The Cosy Art of Swaddling |
A Step-by-Step Guide
The steady pressure when swaddled gives a baby the feeling of security and comfort that they felt in the womb. Sheets and blankets draped over them and tucked in at the sides of a pram or cot just do not offer the same level of comfort. However, not all babies want to be swaddled, but many do.
Swaddling can:
- be relaxing for a baby
- reduce startling
- reduce crying
- possibly lower the heart rate of a fractious baby
How to swaddle your baby
- Place the sheet on a flat surface and fold down the top right corner about 15 cm so the sheet is a triangle.
- Place your baby on the sheet on their back with their head just above the fold.
- Gently support their hands up to their chin so they can get them to their mouth, if they wish to.
- Pull the corner near your baby’s left hand across their body, and tuck this around their right elbow and secure it under their back.
- Pull the bottom corner by their feet up towards your baby’s hands.
- Bring the right-hand corner over and tuck it under their back on the left side.
Safety Tips
- Leave your baby to lie on their back when swaddled.
- Make sure the baby is not over-dressed (no more than a vest and a babygro).
- Do not use extra covers unless the room is very cool.
- Make sure the sheet does not wrap around your baby’s head.
- Avoid using a blanket with lacy holes in it.
Hot Topics
Who's Online
Become a Fan
Follow Us
