Baby swaddling is an ancient method that has been used since 4000 BC. One out of five newborns in the US is wrapped during the first few weeks after coming to life.
While being a controversially popular baby-soothing technique, many parents are still not sure about “are swaddle blankets worth it?”
While some say it can reduce baby stress and crying, others are afraid of potential risks it causes to their children.
If you’re confused between whether to wrap your baby or not, our article will help you reach that decision. Also, stick to the end to get useful swaddling tips if you’re down with this method.
What Is Swaddling?
Swaddling is a time-honored custom where a baby is softly enveloped in a light, breathable blanket, aiming to induce a sense of calmness and sleepiness.
It’s important to ensure that only their body is wrapped, excluding their neck or head, to minimize any risk of suffocation.
The concept behind swaddling is to create a feeling of coziness and security for your baby, reminiscent of the comfort they experienced in your womb.
Why Do Newborns Like Swaddle Blankets?
Babies aren’t the only ones who find comfort in swaddling; their parents also appreciate the soothing effects it brings.
Swaddling is a way to recreate the cozy environment of the womb that babies have enjoyed for their initial nine months of life.
If you’re curious about why babies enjoy swaddling, it’s due to the snug, enveloped sensation that makes them feel at ease, secure, and content. Plus, who can resist the adorable sight of a little baby wrapped up like a burrito?
Swaddling also has the added advantage of curbing the flailing of arms and legs that can trigger a baby’s startle reflex (also referred to as the Moro reflex).
This, in turn, contributes to improved sleep for your little one.
Note that different babies have different styles of sleep, and you’ll need to choose the right wearable blanket specifically designed for your baby’s sleeping habit. We’ve gathered the best swaddles for newborn that may help with your shopping!
Are Swaddle Blankets Good For Your Baby?
Swaddle blankets can do babies good when used properly and with consideration for safety. On the other hand, if it’s not done correctly or continued beyond a certain point in a baby’s development, swaddling may cause hazards to the little one.
The Benefits
- Reducing fussiness
For babies aged 8 weeks or younger, swaddling blankets can potentially reduce crying by 42%.
If your baby seems inconsolable, swaddling could hold the key to soothing them and bringing a measure of relief.
- Maintaining safe sleeping posture
Swaddling encourages babies to sleep on their backs, the recommended position for safety until they learn to roll over.
Not only does it offer comfort in the optimal sleep posture, but it also serves as a reminder for tired parents to place their baby on their back.
- Preventing face scratching
Babies’ razor-like nails often find their way to their sensitive faces, causing unintentional scratches. Swaddle blankets securely contain their arms, thwarting any scratching during sleep.
- Eliminating the need for blankets
While parents seek ultimate comfort for their baby, traditional blankets pose a suffocation hazard. Swaddles provide warmth without covering the baby’s face, ensuring safety.
- Minimizing startle reflex
As your baby is still grasping motor control, they might experience sudden jerks that disrupt their sleep. Even minor movements, like a flinching arm or leg, can jolt them awake.
Swaddling provides a gentle, reassuring pressure that restricts these unexpected motions, reducing disturbances.
- Diminishing unease
The gentle pressure exerted by the swaddle can mimic the sensation of being held, inducing a tranquil state and aiding relaxation for your baby.
- Promoting longer sleep
Swaddling imparts a sense of security skin to being nestled close to their mother.
When you swaddle a baby, you’re creating a comforting cocoon that helps them settle back into slumber when they become restless.
The Risks
Even something as seemingly straightforward as swaddling carries potential risks.
While some are more serious than others, it’s important to be aware of what to watch out for and what practices to avoid.
- Impact on healthy weight gain
The delay in initiating breastfeeding due to swaddling could contribute to some babies not gaining sufficient weight initially.
Many experts believe that touch is vital for infants to thrive, and swaddling can restrict the crucial skin-to-skin contact.
Thus, it’s wise to limit swaddling to some extent in the early stages.
- Disruption of breastfeeding
Swaddling immediately after birth has been observed to complicate breastfeeding. Newborns who engage in more skin-to-skin contact with their mother shortly after delivery tend to latch onto breastfeeding more effectively.
If you communicate your preferences to the hospital staff, you can find alternatives to immediate swaddling.
Ensuring your baby stays warm is crucial, and using a simple blanket over the mother during cuddle times can be a suitable solution during those initial days.
- Risk of overheating
Swaddling with a warm blanket might lead to your baby becoming overheated.
To mitigate this, dress your baby in light attire or opt for a swaddle made of lightweight cotton or similar materials. This way, you can maintain your baby’s comfort without risking overheating.
How To Swaddle Your Baby Correctly?
- Use a lightweight, thin blanket for swaddling.
- To begin swaddling, lay the blanket flat, ensuring one corner is folded down.
- Place the baby on their back atop the blanket, positioning their head above the folded corner.
- Extend their left arm and drape the left corner of the blanket across your baby’s body, securing it between their right arm and the right side of their body.
- Next, lower the right arm and fold the right corner of the blanket over their body, tucking it under their left side.
- Gently fold or loosely twist the blanket’s bottom and tuck it under one side of the baby.
- Ensure the hips have room to move, and avoid making the swaddle too snug. Leave space for at least two or three fingers between the baby’s chest and the swaddle.
Besides these general guidelines, check out our post on what you should and shouldn’t do when swaddling your baby for further details.
Conclusion: Are Swaddle Blankets Worth It?
A proper swaddle is a safe and comfortable solution to soothing your infant. You can’t simply use any blanket on the bed to cover him, right?
Is swaddling a must? Of course, not. You surely don’t have to wrap your newborn up, and there’s a chance he doesn’t even like being swaddled.
But, are swaddle blankets worth it? The answer is definitely yes.
The result is a quiet night’s sleep for both the parents and baby, so why not give it a try?
