What Is Swaddling a Baby?
Swaddle or swaddling is the term used to wrap a baby in a blanket. A swaddle baby will look like burrito wrapped in a large blanket. When properly swaddle, a baby's arms, body, and legs are constrained inside the blanket and does not allow for much movement.
It's an ancient practice that is quickly gaining popularity as research journals are publishing the benefits of swaddling. Research shows swaddling can help promote newborns to sleep on their back or supine position. This position has been shown to be the safest way for babies to sleep because it reduces the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Another benefit is it's ability to help reduce startle reflexes of newborn. The tight swaddling mimics the womb feeling for newborns and gives them a chance to adjust to life in the outside world.
There are many ways to swaddle your baby. A traditional square blanket and wrapping around the baby is the traditional way. Newer materials like muslin are popular with parents because it is very breathable and reduces the chance of overheating your newborn when swaddle. Still there are other innovative designs that have wings to wrap your newborn. They are able to create easy and effective swaddles and are great blankets for new parents.
Here are some potential hazards to swaddling that parents need to mindful of. First, parents need to follow the instructions and over do the swaddling. A very tight swaddle that doesn't allow proper hip movement can lead to hip dysplasia. A swaddle that covers the baby's head can lead to overheating as the baby doesn't have a heat release outlet. A solution is to use more breathable, lightweight blankets to swaddle, or control your room temperature to a comfortable range. Also, when you swaddle and have your baby sleep on their backs, the back of their head could be misshaped and be flat. The baby's head are soft, so when you constantly have them lie on their back, the pressure morphs the shape of the head. A solution is to give your newborn time to plan and rest on their tummy when they are fully looked over by an adult. So, if some accident does happen an adult is there to quickly help the baby.
Overall, swaddling when done properly is a great option for parents to help their newborn adjust to the world. A swaddle baby will be kept warm, cozy, and calm because the tight feeling reminds the baby of a peaceful time in the mother's womb.
It's an ancient practice that is quickly gaining popularity as research journals are publishing the benefits of swaddling. Research shows swaddling can help promote newborns to sleep on their back or supine position. This position has been shown to be the safest way for babies to sleep because it reduces the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Another benefit is it's ability to help reduce startle reflexes of newborn. The tight swaddling mimics the womb feeling for newborns and gives them a chance to adjust to life in the outside world.
There are many ways to swaddle your baby. A traditional square blanket and wrapping around the baby is the traditional way. Newer materials like muslin are popular with parents because it is very breathable and reduces the chance of overheating your newborn when swaddle. Still there are other innovative designs that have wings to wrap your newborn. They are able to create easy and effective swaddles and are great blankets for new parents.
Here are some potential hazards to swaddling that parents need to mindful of. First, parents need to follow the instructions and over do the swaddling. A very tight swaddle that doesn't allow proper hip movement can lead to hip dysplasia. A swaddle that covers the baby's head can lead to overheating as the baby doesn't have a heat release outlet. A solution is to use more breathable, lightweight blankets to swaddle, or control your room temperature to a comfortable range. Also, when you swaddle and have your baby sleep on their backs, the back of their head could be misshaped and be flat. The baby's head are soft, so when you constantly have them lie on their back, the pressure morphs the shape of the head. A solution is to give your newborn time to plan and rest on their tummy when they are fully looked over by an adult. So, if some accident does happen an adult is there to quickly help the baby.
Overall, swaddling when done properly is a great option for parents to help their newborn adjust to the world. A swaddle baby will be kept warm, cozy, and calm because the tight feeling reminds the baby of a peaceful time in the mother's womb.
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