New Moms Guide to Swaddling
by: Tina
Allen
Swaddling is an ancient tradition of wrapping baby securely in her blanket. This
can help your baby feel safe and secure as she begins to adjust to all of the
new experiences around her and especially her new environment. Why Swaddle your
Baby?
Your first concern as your baby's caregiver is helping her to feel
safe and secure. However, there are also many other reasons why you might try
swaddling her. You might try swaddling your baby if she is having trouble
sleeping and becomes easily startled. Or if you believe that her own muscle
movements may wake her. Also if your baby seems uncomfortable for no obvious
reason swaddling may be a good idea. And sometimes babies don't like to feel
their arms and legs freely moving, and would really enjoy the nice snug feeling
of being hugged by their baby blanket.
Some tips about Swaddling your
baby to Remember:
Swaddling is typically only effective for the first
few weeks after birth. After your baby reaches about one month old, swaddling
can restrict your baby's motor development.
In an especially warm room
do not swaddle your baby as overheating has been shown as a SIDS risk factor.
Snug and secure is how swaddling should be, not loose. You want your
baby to feel cuddled by her blanket.
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If your baby doesn't enjoy being
swaddled, this is perfectly normal. All babies are unique and special. Your baby
is no exception. It is important to take the cues from your baby on what she
likes best.
How-to Swaddle your baby in 7 easy steps:
1. Before
swaddling, lay your baby's blanket on a flat surface.
2. Then fold one
corner of the baby blanket.
3. Next, place your baby in the middle of
the fold with her head just above the edge of the blanket.
4. Take the
right corner of your blanket and gently wrap over baby's arm and tuck securely
into the opposite side.
5. Then, take the bottom and fold upward to
cover baby's feet and legs.
6. Take the left corner of blanket and
gently wrap over baby's arm, tucking it around the opposite side as far under
baby's back as it will go.
7. Keeping your little bundle snugly wrapped,
pick her up and give a little kiss and hug.
Also:
If your baby
wiggles her arms out of your nice snug swaddle while she sleeps. It is possible
that your baby may not enjoy having her arms confined inside the blanket. If
this is the case, try keeping her arms outside of the blanket when you wrap her.
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