Mastering the Art of Swaddling: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

When your baby is nestled in your belly they feel safe and cozy in a space. Swaddling your one can remind them of that comfort. Help soothe them when they're upset or colicky. Research suggests that swaddled babies tend to sleep and wake up frequently which benefits both the baby and the parents.

Swaddling has its perks, including:

• It prevents your baby from waking up due to movements.
• It stops them from scratching their face.
• When done along with sleep practices it can lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Now let's walk through how to swaddle your baby:

1. Spread out the blanket: Begin by laying the swaddling blanket on a flat surface, forming a diamond shape with one corner facing downwards.
2. Bend the corner over: Lay your baby on their back in the middle of the blanket, ensuring their shoulders are under the top edge. Wrapping the edge of the blanket around your baby's chest. Place it securely under their arm on the other side.
3. Make sure to hold onto one arm: move your baby's arm next to their body and fasten the blanket firmly around their body, making sure to tuck it under their back.
4. Lift the corner of the blanket and fold it over your baby's feet, making sure their legs are comfortably bent and their hips are positioned naturally.
5. Ensure the arm is protected: Do the same steps for the other side, carefully securing your baby's arm and tucking the last corner of the blanket underneath their body.
6. Adjust the swaddle to ensure it is snug but not overly tight allowing for movement in your baby's legs and hips. Ensure their face is visible with a raised chin to maintain airways.

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Remember these safety guidelines when swaddling your baby for sleep!

Keep their sleeping area from pillows, blankets, stuffed animals or clothing.

Monitor for signs of overheating like sweating, moist hair, flushed cheeks or rapid breathing, as infants can easily become too warm when swaddled.

Avoid wrapping them to allow for comfortable movement.Tightly wrapping a baby's legs may lead to discomfort and studies have shown it could contribute to hip dysplasia.

How long is it safe to swaddle a baby for?

It is recommended to start swaddling your baby in the first weeks of their life. Once your baby shows signs of learning to roll over or can already do so it is best to discontinue swaddling them.

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