Swaddling offers a newborn baby warmth and security
- a snug wrap feels like a big hug to that tiny body.
A good wrap is not a surefire way of calming a colicky
baby but it does make carrying the little one easier
and safer. It also helps baby to sleep more soundly
on his back. Since swaddling is restrictive, it may
hinder motor development; a full-body swaddle is not
recommended after baby turns 2 months old. Babies
this old will enjoy the looser version of the snug
wrap.
Materials
It is ideal to use light cotton
material - square muslin or rectangular piece of
thin cloth is appropriate for the tropical climate.
Flannel or toweling material will suit the cooler
climate.
Technique
The three popular techniques that can be used are:
swaddling with both arms in; swaddling with both
arms out and swaddling with one arm out.
Basic snug wrap
All those receiving blankets you have will come
in handy now. This basic wrap may take a while to
master. Swaddling is a snap; follow these simple
rules:
• Place the square or rectangle blanket on
a flat comfortable surface in a diamond shape with
a point at the top. Fold down the top tip of the
diamond so that it touches the center of the blanket.
• Place your baby on his back with his head
above the fold and shoulders just below it.
• With one hand hold your baby's right arm
at his side and pull the top right corner of the
blanket with your other hand tightly down diagonally
across his body. Tuck the material under baby's
left buttock and back. Pull the right side of the
blanket across baby's body and tuck it under the
right side.
• With baby's arms safely at his sides, pull
the bottom corner up and tuck it behind his left
shoulder. If the blanket is not long enough you
can always tuck it into a V at the neck area. Pull
the left end of the blanket around baby's body just
like a belt and tuck the last bit of material in
the neck area at the right side.
• When swaddling, always pull the material
tighter than you might think is comfortable because
newborns crave a snug fit. A helpful rule of the
thumb is that you should be able to slide your hand
between the blanket and your baby's chest. Any tighter
is worrying and any looser means your efforts will
be futile. Another issue is movement: baby's arms
should be held still in the wrap while the legs
have enough room to move.
Wrap with both arms out
• Spread the cloth on a suitable surface with
one corner folded at a downward angle (diamond shape).
Place baby on the sheet with her head and shoulders
above the folded corner and the tips of the sheet
reaching her armpits.
• Fold the corner near baby's left arm underneath
her left armpit and tuck it across her chest. Next
fold the bottom end of the cloth up.
• Lift her right arm and tuck the cloth under
her right armpit and bring it over her tummy and
across to the other side so that corner tucks under
baby's back. Swaddling this way allows baby some
arm mobility and will not overheat her. She is free
to play with her hands and fingers.
Wrap with one arm out
• Follow step one as above.
• Fold the corner near baby's left arm over
her shoulder with her arm tucked in and tuck the
cloth lightly across baby's right chest.
• Lift her right arm up and tuck the other
end under baby's armpit. Bring the cloth over baby's
tummy and across to the left side and tuck it under
baby's back.
• Both wrapping with one arm and both arms
out are more suited to an older baby; for newborns
right up to 60 days old, it is best to wrap baby
snugly.
Good to know
• Babies can be swaddled as soon as they are
born.
• Fussy babies need to be swaddled more.
• Bundling babies prevents them from startling
themselves awake or scratching themselves.
• Most babies are ready to go without swaddling
after they turn 3-4 months old, although some sleep
better bundled up to one year of age.
• Babies need to be wrapped 12-24 hours in
the start when they are really little; after 2 months
the wrap time can be reduced.
• To check if baby is overheated, feel her
ears and fingers. If it's hot, red and sweaty she
is probably overwrapped.
• Most newborn babies need a few months of
cozy swaddling before they can handle the great
big world.
• Swaddling helps sensitive babies by muffling
their startled reactions