If better sleep for mum, dad and bub isn’t enough incentive to learn how to swaddle, it can also help reduce a baby's risk of developing SUDI (sudden unexpected death in infants).
All it takes is one muslin wrap, some frog legs and this one-minute video!
https://youtu.be/xk5aJK1qj68
Swaddling is the art of wrapping a baby nice and snug in a wrap or cloth. It has many benefits which include:
- Keeps their face safe from accidentally scratching themselves.
- Helps to soothe crying.
- Longer, sounder sleep.
- May reduce the risk of SUDI (less likely to fiddle and be able to roll onto their tummy).
- (Hopefully) more sleep for you!
“[Swaddling] reduces moro reflex or the startle reflex to assist them to sleep peacefully.” — Deborah Alexander, Midwife, Epworth HealthCare
Before you get started, it’s important to know that you shouldn’t leave a baby unattended.
They may not be able to walk just yet, but they can easily wriggle away!
Ready to go? Here are six steps to more sleep:
- Have baby’s shoulders at the top of the muslin wrap, slightly off-centre.
- Pull the shorter side around the baby and secure it under their back.
- Bring the other side of the wrap-around baby and join it with the shorter side, under their back.
- Allow the baby's legs to be curled up in a frog-like position. Don’t force them to straighten out.
- Bring the bottom of the wrap over the baby and tuck it under with the rest of the wrap.
- Make sure the baby is laying on their back with their feet down toward the bottom of the cot.
When not to wrap:
- If you’re sleeping with a baby.
- If you’re using other sleeping aids like a sleeping bag.
- Once the startle reflex disappears (usually around 3 months).
- From around 4-6 months when the baby shows signs of being able to roll.
Being all wrapped up can make babies pretty warm, so feel free to dress them in a singlet and nappy instead of a grow-suit in the warmer months.
Shop Tinylane's super soft, organic printed, bamboo:cotton swaddle blankets here!
