Research has also found that swaddling helps infants sleep with fewer awakenings and stay in REM sleep longer.
Mastering the Art, a step by step guide to the newborn Swaddle*
I've seen several variations on the standard swaddle, this is what worked best for me. The photo does not show the correct positioning of the back of the swaddle, there should be no fabric above the baby's chin. I recommend trying different ways and seeing what works best for you and your baby. It's my opinion and experience that not all babies like any swaddling and I feel it's important to respect that. Watch your baby for signs and cues on his or her preference for swaddling. Each baby is unique in his or her own way if your baby does not like being swaddled that should be ok too.
- Lay a blanket on a flat surface with one corner at the top (works well with a square blanket but can be used with other shapes)
- Fold the top corner down so that the tip of the corner is even with the side corners
- Lay your baby so that the fold is at the top of her neck
- Pull one side of the blanket over her arm and across her body and tuck snugly behind her opposite side
- Pull the bottom corner up over her legs and tuck into the piece that is across her body
- Pull the last side of the blanket over her other arm and pull snugly behind her body
- Some blankets will have enough of the wrap to tuck in but it's not necessary
The modified Swaddle
Older babies need more freedom of movement and may not be comfortable in a swaddle that restricts their arms. If your baby is able to pull his or her arms out of the swaddle then it may be time to modify your swaddle to accommodate that.
To swaddle without the arms simply make the fold a little deeper and place baby on the blanket with the fold level with her shoulders. Then follow the steps above without covering her arms.
Practice makes perfect
Once you've practiced on a doll a few times it won't hurt to try it on a friends baby (ask first of course) until you get comfortable. I began practicing on my doula clients babies as well as friends who humored me. I was determined to get it down to a science before our new addition arrived and the expertise paid off immediately. I could swaddle her quickly and confidently and even impressed her NICU nurse!
Like to swaddle? Next give Babywearing a try, it's an easy way to keep baby safe, secure and connected. For more information on the benefits or to get some hands on instruction please feel free to contact me at birthinbloom@gmail.com.
*Parents and caregivers who use these techniques do so at their own risk. Please note that it is never advisable to keep a baby tightly swaddled in a warm room as overheating has been shown to be a SIDS risk.
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