Swaddling a Newborn

From WikiParenting

Swaddling is wrapping up a newborn baby closely. Some babies respond favorably to swaddling, others do not. It is common in most of the world except North America and Western Europe, although the practice is gaining popularity. Swaddling helps a baby feel secure in their new surroundings.

[edit] When to try it

It is a useful technique to try if your baby is fussy and agitated or seems startled by the movement of their arms and legs. When a baby is swaddled in a blanket they can not wave their arms and legs around and startle themselves.Some babies struggle against the blanket at first but then grow accustomed to it. A baby may like it sometimes, but not at others.

[edit] Benefits of swaddling

In addition to soothing a fussy baby, swaddling helps a baby get to sleep faster and to sleep for a longer period of time, as much as an hour or two extra.

[edit] Things to consider

Two things to take into consideration when swaddling are the room temperature and the tightness of the blanket. To avoid overheating, use a light sheet to wrap the baby in. Or dress the baby in just a diaper. The tightness of the blanket around the arms should be snug, but not so tight that it restricts breathing. The leg should be able to flex when wrapped. The baby’s head should never be covered with the swaddling blanket.

[edit] How to swaddle a baby

To swaddle the baby:

• Spread out the blanket so it is a diamond shape in front of you.

• Fold the top of the diamond down

• Lay the baby on top, shoulders even with the top fold

• Fold the right side across the baby, holding the baby’s arm to its body and tuck it under the baby’s body

• Fold the bottom up

• Fold in the left side, again holding the baby’s arm to its side and wrap the end around the bundle.