To swaddle or not to swaddle?
Did you know? The purpose of swaddling a baby is to provide a sense of comfort, security, and mimic the feeling of being in the womb. Swaddling involves wrapping a baby snugly in a lightweight blanket, with their arms and legs gently tucked in. Here are some benefits of swaddling:
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Soothing and calming: Swaddling can help calm a baby by creating a cozy and secure environment. It can help reduce fussiness, crying, and startle reflexes, allowing the baby to feel safe and settled.
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Better sleep: Swaddling can promote better sleep for newborns by preventing sudden movements that may wake them up. It can also help prevent the startle reflex that can cause a baby to wake themselves during sleep.
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Temperature regulation: Swaddling can help regulate a baby's body temperature, keeping them warm without overheating. However, it's important to ensure the baby doesn't become too hot while swaddled.
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Reducing scratching: Some babies have a tendency to scratch their face, especially during sleep. (Some put socks on baby’s hands to prevent this but be careful the socks don’t come off! This is not necessary when swaddling.) Swaddling can prevent the baby from accessing their face and inadvertently scratching themselves.
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Security and familiarity: Swaddling provides a sense of containment and familiarity for newborns, mimicking the feeling of being in the womb. This can help them feel more secure and settled during the transitional period after birth.
It's important to note that not all babies enjoy being swaddled. Some babies may prefer having their arms or legs free for movement. Additionally, safe swaddling practices should always be followed to ensure the baby's safety, such as ensuring the swaddle is not too tight, allowing room for healthy hip development, and avoiding overheating. I'd recommend using a sleep sack. They are easy to use and the swaddling is a basically done for you! Also it’s recommended that once a baby starts to rollover, swaddling should not continue to be utilized. It's recommended to consult with healthcare professionals or seek guidance from experienced caregivers to learn the proper swaddling techniques and assess if it's suitable for your baby.
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