Swaddling, or snugly wrapping a baby, can soothe and comfort a young infant and help to promote good sleep patterns. Parents may be more apt to put a swaddled baby on his back to sleep, reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The proper swaddling technique avoids putting strain on baby's hips, prevents him from overheating, and does not cover his head. Safe swaddling is not difficult and can help parents get through that newborn phase a bit more calm and rested.
History
Cultures around the world have relied upon swaddling to calm and quiet babies. In many cultures, tight swaddling has a long history and is sometimes combined with cradle boards or other carrying methods that hold the baby either vertically or horizontally. Swaddling became less restrictive over time in Europe and America, eventually going out of fashion. However, the benefits of swaddling to comfort and calm a young infant are giving this traditional technique renewed popularity
Function
Modern safe swaddling uses a lightweight blanket to snugly wrap the baby. The snug sensation offered by swaddling may mimic the womb and is especially helpful for babies who startle easily, suggests Elizabeth Pantley, author of "Gentle Baby Care." Swaddling may help her sleep longer or help her to focus on breastfeeding. Some babies will go to sleep easily when swaddled.
Instructions
Lay a large receiving blanket or specialty swaddling blanket down with one corner pointing up in a diamond shape. Fold down the top corner and place baby on the blanket with the folded edge at the top of his shoulders. Pull one side of the blanket across the baby, tucking it under the opposite arm. Bring the bottom corner of the blanket up and over his feet, then place it under his shoulder. Finally, wrap the remaining corner of the blanket across baby's body and under him, suggests The Parenting Group.
Considerations
While traditional swaddling is associated with developmental dysplasia of the hips, modern, safe swaddling techniques allow the hips to flex naturally, according to Neil Harvey Karp, M.D., author of the "Happiest Baby on the Block." Safely swaddle your baby by allowing her hips to flex naturally when you wrap her. Hyperextending the hips may contribute to dysplasia, particularly in infants at high risk, reports Karp.
SIDS
Safe swaddling reduces the risk of SIDS, states Karp. Swaddling may encourage parents to place baby to sleep on his back and avoid high-risk prone sleeping positions. A swaddled baby should never be placed in a prone, or face down, position, as this will increase the risk of SIDS, reports Bregje E. van Sleuwen's in the October 2007 issue of "Pediatrics."
