Swaddling

Becoming a parent is an exhausting time for most. From sleepless nights to groggy days, the fourth trimester – your baby’s first three months earth-side - is often a time when shattered parents will do just about anything for a few extra minutes of sleep. Did you know that swaddling has been shown to help infants sleep longer than those who aren’t swaddled? Here are four ways swaddling can help your baby (and you!) sleep longer and better:

1.     After so many months in utero, your baby is used to tight quarters. A swaddle can help calm the ‘startle reflex’ that often disturbs their sleep.

2.     Many babies self soothe by sucking their hands, so it is important they are in proximity to their mouths, not only for maintaining their comfort in the naturally flexed foetal position’, but also to easily find their hands to suck. Utilising the ‘pocket swaddle’ facilitates this. Here’s another alternative to this swaddle that might come in handy as your baby gets older.

3.     Ensure you use a wide piece of fabric to swaddle your baby. Long enough to wrap completely around your baby to the left and right, so that your baby can act as anchor for your swaddle. Jersey or interlock fabric (ie. T-shirt material) is a good choice – I find a muslin wrap has a tendency to stretch without recoil, leaving your swaddle baggy and ineffective. An offcut of jersey from Spotlight will do the trick … and best of all, doesn’t need to be edged, and if your baby wants to suck their fist through the fabric, they won’t get a mouth full of fluff!

4.     ALWAYS swaddle your babies arms only, leaving legs free to move. It is important that your swaddle doesn’t restrict the movement of your baby’s hips to optimise healthy hip development. A ‘top tuck’ firmly tucked into the foot of the cot, over your baby’s legs up to the waist, will help with the ‘mermaid kick’ that can also prevent your baby from settling, or staying asleep, also.