Babies love to be swaddled. It reminds them of their previous, warm and secure home - your womb. Being wrapped in a cotton cloth or muslin is quite similar to being surrounded and restricted by the amniotic sac in the uterus. This sense of security calms down even the fussiest babies helping them fall asleep easily. However, not all babies are fond of swaddling and they will soon let you know that swaddling is not for them. Follow the cues of your baby and don’t force it on him if he doesn't like it.
- How to swaddle a baby
- Things to remember when swaddling a baby
- When to stop swaddling your baby
- Do's and Don'ts of swaddling a baby
How to swaddle a baby
Take a cotton cloth or muslin. Spread it out on the bed in a diamond shape - a corner of the cloth should be facing you and another opposite to you. Fold its top corner down to about 10-15 cm.
Place your baby on his back right in the middle of the cloth. His neck should rest on the fold of the cloth.
Take the right corner of the cloth, bring it over his right shoulder and wrap it around his body. Now lift his left arm, and tuck the cloth under his left armpit.
Fold the bottom of the cloth up to his abdomen, leaving enough space for his legs to move comfortably.
Now take the left corner of the cloth, bring it over his left shoulder. Roll your baby a bit, and wrap the cloth around his back. Make sure to keep his neck and face uncovered.
If you think your baby is feeling too trapped, just leave his hands unwrapped.
Things to remember when swaddling a baby
A swaddled baby should always be put on his back and never on his tummy.
While swaddling, leave enough moving space for your baby’s legs and hips; the idea is to make him feel comfortable and not trapped.
Never make the mistake of covering your baby’s neck or face while swaddling.
The swaddle should neither be too loose nor too tight. Lose cloth can unfold and cover the face and neck of the baby, making him feel uncomfortable. It and can also lead to suffocation or Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). On the flip side, a too-tight swaddle can make it hard for the baby to breathe and move.
If you are using a blanket to swaddle your baby, make sure that it warm but light-weight. The idea is to keep him warm and not hot and burdened.
Swaddling promotes deep sleep. Make it a point to check your baby regularly if he is sleeping in a swaddle. Experts suggest that there is a high chance of SIDS during deep sleep.
It is better to remove the swaddle while breastfeeding as your baby loves to be in close touch with you. Skin to skin contact also improves the connection between the baby and the mother.
(Read more: Breastfeeding your baby in the first 24 hours)
When to stop swaddling your baby
Every baby is unique. It is not right to compare your baby to other babies and expect him to behave, grow, like or dislike just like other babies of his age. It is not necessary that your baby will love the warmth and security of a swaddle, just because every other baby loves that.
Follow the cues of your baby. If he kicks a lot or tries to throw his hands to come out of the swaddle then it is a clear hint that he is not loving it.
Stop swaddling your baby, once he starts rolling. He won’t be able to move comfortably. The struggle to roll and move can suffocate him.
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Do's and Don'ts of swaddling a baby
Do's
- Place your baby on his back while swaddling
- Regularly monitor your baby while he is asleep in a swaddle. The chances of SIDS are high during deep sleep.
- Leave enough space for your baby to move his hips and legs while swaddled
- Notice your baby’s cues. He will tell you if he doesn’t like swaddling
Don’ts
- Place your baby on his stomach while swaddling
- Swaddle your baby too tight or too loose
- Cover the neck or face of your baby
- Compare your baby’s behaviour and habits with other babies
- Swaddle your baby when he starts rolling
- Swaddle your baby with a thick cloth or a blanket