Benefits of Swaddling - Tips for Safe and Effective Swaddle Techniques

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a joyous occasion and as parents, all you want is, for your baby to be healthy, safe and comfortable. One of the easiest ways to ensure your little bundle of joy is sleeping comfortably is swaddling. Swaddling infants is an age-old practice of snugly tying a baby in a swaddle wrap for newborn. In this blog let us check what are the benefits of swaddling and how to swaddle a newborn baby so that they can sleep comfortably. 

Swaddling for newborn - 4 Unknown Swaddling Benefits 

Although swaddling for newborns is commonly known for its ability to relax and calm infants, several other, lesser-known swaddling benefits merit a further breakdown. Let us look at some benefits of swaddling that you might not know. 

• Deep Sleep 

Did you know a newborn should get 14-17 hours of sleep in a day? Swaddling infants creates a womb-like safe environment for the baby to sleep comfortably for longer hours. The uninterrupted sleep ensures your baby’s brain is developing properly. 

• Gives relief from Colic 

Colicy babies can cry incessantly, however, swaddling benefits in relieving the baby from colic uneasiness and discomfort.

• Reduced Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS is the most unfortunate incident a parent might have to encounter when a baby’s breathing is hampered due to wrong sleeping positions. (1) Using a swaddle wrap for newborns can help eliminate potential suffocation hazards. 

• Improved Breast-Feeding Success 

Breastfeeding can be challenging for many new moms but proper swaddling for newborns can minimize distraction and encourage the baby to latch on for a better nursing experience. 

How to Swaddle a Newborn Baby?

Now that you know what is swaddling, and the benefits of swaddling, let’s get into the details of how to swaddle a newborn baby. Infants are delicate but with the following tips for swaddling infants, you can also do it easily.  

Techniques for Swaddling Infants 

• Use a soft breathable swaddle sheet to swaddle your baby. 
• Lay it flat on the bed in a diamond shape
• Place the baby on their back with her head above the sheet 
• Fold the top corner of the blanket to cover the baby’s chest. Leave the arms out.
• Wrap one corner of the sheet over the body, arms inside.
• Tuck the other corner on the opposite side
• Fold from the bottom and wrap it across the body behind the baby. 

What safety measures to consider while swaddling a baby?

Follow these safety measures to keep your baby safe and comfortable.

1. Don’t swaddle too tight, keep it snug.
2. Use a swaddle wrap for newborns that is soft and made from breathable material.
3. Put the baby in their swaddle on their back to go to sleep.
4. Allow space for the hips of the infant to move.
5. When the infant starts to roll over, stop swaddling them.

At first, swaddling infants may seem challenging, but don't worry, with so many opportunities to practise, you'll be able to master your technique! Follow the tips on how to swaddle a newborn baby and you will master the art of putting your baby to sleep comfortably in no time. Also you can check Cocoon Care for baby clothing and sleeping essentials in soft bamboo fabric.

FAQs on Swaddling

Q. What are the benefits of swaddling?

Swaddling infants helps them sleep better and for longer hours. Some of the other benefits of swaddling are also noted in soothing and calming a crying baby. 

Q. What is a swaddling technique?

The swaddling technique is a specific way in which a swaddle wrap is tied around the baby. 

Q. What is the purpose of swaddling a newborn?

A newborn baby is often swaddled in a swaddling wrap to keep them comfy and help them sleep better.