Children have been swaddled since before the 18th century, according to the "Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics." Swaddling involves tightly wrapping a baby in a blanket, states the Baby Center website.
Hospital personnel often teach new parents swaddling techniques to help keep babies warm until their bodies are able to regulate temperature. The basic swaddling technique involves placing the baby diagonally on a square blanket and securely pulling the left, bottom and right corners of the blanket over the baby. This action can help the baby sleep better and reduce fussiness and crying.
Motor Control
Swaddling helps babies gain and sustain motor control, claims infant nurse specialist Theresa Kledzik, R.N. on the All American Baby website. The baby's heart rate and breathing will stabilize as he goes from crying to being quiet and calm. Kledzik recommends swaddling snugly, but not so tightly the baby can't move. The "Pediatrics in Review" publication claims that neuromuscular development in preterm babies improves, and they experience less physiologic distress when they are swaddled.
Reduces SIDS Risk
According to the December 2002 "Journal of Pediatrics," swaddled babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to have SIDS. The All American Baby website article claims that this is because parents are more likely to place the baby on her back rather than her tummy if she's sleeping well.
Fussiness and Crying
The Mommyhood101 website states that swaddling helps decrease the amount of crying babies do, particularly those who have been injured or ill. Swaddling gives babies the feeling of still being in the mother's womb and helps prevent over-stimulation. It also keeps babies warm, which may prevent some of the crying caused by discomfort. MayoClinic.com claims that babies feel more secure when swaddled.
Breastfeeding
Swaddling your baby may make breastfeeding easier because it prevents the baby from squirming out of a comfortable position. Until she is able to latch on without assistance, keep her hands tucked in the blanket to keep them from getting in the way. There is no evidence that swaddling has any bearing on the length or regularity of feedings.
Sleep
Babies sleep better when they are swaddled, claims a Washington University study reported by the All American Baby website. They experience more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and wake up less frequently. A baby is also less likely to experience a startle reflex, which can wake him up from a deep sleep. Before a baby has control over his arms, swaddling can prevent him from scratching himself during sleep, which will likely awaken him.
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