Understanding Baby Swaddles: A Guide for Expecting Moms
As you prepare for your little one’s arrival, learning about baby swaddles is essential Learn how to swaddle your baby at The Southern School for Moms Baby Care Prenatal class in Franklin. A baby swaddle is a comforting way to help your newborn feel secure and sleep better. Knowing how to use a baby swaddle can make those early days with your baby more manageable. Swaddling mimics the snug environment of the womb, which can be especially soothing for infants.
To use a baby swaddle effectively, start with a square or rectangular piece of soft fabric designed for swaddling. Lay the swaddle flat and fold down one corner. Place your baby on their back with their head just above the fold. Gently bring one side of the swaddle over your baby’s arm and body, tucking it securely under their back. Repeat this with the other side, ensuring that the swaddle is snug but not too tight around the hips.According to the American Academy of Pediatrics “swaddled infants arouse less and sleep longer” (Coyle et al., 2007). Finally, secure the bottom of the swaddle, keeping your baby’s feet tucked in for warmth and comfort.
Research supports that swaddling mimics a babies feeling in the womb. A study published by Harvard Medical School stated that “Swaddling has been part of caring for babies for centuries — millennia, really. It makes a baby feel like he’s back inside the womb — or like he is being snuggled close” (Harvard Health Publishing, 2016). However, always follow safe sleep guidelines: place your baby on their back to sleep, and stop swaddling once they start to roll over.
Embracing the practice of swaddling can foster a sense of security for your newborn while enhancing their sleep. By understanding how to use a baby swaddle, you’ll be better prepared for those precious first weeks.
References
Coyle, K. D., Kelleher, J. K., & Johnson, J. S. (2007). Swaddling: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 120(4), e1097-e1103. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2007-0215
Harvard Health Publishing. (2016, May 24). Should you swaddle your baby? Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/should-you-swaddle-your-baby-201605249730