Swaddling babies is an ancient art originated as far back as 4000 BC.
Being a new parent leads to different situations you may not be ready for. Knowing how to swaddle a baby may be one of them.
To help you learn this art, we’ve created a complete guide to take you step-by-step through this process. Keep reading to learn why swaddling a baby is important and how to do it without tears.
What is Swaddling?
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Simply put, swaddling is the art of wrapping up babies in a blanket in a way that makes them feel secure.
The swaddle wrap is a warm and cozy burrito style that resembles the way a baby feels in the womb. The familiar feeling allows them to sleep better and longer so parents can get more rest.
Why Swaddle Your Baby
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There are many benefits to swaddling babies, so let’s take a look at a couple of reasons why you’d want to swaddle your baby before we get into the instructions.
- Regulates Body Temperature
Babies can’t yet regulate their body temperature well, which is one reason parents prefer to swaddle them. However, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right blanket.
The Baby Dior blanket is 100% cotton, allowing your baby to stay warm while still providing plenty of airflow to avoid overheating.
- Reduce Incidents of SIDS
Infants placed to sleep on their stomachs are at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Swaddling maintains the correct position during sleep which reduces the chances of SIDS.
- Alleviates Colic
Anybody who has experienced a baby with colic will tell you that it can be one of the most difficult parenting experiences.
Swaddling puts gentle pressure on a baby’s stomach. The pressure combined with cocoon-like feeling mimics the womb and provides relief for baby.
How to Swaddle a Baby
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For a new mom or dad, swaddling a baby can seem to be a tricky technique, only mastered by nurses and midwives. However, it’s really as easy as following these four steps.
Step 1
Lay a blanket down on a safe, flat surface for baby in a diamond shape. Position so that the top-most corner is folded down 4-6 inches for the baby’s head.
Step 2
Lay the baby down on their back in the center of the blanket with their neck on the folded corner.
Step 3
Pull the left side across the baby’s chest and snugly tuck it under their back, making sure to keep baby’s hips loose.
Never pull their legs straight or force their joints as this could cause hip dysplasia.
Step 4
Pull the bottom corner up and over the baby’s left shoulder. Be sure to avoid having it up against their cheek. This can cause a suffocation hazard or your baby could attempt to suckle on the blanket.
Step 5
Wrap the remaining corner all the way around the baby from front to back. Then, tuck the corner beneath the other folds at the front of the swaddle.
Looking for More Baby Care Tips?
Now you know how to swaddle a baby properly. As you can see, swaddling mimics the womb to help your baby have a smoother transition to their new environment.
If you’re looking for more baby care tips, check out the parenting section of our blog. We have a ton of information there to help you on your parenting journey.
