A fundamental component of the “5 S’s” approach to baby comfort, swaddling is a time-tested method renowned for its exceptional capacity to soothe and calm newborns. The womb’s safe, comfortable atmosphere is replicated in this manner because it is a familiar and comforting sight to a newborn. Babies can benefit from this practice. The intricacies of swaddling will be covered in detail in this comprehensive manual, with a focus on when and how to do it correctly. It will also go over how to use newborn swaddle blankets.
How To Use A Swaddle Wrap
1. Spread and prepare the swaddle
With one corner pointing up, unfold your baby’s swaddle blanket in the shape of a diamond on a level surface, such as the middle of your bed. Drop the upper corner by approximately 6 inches.
2. Place your munchkin on the swaddle with your face up.
Your child should stand with her head above the folded edge of the blanket and her body elongated towards the bottom corner.
3. Straighten your baby’s arm
Next, cover her left arm and chest with the left side of the blanket. Under her right arm and across her back, tuck the blanket in. Your baby should have her right arm free at this point and her left arm covered.
4. Drag the swaddle bottom upwards
Tuck the blanket’s lower corner beneath the first fold, just below your baby’s chin, after bringing it up over her body. Just as you did with the left arm, gently straighten your baby’s right arm. Take care to wrap the baby securely without being too tight.
5. Gently wrap the baby around
Tuck the blanket’s right side firmly under your infant’s left side after pulling it over her body. Tuck the remaining blanket under your infant by twisting it at the bottom. Once more, ensure that the swaddle is neither too tight nor too loose.
5 Tips for New Parents on How To Use A Swaddle Wrap
1. Pick the right blanket for swaddling
A comfortable swaddle depends on choosing the appropriate swaddle blankets. Your baby will sleep better both during the day and at night if you swaddle them. If you are anxious about cradling your child in a tiny burrito blanket for several hours at night, rest assured that safe swaddling practices and sleep guidelines apply. In other words, swaddling your child at bedtime does not carry any more risks than swaddling her during naps. Because she wakes up often to eat, you will also have lots of opportunities to check on her. If, however, you find extra peace of mind in seeing her swaddled while she sleeps, by all means, peek more frequently.
2. Fold the bottom gently
The main benefit of swaddling is that it helps soothe and calm babies by giving them a sense of security. This keeps infants warm and cosy without the need for loose blankets in the crib, which could suffocate them. If your baby is too fidgety for you to swaddle snugly, stop, give her some time to release her energy, and then try again. However, if it appears that your child is constantly attempting to escape her swaddle, it is possible that she is becoming too active for swaddling or that she just is not a fan (not all babies are!).
3. Start wrapping from left side
Swaddling with your arms raised is acceptable. Because it enables them to self-soothe by sucking on their fingers or hands, some babies prefer to have their arms up close to their face or head. When the infant begins to grow, swaddling with arms raised may also be a safer choice. Certain sleep sacks or swaddle blankets are made specifically to fit this position while keeping the infant warm and safe.
4. Be careful with tucking and folding
Be careful with tucking your baby. it is not always the case, it is possible that your baby is too active to swaddle or that she simply dislikes the feeling of being swaddled. For premature babies as well as full-term newborns, swaddling can be calming. Though some preemies find it more comforting, try putting your preemie’s hands together on her chest in front of her rather than straightened at her sides.
5. Check the fit properly
Make sure the swaddle is just right—not too tight, but snug. However, older babies who are able to escape their blankets run the risk of injury. Since it can keep them from practising age-appropriate motor skills, being wrapped up can also impede older babies’ healthy development.
Conclusion
You have to keep an eye out for any indications that your baby is uncomfortable or overheating. If your infant appears fidgety or perspiring, you may want to loosen the swaddle or switch to a lighter material. For premature babies as well as full-term newborns, swaddling can be calming. Though some preemies find it more comforting, try putting your preemie’s hands together on her chest in front of her rather than straightened at her sides.
