Swaddling is the practice of wrapping infants in lightweight blankets so that their movement is restricted. Swaddling was believed to promote proper posture and straight growing limbs. Swaddling was accomplished by snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket and then adding swaddling bands to further restrict movement. The habit of waddling of babies has evolved over time. Parents in Central Asia as far back as 4000 BC used a backpack board to help in the swaddling process. American Indians used a similar apparatus. During Biblical times, swaddling clothes were bandage like strips of cloth. Swaddling fell out of practice in the 17th century as many began to equate it with child neglect. Wet nurses for example, would leave babies swaddled for long periods of time without cleaning or comforting them. A swaddled baby needed less attention, so it made their jobs easier.
The practice of swaddling babies had been increasing in popularity again for the past two decades as it has shown to work in soothing newborn infants. Modern swaddling is done much looser than its ancient version, and not for hours on end. It is primarily for use with a sleeping baby, and it is done loosely enough so that an awakened baby can kick the wrapped blanket loose. Modern swaddling is done with a simple cloth blanket, or a special T or Y shaped blanket made especially for swaddling.
To swaddle a baby, Lay the blanket down in a diamond patten with the a point on the top. Lay the baby down with the head a top corner of the blanket. Next, fold the baby’s hand onto their tummy and wrap the side of the blanket corner across the body, over the shoulder to under the opposite arm, tucking the edge under the back. Next, fold up the bottom of the blanket up to the baby’s chest. Finally, fold the baby’s other hand onto their tummy and fold the final corner over the babies shoulder and around their body, tucking the free edge into the back fold If you have a special swaddling blanket, it may have an extra wide strip of cloth to wrap a second time or tie in place.
Pros of swaddling: Swaddling is experiencing a resurgence of popularity because there are benefits to it.
Swaddling helps babies to sleep longer and deeper, staying in REM sleep longer. Parents with light sleepers will certainly appreciate the opportunity to get a good night’s sleep.
Because of the light pressure on the swaddled child, they feel more secure.
It is believed that swaddling enhances neuromuscular development in low birth weight babies.
It is believed that swaddling babies may lower the incidences of SIDS.
Cons of swaddling: For some, swaddling is seen as a fad that needs to be ignored.
First, some babies don’t like the restriction of swaddling, so it is not a one size fits all technique.
A baby that rolls over should not be swaddled as it can increase SIDS risk.
Swaddling can increase hip issues such as dysplasia from having legs extended for long periods of time.
