I bet you’ve come across a swaddled new born. Most Kenyan mothers cover up their babies so tight all the way up to the head and usually, the only barely uncovered part is the face. Well, that’s one of the mistakes you could make while swaddling the little one. Besides knowing the technique on “How to swaddle” read on and find out important notes about swaddling.
Importance of Swaddling
Do it correctly and you will reap the benefits. Let’s dig a little deeper. Apart from creating a cozy environment, a swaddle keeps your baby warm. An infant also feels safe-a feeling similar to when they were in the womb.
Babies are born with reflexes such as sucking, grasping, stepping and rooting. The reflexes affect how they respond to stimuli. The Moro Reflex involves the baby feeling like they are falling. Once triggered, an infant moves the arms outwards at the shoulder. Secondly, the arms are straightened and the head thrown back. The spreading of the arms happens as they try to catch themselves. Apart from feeling insecure the Moro reflex can wake the baby up. Not once but severally! Not a good idea, especially at night.
Certainly, swaddling your baby helps control the Moro Reflex. In as much as the baby can move inside the swaddle, movement of the limbs is restricted. The swaddling garments prevent the baby from moving their arms. Therefore, the child remains calm. Additionally, it encourages them to continue sleeping. As they sleep, you can also sleep or continue with other tasks.
How to Swaddle
Firstly, it is important to keep excessive heat at bay. Overheating is one of the causes of Sudden Infant Death. Additionally, it promotes discomfort which disrupts the child’s sleep.
Therefore, the key aspect here is to neither under-dress nor over-dress the baby. This means that you need the right swaddling clothes which will offer optimum comfort and warmth.
Step 1: Lay a breathable cotton-mesh baby blanket down. As you lay it, it should appear like the shape of a diamond. The blanket should be big enough to accommodate your baby. Well, babies vary in size and weight. Right?
Step 2: Fold the top corner downwards. Lay the baby on top of the folded part. Ensure that the shoulders are at the line, with the head above the blanket.
Step 3: Take the left edge and fold over the chest. The baby’s left arm should be at their side. Then, tuck the swaddle under the infants back, leaving the right arm uncovered.
Step 4: Fold the other side of the blanket over the baby’s body. The baby’s right arm should be placed along their body ensuring that it is also covered. Tuck the swaddle behind the baby’s back.
Step 5: Fold the bottom edge up. That’s it! Simple and quick!
Wrapping up
Swaddling your baby is a must-know procedure. The emphasis is on always doing it correctly. Thus, the swaddle should not be tight. Note that a tight swaddle results in discomfort.
Additionally, tight wraps can cause loose joints and even hip dysplasia. For the baby to be safe, ensure that there is enough room for the legs to move.
