Have you observed how nurses wrap your newborn baby securely in a warm blanket? This is called swaddling and you better learn the basics from them because it is an essential part of newborn baby care.

Why should I swaddle my baby?

You may have noticed that your baby’s arms flail or jerk for apparently no reason at all. This is called the startle reflex and it is nothing to be worried about. All babies are born with the startle reflex. This reflex is especially seen when the baby is exposed to different pitched sounds. By swaddling your baby, his arms won’t jerk so much and he will be able to sleep better.

Your baby has just emerged from the cozy comfort of the womb and he may be disturbed or even distressed by the new sights, smells and sounds around him. Swaddling gives him a warm and secure feeling.

Moreover, his internal thermostat hasn’t started working and he may not adjust to temperature changes in the environment easily. While he was in your womb, your body took care of all that but now that he is out in the world, he needs all the care and comfort he can get so that his stays warm. That is why swaddling a new baby is essential even though it is sweltering outside.

How can I swaddle my baby?

Here are a few simple instructions:

1. Lay a square blanket on a bed or table.

2. Fold one corner of the blanket down.

3. Place your baby such that his head is above the edge of the fold.

4. Bring the left side of the blanket across baby’s chest. Make sure that both arms are as close to the body as possible.

5. Pull the bottom of the blanket upwards and tuck it under the first swathe.

6. Now pull the right side of the blanket across baby’s chest and tuck baby inside.

When should I swaddle my baby?

If you feel that your baby is over excited or disturbed by the sights and sounds around him, swaddling will help calm him down. You can swaddle your baby when he sleeps so that he isn’t disturbed by his own reflexes.

Swaddling is a must for newborns and can be continued up until baby is 1 or 2 months of age. After this point, swaddling can be confining for a baby since he is now learning to move his arms and legs. This is essential for muscle development. Swaddling can interfere with the normal motor development if continued beyond 2 months. However, even at 3 or 4 months of age, you can swaddle your baby when you feel he needs extra warmth and comfort.

Mark Perry

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