Swaddling: why and how to swaddle baby?

Swaddling is an ancient practice of tightly wrapping a baby in a soft fabric, like a blanket, to give them a feeling of security and comfort similar to what they felt in the womb.

This technique, which dates back centuries, is increasingly popular these days due to its many benefits for infants.

In this article, we'll explain why and how to swaddle your baby, highlighting the benefits and the steps you need to take to do it correctly.

Why swaddle baby?

Swaddling offers several benefits for your baby. Here are some reasons why you should consider this practice:

1. Safety and comfort: Swaddling gives your baby a feeling of safety and comfort, mimicking the warm and confined environment of the mother's womb. This can help him calm down and relax, promoting deeper, more restful sleep.
2. Sleep longer: Infants often have involuntary startle reflexes that can wake them up. By gently wrapping your baby, you reduce these sudden movements, allowing him to rest better.
3. Body temperature regulation: Babies have trouble regulating their body temperature, which can make them uncomfortable. Swaddling helps them maintain a consistent temperature, keeping them warm when it's cold and preventing them from overheating when it's hot.
4. Reduction of crying: Swaddling can reduce excessive crying in babies. By feeling wrapped and secure, babies feel soothed, which can reduce fussiness and crying.
5. Facilitating Breastfeeding: When breastfeeding your baby, swaddling can help keep their arms and legs in the right position, promoting better latching and more effective suckling.

Until what age to swaddle baby?

The swaddle can be used from the birth of the baby until he is 3 to 4 months old. The duration may vary from child to child but in general, when baby is able to roll over on his own, it means that the swaddling period is over.

When to swaddle a baby?

Swaddling is usually used when a baby needs to be soothed because he is in a fit, irritated, or very agitated . Before swaddling your baby, however, check that his restlessness is not caused by hunger, a wet diaper, physical pain (eg irritated buttocks) or an infection (eg fever). If not, you can swaddle him to comfort him.

You can also swaddle your baby for naps and for the night . He can then remain swaddled for as long as he sleeps.

Your baby can be swaddled several times a day if necessary . There really isn't a set rule as to how many times a baby can be swaddled in a day, as long as he looks good.

How to swaddle baby properly ?

Now that we've explored the benefits of swaddling, let's take a look at how to do it right. Follow these simple steps to swaddle your baby safely and comfortably:

1. Choose the right material: Use a light and breathable blanket specially designed for swaddling babies. Make sure it's big enough to wrap your baby comfortably.
2. Lay out the diamond blanket: Fold the diamond blanket and place it on a flat surface with the top corner folded down.
3. Place your baby in the center of the blanket, their shoulders level with the folded corner.
4. One arm at a time: Gently wrap one arm of your baby alongside their body, keeping it close to their chest. Make sure the other arm remains free.
5. Body wrap: Take the bottom corner of the blanket and wrap it tightly around your baby's body, passing it under their back. Make sure the blanket is snug, but not too tight to allow for comfortable breathing.
6. The second arm: Now wrap your baby's second arm along his body, keeping it close to his chest. Make sure the arms are positioned so your baby can move their legs slightly.
7. Secure the blanket: Once you've wrapped your baby's arms, twist the bottom of the blanket into a point and tuck it under baby's legs to prevent it from coming undone.

Precautions to observe for a successful swaddling!

• Don't swaddle your baby too tightly in their blanket, as this can restrict their breathing by putting too much pressure on their lungs and increasing the frequency of respiratory infections. You should be able to fit your hand between the blanket and your baby's chest.
• Also, make sure he can move his legs slightly in the blanket to prevent developmental issues. Wrapping the legs too tightly could cause hip problems.
• Make sure your baby is not hot when swaddled. Swaddling can raise her body temperature, one of the factors associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. For his safety, use a light fabric, such as a thin blanket, to swaddle him.
• Stop swaddling your child as soon as he is able to roll over on his tummy on his own . To soothe him without swaddling him, you can place a musical stuffed animal near the bassinet that plays soft music or the sound of the waves.
• Never lay your baby on his stomach, especially if he is swaddled. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome is 12 times greater lying down.

What type of blanket should you choose for your baby's swaddling?

A blanket made of cotton, cotton lint, bamboo, muslin, or any other natural material will do. You can choose a light material that will prevent your child from overheating.

Another solution is to simply buy your baby a sleeping bag .

The brands Mushie , Little Unicorn , Loulou Lollipop , as well as the Quebec brand Perlimpinpin , all offer a wide range of muslin blankets that you can shop right here at LeoLudo!

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Swaddling is a beneficial practice for infants, providing comfort, security and developmental support. By following the simple steps we have outlined, you can swaddle your baby safely and effectively. Remember to choose the right material and watch your baby carefully while he sleeps.

Get ready to dive into the soothing world of swaddling and give your baby a more peaceful and restful sleep !