Six steps to more sleep with baby swaddling

Six steps to more sleep with baby swaddling

 

If better sleep for mum, dad and bub isn’t enough incentive to learn how to swaddle, it can also help reduce a baby's risk of developing SUDI (sudden unexpected death in infants).

All it takes is one muslin wrap, some frog legs and this one-minute video!

 

https://youtu.be/xk5aJK1qj68

 

Swaddling is the art of wrapping a baby nice and snug in a wrap or cloth. It has many benefits which include:

  • Keeps their face safe from accidentally scratching themselves.
  • Helps to soothe crying.
  • Longer, sounder sleep.
  • May reduce the risk of SUDI (less likely to fiddle and be able to roll onto their tummy).
  • (Hopefully) more sleep for you!

 

“[Swaddling] reduces moro reflex or the startle reflex to assist them to sleep peacefully.” — Deborah Alexander, Midwife, Epworth HealthCare

 

Before you get started, it’s important to know that you shouldn’t leave a baby unattended.

They may not be able to walk just yet, but they can easily wriggle away!

 

Ready to go? Here are six steps to more sleep:

  1. Have baby’s shoulders at the top of the muslin wrap, slightly off-centre.
  2. Pull the shorter side around the baby and secure it under their back.
  3. Bring the other side of the wrap-around baby and join it with the shorter side, under their back.
  4. Allow the baby's legs to be curled up in a frog-like position. Don’t force them to straighten out.
  5. Bring the bottom of the wrap over the baby and tuck it under with the rest of the wrap.
  6. Make sure the baby is laying on their back with their feet down toward the bottom of the cot.

 

When not to wrap:

  • If you’re sleeping with a baby.
  • If you’re using other sleeping aids like a sleeping bag.
  • Once the startle reflex disappears (usually around 3 months).
  • From around 4-6 months when the baby shows signs of being able to roll.

 

Being all wrapped up can make babies pretty warm, so feel free to dress them in a singlet and nappy instead of a grow-suit in the warmer months.

Shop Tinylane's super soft, organic printed, bamboo:cotton swaddle blankets here!

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