Ah swaddling- A practice that comes in and out of fashion like a pair of flared jeans! Like the ebb and flow of fashion, swaddling trends come and go, leaving new parents wondering: to swaddle or not to swaddle? As you begin your journey of parenthood, navigating through a sea of advice and opinions, it's essential to understand the ins and outs of this snugly tradition. So, let's unwrap the mysteries of swaddling together, shall we?"
What is swaddling?
Swaddling, derived from the Old English word 'swath,' meaning to wrap or bind tightly, is a centuries-old practice of snugly wrapping a baby in a blanket or cloth. The technique involves gently binding a newborn's arms and legs to mimic the secure environment of the womb. This age-old tradition isn't just about keeping babies cozy; it's rooted in providing comfort, warmth, and a sense of security during those early days of life outside the womb.
Swaddling involves a specific wrapping technique that varies slightly across cultures and regions. However, the core principle remains the same: to create a safe and soothing cocoon for your little one. In many Asian countries like Japan and Korea, swaddling is a common practice believed to promote better sleep and overall well-being for infants. In these cultures, swaddling techniques often involve intricately folding cloths or using specialised swaddling garments called 'swaddle blankets.'
Similarly, in parts of Africa and the Middle East, swaddling is deeply ingrained in cultural customs. It's not uncommon to see babies swaddled snugly in colorful fabrics or blankets, providing warmth and security in diverse environments.
In Indigenous cultures, such as those found in various Native American tribes, swaddling holds spiritual significance beyond its practical benefits. It's viewed as a way to connect babies to their ancestors and the natural world, fostering a sense of belonging and protection.
Even in Western societies, swaddling has evolved over time, with modern parents embracing both traditional techniques and innovative swaddling products designed for convenience and comfort.
Why swaddle?
Close your eyes and let me transport you to the womb. A place that i can only imagine is like one of those yoga hammocks, you know the ones; the big long stretches of fabric that people do aerial yoga in! Imagine yourself cocooned in one of those. Curled up in a tight little ball being held and swayed and jiggled. Image having a boundary pressed against your body, like a weighed blanket and when you move having a constant soft pressure across your skin. That exactly what the womb feels like to your baby. It’s a place of safety; a place that delivers a consistent comforting pressure upon them. Now, picture the abrupt transition from this nurturing environment to one that is vast and free. Suddenly, you're no longer held; there are no boundaries. Newborns find this outside world unsettling. As the first few sleepy days pass, they awaken to their surroundings, and their protests can certainly be heard as they acclimate to this new reality.
Swaddling can be a lifeline for new parents navigating the transition from the womb to the outside world. It provides babies with the comforting sensation of being "held," which they crave during this period of adjustment. Not only does swaddling create a sense of security, but it also promotes calmness and helps babies settle more easily. Wrapping infants snugly in a soft blanket mimics the gentle pressure and boundaries of the womb, soothing them and encouraging better sleep. Additionally, swaddling can prevent babies from startling themselves awake with their reflexes, leading to longer and more restful sleep for both baby and parents. Research also supports that swaddling reduces crying and fussiness in newborns, offering them a sense of containment and comfort during this critical stage of development. Many parents discover that swaddling becomes an indispensable tool in their parenting journey, providing relief and reassurance during the early weeks and months of their baby's life.
So, why isn’t swaddling universally embraced by all parents? That’s a good question, a question that i am keen to explore further. While swaddling offers numerous benefits, there are indeed reasons why it may not be universally used by all parents. Let's explore some of these factors and shed light on why swaddling might not be the preferred choice for everyone.
When a baby is swaddled, they lose the ability to startle, also known as the Moro reflex. This reflex, a natural response in newborns, involves a sudden flinging out of the arms when they feel a sensation of falling or a loud noise. While swaddling can help soothe babies by preventing this reflex from startling them awake, some health professionals and parents may worry that suppressing this reflex could interfere with their baby's natural sleep cycles and potentially suppress a reflex that is innately present to protect against SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
From my research, there are no conclusive findings on whether swaddling increases or decreases the risk of SIDS. However, there are important guidelines to follow if you choose to swaddle your baby. These guidelines include: Never put a swaddled baby to sleep on their front or side; the safest sleeping position for a baby, swaddled or not, is on their back. Use materials such as thin muslin or a thin cot sheet, and avoid placing any additional bedding over a swaddled baby to prevent overheating. Additionally, do not use blankets to swaddle a baby, and be mindful of the number of layers of clothing your baby has on underneath the swaddle to ensure they do not overheat. Finally, when your baby shows signs of rolling, it is crucial to discontinue swaddling, as they could potentially roll onto their tummy, increasing the risk of suffocation or SIDS, as recommended by pediatricians and safe sleep guidelines.
