Swaddling: why and how to swaddle baby?

Swaddling is the ancient practice of wrapping a baby tightly in a soft cloth, like a blanket, to provide a sense of security and comfort similar to that felt in the mother's womb.

This technique, which dates back centuries, is increasingly popular today because of its many benefits for infants.

In this article, we'll explain why and how to swaddle your baby, highlighting the benefits and the steps to follow to do it correctly.

Why swaddle baby?

Swaddling offers many benefits for your baby. Here are a few reasons why you should consider this practice:

1. Safety and comfort: Swaddling gives your baby a feeling of safety and comfort, by mimicking the warm, confined environment of the mother's womb. This can help calm and relax your baby, promoting deeper, more restful sleep.
2. Sleep longer: Infants often have involuntary startle reflexes that can wake them up. By gently wrapping your baby in your arms, you reduce these jerky movements, allowing him or her to rest better.
3. Body temperature regulation: Babies have difficulty regulating their body temperature, which can make them uncomfortable. Swaddling helps them maintain a constant temperature, keeping them warm when it's cold and preventing them from overheating when it's hot.
4. Reduced crying: Swaddling can reduce excessive crying in babies. By feeling wrapped up and secure, babies feel soothed, which can reduce fussiness and crying.
5. Facilitating breastfeeding: When you're breastfeeding your baby, swaddling can help keep his arms and legs well positioned, promoting a better latch and more efficient feeding.

Up to what age should baby be swaddled?

Swaddling can be used from birth until baby is 3-4 months old. The duration may vary from one child to another, but in general, when baby is able to roll over on his own, the swaddling period is over.

When should a baby be swaddled?

Swaddling is generally used when a baby needs to be soothed because he or she is in crisis, irritated or very agitated. Before swaddling, however, check that your baby's agitation is not caused by hunger, a wet diaper, physical pain (e.g. irritated bottom) or infection (e.g. fever). If this is not the case, you can swaddle him to comfort him.

You can also swaddle your baby for naps and at night. He can then remain swaddled for as long as he sleeps.

Your baby can be swaddled several times a day if necessary. There's really no rule as to how many times a baby can be swaddled in a day, as long as he seems well.

How to swaddle baby properly

Now that we've explored the benefits of swaddling, let's take a look at how to do it properly. Follow these simple steps to swaddle your baby safely and comfortably:

1. Choose the right material: Use a lightweight, breathable blanket specially designed for swaddling babies. Make sure it's big enough to wrap your baby comfortably. 
2. Spread the diamond blanket: Fold the diamond blanket and place it on a flat surface with the top corner folded down.
3. Place your baby in the center of the blanket, his shoulders level with the folded corner.
4. One arm at a time: Gently wrap one of your baby's arms along his body, keeping it close to his chest. Keep the other arm free.
5. Wrap the body: Take the bottom corner of the blanket and wrap it tightly around your baby's body, tucking it under his back. Make sure the blanket is taut, but not too tight to allow comfortable breathing.
6. The second arm: Now wrap your baby's second arm along his body, keeping it close to his torso. Make sure the arms are positioned so that your baby can move his legs slightly.
7. Secure the blanket: Once you've wrapped your baby's arms, twist the bottom of the blanket into a point and tuck it under the baby's legs to prevent it from unravelling.

Precautions for successful swaddling!

• Don't swaddle your baby too tightly in the blanket, as this can restrict breathing by putting too much pressure on the lungs and increase the frequency of respiratory infections. You should be able to put your hand between the blanket and your baby's chest.
• Make sure he can move his legs slightly in the blanket to prevent developmental problems. Wrapping the legs too tightly could cause hip problems.
• Make sure your baby doesn't feel hot when swaddled. Swaddling can raise his body temperature, one of the factors associated with cot death. For his safety, use a light fabric, such as a thin blanket, to swaddle him.
• Stop swaddling your child as soon as he's able to turn on his tummy on his own. To soothe him without swaddling him, you can place a soft toy near the crib, playing soft music or the sound of waves.
• Never put your baby to sleep on his or her stomach, especially if swaddled. The risk of cot death is 12 times greater when lying on the stomach.

What type of blanket should you choose for your baby's swaddle?

A blanket made of cotton, cotton fiber, bamboo, muslin or any other natural material will do. You may prefer a lightweight material to prevent your child from getting too hot.

Another solution is to simply buy your baby a sleeping bag. 

The Mushie brands, Little Unicorn, Loulou Lollipopas well as the Quebec brand Perlimpinpin, all offer a wide range of muslin blankets that you can shop right here at LeoLudo!

* * *

Swaddling is a beneficial practice for infants, offering comfort, security and support for their development. By following the simple steps we've outlined, you can swaddle your baby safely and effectively. Don't forget to choose the right material and to keep a close eye on your baby while he's sleeping.

Get ready to plunge into the soothing world of swaddling and give your baby a more peaceful, restful sleep!