Swaddling Your Newborn Baby: Risks and Benefits
Babies are great little packs with crazy arms and legs moving. There are ways, however, to keep your baby in a small package that is safe and recommended. A baby swaddle means that he is wrapped perfectly in a blanket so that his arms and legs are folded in the blanket. It may initially be unpleasant for the baby, but as soon as the baby gets used to it, he will want to be in that position, especially for sleeping.
Why is swaddling your baby important?
Swaddling is believed to lower the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It can be a great method to calm your baby. At three months, the risk of SIDS is most significant.
Traditional swaddling techniques help a baby escape these risks because they give him a more comfortable and stable position while asleep. A baby is also believed to sleep at a longer time when swaddled because it prevents the sudden movements of a sleeping baby that can rouse him in the middle of his sleep. The quality and length of his sleep improve. Aside from that, the mother can also get longer sleep and rest.
When your baby has just been introduced to swaddling, he will need some time to adjust to it. You can start by swaddling him loosely until he gets used to it. Make sure that the blanket feels snug but not too tight because it can make him uncomfortable and uneasy.
How long should you swaddle newborn?
Swaddling typically works best for newborn babies to infants about four months old. If you feel that your baby has gotten used to being swaddled, you can continue with it for a little longer. Babies usually start learning to roll over at some point between two to five months, during which can be a good time to stop swaddling and teach your baby to fall asleep even without the snug feeling of a blanket around him. Loosen your baby’s wrapping blanket to get him used to the idea of sleeping without being swaddled.
Risk on newborn baby swaddling
Swaddling may affect a newborn’s healthy weight. A delay in breastfeeding may be one reason a swaddled newborn does not put on adequate weight.
Swaddling may affect a baby’s body heat. In one research study, babies given time to spend skin-to-skin with Mom in a couple of hours after birth stayed warmer than babies who were swaddled.
If you bring in too much of your baby, it can affect its mobility and development. If her legs are held together and tense, she is more likely to have hip problems (hip dysplasia).
Make sure you leave enough space for your baby to move his / her legs and feet, mainly to allow him/her to flex his / her legs and lift him/her on the hips.
Benefits of swaddling your newborn
There is a whole market for diapers and objects that help your baby feel safe in his womb.
Swaddling is so known everywhere because it has many benefits:
Creates less fear: the extra weight applied by swaddling can look a bit like touch so that your baby relaxes and becomes less upset.
Limitations The surprise reflex: Your baby has not understood his motor commands yet. That means they could sleep for a minute and the next one would feel a jerky movement. Whether your baby is holding an arm or a leg, this is enough to wake him from a deep sleep.
Helps babies to sleep longer: your baby will feel safer and feel closer to his mother. The swaddle helps your baby to feel in a strange environment.
Eliminating blankets: many parents want to make sure their baby feels as comfortable as possible. But a blanket, although it may seem comforting, can be a severe threat to your baby. A harness is a great alternative.
Colic softens: Parents of colic babies almost always use swaddling. The added comfort and safety of an infestation is known to soften babies with colic.
Ensures a safe sleeping position: a swaddle helps your baby stay on your back, the safest sleeping position.
Reduce crying: if your baby never seems to be happy, whatever you do, swaddling can be your answer.
Helps parents: nesting prevents your baby from waking up unexpectedly and allows him to sleep longer
Learn How to Swaddle Your Newborn Baby – Click here.