Swaddling can also reduce the tactile sense that your baby needs for breastfeeding. Babies rely on their hands to explore their surroundings, and having their hands free during breastfeeding is a great advantage to them. My advice around this is to swaddle for sleep and free the hands for feeding. That way, you will ensure that you are getting the benefits of both the swaddle and the tactile sense for breastfeeding.
A common comment or question I often hear is, 'When my baby is not swaddled to feed, they flail their arms around and become very upset and distressed. The only way I can stop this is by swaddling.' This is interesting and a very common occurrence. The only reason a baby will flail their arms around is that they do not feel safe at the breast. This is largely due to their fit and hold and their position at the breast. For a baby to feel safe and secure during a feed, it is important that we prioritize their positional stability (more on this another day), but rest assured that once fit and hold are correct, you will no longer need to use swaddling to calm your baby for breastfeeding.
Finally, another reason why parents choose not to swaddle is because they believe that their baby HATES IT! Again, this is a common comment made to me by the clients I work with. In my experience, most babies enjoy being swaddled. I would guess that over 95% of babies enjoy the comfort of a snuggly cocoon. However, some babies will initially put up a fight when swaddled. The reason they do this is because babies in utero would push against the sides of the womb, and the soft pressure and boundary of the womb would stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing about a sense of calm and relaxation. This is exactly what your baby is doing if they have a little protest. They may very temporarily push against the boundary and cry, but it doesn’t take long for that parasympathetic state to kick in and for them to peacefully drift away into restful slumber.
So as you can probably see, I am a lover of swaddling! And I have some tops picks for swaddles blankets for readers.
1: Dimples: Merino Snugglewrap $139 - I love merino, it’s just perfect for newborns! It’s soft, temperature regulating and when using to swaddle can be pulled nice and snug to really cocoon your baby up. What i love about Dimples design is the shape of the swaddle, almost like a T so that you can really master that perfect wrap!
2: Sleep Store: Miracle Blanket- The Miracle Blanket is my second most recommended swaddle, why? Well because The miracle blanket from The Sleep store really caters to those Houdini babies that have a daily goal of escaping the swaddle! It has Velcro tabs to secure it in place, and better still it comes with a 100% money back guarantee!
3: Love to Dream Swaddle- The Love to Dream Swaddle comes in at number 3! It is a fantastic solution for parents whose babies prefer to sleep with their arms up. The use of luxuriously soft and breathable bamboo fabric adds comfort and ensures suitability for various climates, which is a great feature. The design allowing babies to sleep with their arms up is innovative and can be beneficial for their comfort and sleep quality. And the fact that it serves as a transitional swaddle for babies moving towards sleeping without swaddling altogether is another plus. The zip closure ensures that once the baby is swaddled, they stay securely wrapped, providing peace of mind for parents. It sounds like a thoughtful and practical product for both babies and caregivers alike!
Throughout the journey of parenthood, the question of whether to swaddle or not can feel as overwhelming as navigating a maze of baby products. Yet, swaddling remains a time-honored tradition, offering infants a comforting embrace reminiscent of the womb. As we've explored, swaddling provides numerous benefits, from promoting better sleep to soothing newborns during their transition to the outside world. However, it's essential to approach swaddling with knowledge and caution, adhering to safe sleep guidelines and being mindful of your baby's cues and needs.
While swaddling may not be universally embraced by all parents, its efficacy in providing comfort and security is undeniable. With a myriad of swaddling options available, from traditional blankets to innovative swaddle garments like the Love to Dream Swaddle, parents have the flexibility to choose what works best for their little one. So, whether you opt for a snugly cocoon or prefer to let your baby's arms roam free, the decision ultimately lies in what brings peace and comfort to both you and your baby.
