How to Swaddle and When to Stop Swaddling
Many hospitals will give parents a baby blanket to swaddle their newborn
in. Swaddling, though, can be tricky without practice. What does
swaddling do, and why can it be important? Here is everything you need
to know about swaddling your new baby, and when you can stop swaddling.
What Does Swaddling Do?
First, it’s essential to understand what swaddling does. The snugness of baby blankets helps mimic the sensation of still being in the womb, helping to calm your baby. That snugness helps keep your baby’s arms down, as well. The startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex, can occur while your baby is sleeping. They throw their arms out to the side, startling themselves awake. Swaddling helps prevent this. Swaddling can also help keep your baby warm. Bear in mind that swaddling is not for every baby; some babies hate it and refuse to be swaddled. Alternatives are discussed later, but you may also just move on to a baby sleeping bag or sleep sack.
Folding the Swaddle
If you are ready to start swaddling, take a receiving blanket and lay it out on a flat surface in a triangular shape, point down. Place your baby face-up in the center of the baby blanket, with their shoulders just below the fold. Take your baby’s right arm and place it alongside their body, keeping the arm bent slightly. Take the right side of the swaddle and pull it across your baby’s chest, with the baby blanket keeping your baby’s arm in place. Tuck the edge of the baby blanket under your baby’s body, leaving the left arm free. Take the point of the triangle, pull it over your baby’s feet, and tuck it into the top of the swaddle, where you folded over. Finally, take the left side and fold it over, keeping the left arm in place, and tuck the last part of the swaddle underneath your baby.
The Half-Swaddle
If your baby doesn’t like a full swaddle, try keeping one or both arms out and free. While this might increase the chances of the startle reflex waking them up, they may be more comfortable and fall asleep easier, rather than fighting the swaddle.
When Should You Stop Swaddling?
When exactly you should stop swaddling can vary with each child. Loose blankets in the crib can be dangerous, so older babies that can break free should not be swaddled. Once your baby starts rolling over, it’s also time to stop swaddling. This can be as early as 2 months or as late as 6 months.
Moving on to Sleeping Bags
Once you stop swaddling, you can move on to sleeping bags, also known as sleep sacks. Sleeping bags will help keep your baby secured and act as a wearable blanket. They add a layer of warmth while keeping your baby safe.
About aden + anais
Since they were introduced in 2006, parents everywhere have consistently counted the signature aden + anais super-soft 100% cotton muslin products among their favorites. Indispensable for their versatility, aden + anais’ super-soft baby blankets are favored by both parents and gift-givers alike. The highly versatile baby blankets start with swaddling a baby during nap time, transform into a tummy time mat, and then act as a stroller cover when out on a walk around the neighborhood. Parents Magazine’s readers proclaimed the baby blankets to be essential baby items, and the British royal family broke tradition by swaddling a newborn Prince George in one. For both new and seasoned parents, aden + anais offers practical, cute, and stylish baby essentials. Each of the products is designed with a focus on comfort, simplicity, and style. The brand’s high-quality, Insta-worthy products include baby blankets, burp cloths, sleeping sacks, and more.
Shop swaddles, sleeping sacks, and more from aden + anais at Adenandanais.com
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| Baby Blankets |
What Does Swaddling Do?
First, it’s essential to understand what swaddling does. The snugness of baby blankets helps mimic the sensation of still being in the womb, helping to calm your baby. That snugness helps keep your baby’s arms down, as well. The startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex, can occur while your baby is sleeping. They throw their arms out to the side, startling themselves awake. Swaddling helps prevent this. Swaddling can also help keep your baby warm. Bear in mind that swaddling is not for every baby; some babies hate it and refuse to be swaddled. Alternatives are discussed later, but you may also just move on to a baby sleeping bag or sleep sack.
Folding the Swaddle
If you are ready to start swaddling, take a receiving blanket and lay it out on a flat surface in a triangular shape, point down. Place your baby face-up in the center of the baby blanket, with their shoulders just below the fold. Take your baby’s right arm and place it alongside their body, keeping the arm bent slightly. Take the right side of the swaddle and pull it across your baby’s chest, with the baby blanket keeping your baby’s arm in place. Tuck the edge of the baby blanket under your baby’s body, leaving the left arm free. Take the point of the triangle, pull it over your baby’s feet, and tuck it into the top of the swaddle, where you folded over. Finally, take the left side and fold it over, keeping the left arm in place, and tuck the last part of the swaddle underneath your baby.
The Half-Swaddle
If your baby doesn’t like a full swaddle, try keeping one or both arms out and free. While this might increase the chances of the startle reflex waking them up, they may be more comfortable and fall asleep easier, rather than fighting the swaddle.
When Should You Stop Swaddling?
When exactly you should stop swaddling can vary with each child. Loose blankets in the crib can be dangerous, so older babies that can break free should not be swaddled. Once your baby starts rolling over, it’s also time to stop swaddling. This can be as early as 2 months or as late as 6 months.
Moving on to Sleeping Bags
Once you stop swaddling, you can move on to sleeping bags, also known as sleep sacks. Sleeping bags will help keep your baby secured and act as a wearable blanket. They add a layer of warmth while keeping your baby safe.
About aden + anais
Since they were introduced in 2006, parents everywhere have consistently counted the signature aden + anais super-soft 100% cotton muslin products among their favorites. Indispensable for their versatility, aden + anais’ super-soft baby blankets are favored by both parents and gift-givers alike. The highly versatile baby blankets start with swaddling a baby during nap time, transform into a tummy time mat, and then act as a stroller cover when out on a walk around the neighborhood. Parents Magazine’s readers proclaimed the baby blankets to be essential baby items, and the British royal family broke tradition by swaddling a newborn Prince George in one. For both new and seasoned parents, aden + anais offers practical, cute, and stylish baby essentials. Each of the products is designed with a focus on comfort, simplicity, and style. The brand’s high-quality, Insta-worthy products include baby blankets, burp cloths, sleeping sacks, and more.
Shop swaddles, sleeping sacks, and more from aden + anais at Adenandanais.com
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