Every parent will agree that calming a crying newborn is not exactly the easiest task in the world, especially when you are a parent for the first time. Nowadays, there are so many different techniques that help parents put their baby to sleep in the first few months of a baby’s life, and one of them is swaddling. Swaddling is a technique that involves wrapping up the baby in order to calm it, relax and fall asleep easier. Although swaddling is an ancient technique that has never stopped being used, many parents are wondering if this is really a good way to put a baby to sleep.
Although swaddling has proven to be beneficial for your baby, you need to know how to do it properly in order for your child’s safety to be ensured. Below we discuss why swaddling is an excellent technique to improve your infant sleep.
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Should you swaddle your baby?
Source: mamanatural.com
Although most parents are aware that baby swaddling is a technique that has existed since ancient times, many are still not sure that this is the best way to calm their baby. For example, many parents feel that they are restricting their baby’s movements in this way and that she is not completely comfortable with it. They also state as reasons why they would never like to be wrapped so tightly, as well as that their baby simply does not like to keep his hands down. If you share this opinion one of the things you need to know is that babies do not function the same way as adults.
Yes, it might be uncomfortable for you to be wrapped tightly in a certain fabric, but it would definitely be uncomfortable for you to spend months locked up in a tiny space too. However, this is not a problem for babies because the inside of the uterus is a space where they develop and spend a lot of time. And they feel quite okay about it! Swaddling is a way to achieve a similar soothing feeling in babies and make it easier for them to fall asleep. Of course, doctors emphasize the importance of proper swaddling in order to ensure the maximum safety of the baby.
How do you ensure that the way you swaddle your baby is completely safe?
Source: thetot.com
Spread the material you use for swaddling and bend one corner down. After that, lie down on the baby so that her head is on the edge of the bent corner of the swaddle blanket. Then take the left corner of the blanket and put it over the baby’s body, so that the left arm remains on the side of the baby’s body. Make sure not to tighten the swaddle blanket too much, so that it is comfortable for the baby, but also that it fulfills its function. Let the left corner pass under the baby’s right arm and end under the lower back. Then repeat the process with the right corner of the swaddle blanket, bending it to the left. Make sure the swaddling blanket reveals the baby’s neck and head, but nothing more. Also, ensure that your baby can bend their legs while swaddled and always put them to sleep on their backs.
Your baby should be swaddled only while it sleeps, and when it is awake, unswaddle it so that he or she can freely make movements and exercise the muscles. When your baby learns how to roll over from back to belly, stop with swaddling. And of course, make sure you find the best possible swaddle blanket material to keep your baby comfortable and not too hot.
At www.myluxeve.com you can find many useful things for the baby, such as toys, baby teethers, various educational items, but also swaddles.
What are the benefits of baby swaddling?
Source: naturebaby.co.nz
1. Much better and longer sleep
The first and foremost benefit of swaddling a baby is that it ensures better sleep. As we have already mentioned, swaddling helps babies to calm down and develop the feeling they had while in the womb. Some studies have shown that in newborns, swaddling helps to prolong sleep time and reduce the number of waking times.
2. Less crying
Source: naturebaby.co.nz
The next reason why you want to start swaddling your infant is because it will not cry as much. Research has shown that babies cry less after being swaddled. Babies through the cry show that they are hungry, that they are in pain or that they are just not comfortable enough. This last reason can be eliminated by swaddling and ensuring that your baby feels relaxed and calm.
3. The baby will sleep on their back
Another benefit of swaddling is that you will ensure that your baby sleeps on his back, which is the recommended sleeping position. And not only will the baby sleep on their back but will be very comfortable. Some newborns are challenged to sleep on their backs because they tend to startle themselves awake, which is avoided this way. The baby will be calm and sleep without waking up all the time.
4. Swaddling is also beneficial for premature babies
Source: wrigglytoes.com.au
Another positive aspect of swaddling is that it has been shown to be beneficial even for premature babies and helps develop nerves and muscles. This means that better organization of motor movements is achieved and proper motor development is ensured.
Final word
Swaddling has been a technique used since ancient times to soothe babies and help them fall asleep. Although it has proved very successful in the past, many parents still wonder if it is a good choice for their newborns. After all, this seems to limit the baby’s movements and like it is not comfortable enough. However, the truth is different. The fact is that swaddling shows many benefits to your baby’s health and is also a way to calm your baby and help him relax and sleep better. Of course, it is crucial that you know how to properly swaddle a baby and that the baby should never be swaddled while awake. Gather useful tips, then try to bend your infant regularly and decide for yourself whether it provides you with the desired benefits.
