Claire
Myth V Fact: Swaddling
One caveat before we get into this. You must swaddle properly. Make sure you talk to your nurse or doctor and learn how to properly swaddle. That said, once you learn, swaddling is an excellent way to calm a fussy baby.
Swaddling is a way to mimic the feeling the baby has in the womb – all wound up and tightly packed in there. They find comfort and security.
A few notes:
- Swaddle snugly, but not too snugly. At the top of the swaddle, you should be able to fit two to three fingers between the blanket and your baby’s chest. The bottom of the swaddle should be loose enough so your baby’s legs stay bent and flared out.
- Always put your baby to sleep on her back. It’s the safest position, whether you’re swaddling or not. Be sure to tuck the bottom of the blanket underneath your baby too.
- Keep your baby cool. Swaddling could cause overheating. Resist the urge to bundle your baby in extra layers — a pair of pyjamas and the swaddle blanket are likely enough to keep them comfy.
- Swaddle for night sleeps and naps. Swaddling can help your baby sleep more soundly during the day and at night.
As always, DYOR and make sure you feel safe and comfortable with anything you are doing for your babe.
Image via @juna.moms on Instagram
Post Update From @claire
We had some great feedback from a number of new moms in or comments. The following resonated with the NMF team:
FACT: swaddling isn’t recommended as babies find it hard to regulate their temperature if they are being restricted, hence why your baby will love their arms outwards if hot…….. also why you don’t put a hat on inside as heat dispurts from their heads. Over heating has been found to be a factor of SIDS.
And
Not sure if the author of this post is from Canada or not but our regulations in Canada have been updated to indicate no swaddling of babIes due to risk of SIDS
As with everything you read here on New Moms Forum we aim to serve as a guide with tips for new moms. With that said, always DYOR and do what’s best for you.
Do any of our new moms have their own baby swaddling tips?
It would be great to hear from you. Please share in our comments below
Originally posted 2021-01-12 20:19:36.
My oldest hated a swaddle. The nurses in the hospital had to fight with my 9.5 pound newborn to get him in one. He kicked and kicked hard when they tried. Kid was strong. We never forced it and he was happy as a clam without one. So I never bothered with my second and third. My fourth loved it and it was amazing and it helped her sleep. Which at the time was all I cared about. As with all things in parenting- you do you.
Mine hated it!
Not my kid. He will go tf off
Why our parents did not swaddled? Is this a new trendy?😝
Fact: I’ve yet to meet a baby that ACTUALLY likes it 😹
Not sure if the author of this post is from Canada or not but our regulations in Canada have been updated to indicate no swaddling of babIes due to risk of SIDS
How often a newborn should be swaddled? Throughout the day or just during the sleep?
Lol my baby hates it because she loves having her hands close to her face when sleeping
FACT: swaddling isn’t recommended as babies find it hard to regulate their temperature if they are being restricted, hence why your baby will love their arms outwards if hot…….. also why you don’t put a hat on inside as heat dispurts from their heads. Over heating has been found to be a factor of SIDS.
Every baby is different.
My baby hated to be swaddled.. i guess theres no right or wrong way. It depends on how the baby responds to swaddling
My baby absolutely hated being swaddled.
Well not my babies 🤣 both hated swaddled