Everything You Need to Know About Swaddling a Newborn
No one can prepare you for what’s coming once your little bundle of joy comes into this world. This mainly goes to first-time parents since everything is completely new to them. But the one thing you can do before its arrival is stocking on the right baby essentials. There are lots of them and pretty useful ones, however, there’s one particular baby product that’s of vital importance for the baby’s well-being even when getting out of the hospital and that’s the swaddle for newborn babies.
Contents
What Exactly Is a Swaddle?
A swaddle is a thin and soft wrap that resembles a lot of a thin blanket, designed to wrap your baby with it to keep it snug and secure. Even though snug, your baby will be able to move comfortably, so you won’t have to worry about that.
Why It’s So Important for Newborns to Be Swaddled?
Source: insider.com
Being wrapped in cosy and soft newborn swaddles help babies feel safe since they mimic the feeling of being in their mothers’ womb. This will create a soothing environment any time of the day and practice shows that babies love being swaddled like a burrito.
Given the fact that babies feel safer when swaddled, the use of newborn swaddles will help calm a colicky baby and one with a startle reflex. The latter condition is also known as the Moro reflex which causes babies to extend their arms and legs and pull their ears. By being swaddled, this startle reflex will be prevented which will result in a restful and calm sleep.
Swaddling has also proven as great for keeping babies warm which is of vital importance, especially during the night. They are also way better to use than any loose blankets which represent a suffocation hazard.
It’s also said that swaddling is also effective in lowering the incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) which is mainly caused by newborns sleeping on their stomachs or on their sides. Given the fact that newborns can’t move and turn their heads and bodies, sleeping on their backs is always better. Swaddling can provide them precisely with this – sleeping on their back.
All in all, swaddling a baby can improve both his and your sleep as well which will result in improving your quality of life. This helps infants sleep longer and better, which means that you’ll be also able to sleep longer and better. So parents, take the best you can, invest in as many swaddle blankets as you can and enjoy the night’s sleep as long as you can.
How to Dress a Baby Under a Swaddle?
The answer to this question depends on the swaddle’s thickness/fabric and on the type of climate you live in. But given the fact that newborns can’t regulate well their body temperature, it’s said that you should dress your baby in one light layer beneath the wrapping blanket.
For the colder time of the year, you can dress your little one in a long-sleeved footie and during the warmer time of the year, you can choose a body suit. The type of bodysuit’s sleeves will mainly depend on the room’s temperature.
However, you should never entirely rely on these general rules since each baby is different, so it would be better to make your own test and check on your baby. If his neck and sweaty and his ears are warm, this means that your little bub is warm, and if they’re cold, this means that it’s time to add an extra layer of clothes.
The Most Commonly Used Types of Fabrics
Muslin
Source: lionshome.co.uk
Without a doubt, muslin is one of the most commonly used fabrics for baby wrapping blankets. It’s an extremely fine and loosely woven cotton material that has been used since ever. The reason that makes it the first choice by moms is its softness, breathability and ability to regulate body temperature. It’s a non-irritable type of fabric that is likely to cause allergies in babies. Aside from this purpose, muslin is also used for blankets, socks and bibs.
Cotton
Just like muslin, cotton is a soft, breathable and comfortable fabric, ideal for gentle and fragile newborns’ skin. In fact, cotton especially organic cotton is the first choice for baby clothes because of its antibacterial, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties.
Just like muslin, it’s almost impossible for babies to have a skin reaction to cotton unless it’s died with some strong chemical dye. Being so amazing, cotton is literally used for any type of baby clothes and essentials from beanies and hats to socks, sheets, sleep sacks and so on.
Are Swaddles Safe for Newborns?
Source: keababies.com
When done correctly, swaddling is a completely safe way to keep your newborn calm and comfortable at least for the first few months. In fact, it’s been used for centuries to help babies feel secure and relaxed, as well as avoid startling themselves and others.
This should only be done when your newborn is dressed in light clothes, such as pyjamas or a onesie. Blankets should not be too tight, and the baby’s head should remain uncovered. Make sure that your swaddling is loose enough that your little one can move their legs and hips freely to avoid any hip dysplasia.
