READ: How to Swaddle a Baby With a SwaddleMe – Step-by-Step Pictures
To watch the video tutorial, click HERE.
Swaddling for babies makes them feel like they’re in the womb again; all warm and cozy. Not all babies will like being swaddled though; maybe they don’t like the feeling of being trapped. They had a taste of the open, un-smooshed world and they just want to be free. Neither of my sons wanted to be swaddled after about a week, but while I was taking these pictures, my son was in the zone, and almost 2 months old. He went right to sleep when I wrapped him in the swaddle.
Startle Reflex
Babies get startled super easily when they’re sleeping on their back, I don’t know what it is, but maybe they just feel like they’re falling and any sudden movements from their arms just scares them and it can wake them up. Swaddling keeps their arms tight, right by their sides, preventing their arms from flailing around, startling them.
When NOT to Use a Swaddle
Swaddling should only be used while your baby is lying on their back and before they learn to roll over. Newborns and younger infants are still getting control of their necks and strengthening them, so putting them in a swaddle on their stomach is a big no no. Babies can turn their heads, but may not be able to make a complete turn to the other side and their head can stop mid-turn, leaving their nose parallel with the ground, which can cause them to suffocate.
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Swaddle Options
There are different ways of swaddling; whether you use a blanket, or a product made specifically for swaddling, which will have Velcro or even a zipper.
•Be sure to check sizes before ordering•
SwaddleMe : Takes the fuss out of folding a blanket and it very user friendly. More SwaddleMe options + similar.
Halo Sleepsack : We got this from the hospital and it was actually pretty nice. Also user friendly.
aden + anias swaddles: 47”x47” I always see these muslin blanket sets at stores like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. You can also get them from their website, where there are tons of prints to choose from.
Woombie Swaddle: This has to be the easiest swaddle ever. There’s a zipper and a button. It’s tight at the top so their arms are snug and wider at the bottom to let their legs move around freely. More color options.
Anna & Eve Swaddle Strap: Just as it sounds. It’s a strap that only goes around the baby’s arms instead on over their full body. This is actually really smart because when the baby get’s startled, their arms are what flails.
Hospital blanket: There’s always this free option as well
How to Swaddle Using a Blanket : Step-by-Step
•Carter’s Swaddle Blankets – super stretchy and soft.
•Lay the blanket flat and fold one corner down. The corner can be folded down further than pictured.
• Place your baby on their back with their shoulders parallel to top of the corner you just folded down.
•Hold one of your baby’s arms down by their side. Take the corner from the same side of the arm you are holding down, pull the blanket to the opposite side leaving the other arm free, and tuck the blanket under your baby.
• Turn your baby on their side as you’re tucking so the blanket isn’t bunched up under their back.
• Take the bottom corner of the blanket; closest to their feet, and fold that upward, over their chest – If you left enough fabric to go that high. If there’s a lot of loose fabric, fold it under. Be sure not to cover your baby’s face.
• Lastly, hold your baby’s other arm down by their side, pull the remaining corner over your child, taut, and tuck. Remember to turn them on their side so the blanket is not bunched up.
I really hope I was able to help you learn to swaddle your baby and if so, be sure to let me know in the comments. Share this post with a new mom, or soon-to-be mom… I’m sure they’d appreciate it and so will I.
