Wrapping up babies in a light, thin, and breathable blanket or cloth, baby swaddling is an age-old practice that mamas have been doing to help their newborn babies get used to the world outside their womb safely and securely.
However, if you're an expecting mother and you've been hearing about baby swaddling but you're unsure whether or not to do this to your child, don't you worry, mama! Here's a list of all the risks you might be worried about (especially if swaddling is done incorrectly), as well as the many benefits of wrapping your little bean like a snug burrito.
Risks of Baby Swaddling
• If there are too many covers or the covers are too heavy and thick, your child can overheat under the blankets.
• If swaddled too loosely, the blanket wrap may come undone and cover your baby's face. As a result, you may increase the risk of your child having difficulty breathing.
• On the other hand, if you swaddle them too tightly, your baby may also have difficulty breathing or moving around. If their lower body doesn't have ample space to move around, you may increase the risk of them developing hip dysplasia.
Benefits of Baby Swaddling
• It's said to help calm your baby which will then help them sleep sounder and longer.
• The swaddle can keep them cozy and warm until your child can regulate their temperature naturally.
• They're less likely to startle themselves when they get fussy and begin flailing their limbs which may cause them to wake up when they're resting.
• A swaddle is said to be an imitation of the womb. Place your child in one and they'll feel like they're back, safe and secure inside you. This practice can assist in the smooth transition during the "fourth trimester" that babies go through.
Albeit the risks, if you practice and wrap your baby correctly, you'll definitely reap the benefits of baby swaddling. Given that, here are tips to guide you to safely execute swaddling on your little bean.
Tips on Baby Swaddling
1. Only introduce and execute it on newborns or children who can't roll over to their side or belly. The estimated age when you can stop swaddling is around after 3 months.
2. Avoid overlaying blankets and always use thin breathable material such as cotton or bamboo muslin.
3. Keep the swaddle below the shoulders. It's best to keep their neck and head free from the blanket wrap.
4. Remember, your baby's upper body should only be wrapped tightly enough while your baby's lower body should be loose.
Mama tips: To know if the upper body is wrapped properly, you should be able to place two to three fingers between your baby and the blanket. On the other hand, to know if the lower body is loose enough, check if your baby's legs fall in a natural position - which should look like frog's legs - and if they can move their hips and knees.
5. Position your baby in a way that they sleep on their back and not on their side or front.
6. Dress your baby according to the weather. If it's extra hot, make sure that they are wearing suitable clothing to avoid overheating.
7. If your baby keeps wiggling and refuses to be swaddled, remove them from the wrap and give them time to release their energy. Then, you are free to try again.
Mama tip: If your child is only fussy above the waist, you can remove one or both arms from the swaddle.
8. For busy mamas out there, if you think that folding a blanket will take up too much time or is too difficult, consider checking out other swaddles in the market - ones with velcros or zippers.
Mama tip: If you're on board with using a blanket as your swaddle, here's a step-by-step guide on how to wrap your newborn baby.
9. To ensure that your babies are safe no matter who's swaddling, make sure to teach your partner or loved ones the proper technique to wrapping your baby.
Now that you're aware of the risks, benefits, and have read the tips on baby swaddling, here's a list of blankets and "instant" swaddles you can consider!
Swaddles Made of Cotton + Hood
In a colder environment, a cotton swaddle is perfect. It's soft, breathable, and easy to wash.
Swaddles Made of Bamboo Muslin
A man-made breathable fabric from bamboo, bamboo muslin is said to be softer than cotton and is also anti-static and therefore, won't cling to the body.
Swaddles with a Zipper
Quiet and easy to navigate, swaddles with zippers are ideal for those who want to give more space for the baby to wriggle in.
Swaddles with Velcro
Completely adjustable, swaddles with velcros are perfect for mothers who want easy access to their babies and those who want to follow to the dot, the secure way of baby swaddling.
With all these, it looks like you're ready to swaddle your baby. To all expecting mamas out there, don't forget that it takes time and practice to perfect the art of swaddling. But once you got it down, it's a breeze. At the end of it all, this is a bonding moment for you and your child that you both will surely remember and enjoy.
