Your newborn has just come into life, and the nurses in the hospital start wrapping your baby in a blanket. In a blink, your baby is wrapped tightly. You wonder how it is being done and why it needs to be done. This is called swaddling, and this age-old technique involves snugly wrapping your baby in a blanket, creating a secure cocoon that provides comfort and warmth.
Swaddling has been a cultural practice across the globe for centuries. Historical records show that various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Native Americans, employed swaddling as a way to keep babies warm and secure. The technique gained widespread popularity as it was believed to promote better sleep and soothe fussy infants.
Benefits of Swaddling:
Improved Sleep: Swaddling helps infants sleep better by preventing their startle reflex. The snug wrap gives babies a sense of security, mimicking the cozy environment of the womb. This can lead to longer and more restful sleep for both baby and parents.
Reduced Anxiety: The tight, secure feeling of being swaddled can help reduce anxiety in newborns. It provides a sense of containment and prevents the flailing of arms and legs, which can be unsettling for babies.
Temperature Regulation: Swaddling helps regulate a baby's body temperature by providing an extra layer of warmth. However, it's crucial to ensure that the baby doesn't overheat, and the room temperature is suitable.
Easier to Soothe: Swaddled babies are often easier to soothe because the wrap provides a constant, comforting pressure on their bodies. This can be especially helpful during those early months when infants are adjusting to the new world around them.
Jed recommends: Love to Dream Swaddle
As first time parents, we were warned that swaddling is so important to help newborns sleep. We tried a few different ones for Jed, and finally found one that was his favorite, that is the Love to Dream Swaddle. He loved having his arms up to help him self-soothe, while his body still felt so cozy as the swaddle fit snugly. This swaddle is also very easy to put on, you just zip up and down in seconds!
Zee recommends: Halo Sleepsack Cotton Swaddle
During the first week of Zee’s birth, we tried all kinds and brands of swaddles (cloth swaddles, zipper swaddles, velcro swaddles, etc.), anything to get her to sleep and get our sanity back. Finally, we found the magic swaddle for Zee: Halo Sleepsack Swaddle. As the product description mentioned: “With adjustable fasteners for a perfect fit, it nestles baby like a soft blanket without the risk of sleep-related dangers - so baby can sleep both comfortably and safely.”
Each baby is unique and finding the right swaddles can be challenging. Our hope is that the recommendations provided can be a guiding light in this process, assisting you in finding the perfect swaddle that not only helps your baby nap and sleep well but also contributes to your own well-rested state.