Benefits of Swaddling

EXPERT ADVICE ON SWADDLING

Our Swaddle Designs blankets, which are made in America, are the perfect size and weight for swaddling newborns and infants. Pediatricians recommend swaddling to comfort newborns. The following section gives more detail about the benefits of swaddling.

A Developmentally Supportive Swaddle
Theresa Kledzik, RN, Infant Developmental Nurse Specialist From Contemporary Pediatrics

What is the purpose of swaddling? To assist the infant in achieving and maintaining motor control, which in turn has a regulatory effect on autonomic and state function. In other words, breathing, heart rate, and color will normalize, as well as the infant's ability to transition from a fussy or crying state to a quiet awake or sleep state.

How should I swaddle a baby? The baby should be swaddled with the arms bent, brought to midline, and accessible to his (or her) face. With this positioning, the infant is supported in his ability to self-console by bringing hands to face and mouth. A caregiver's dual purpose is immediate consoling as well as long-term support of the infant to achieve his own goals of self-regulation and self-calming. The palms of the hands and the area around the mouth are very sensitive and potent sources of stimulation. Rather than deprive the infant of this access, support it.

How tight should the developmental swaddle be? The developmental swaddle is intended to support the infant's efforts to achieve and maintain regulation. It is not intended to be a restraint. The blanket wrap should be snug, but not too snug to allow the infant to move.

How can I maximize the effects of a developmental swaddle? Hold the baby. Be attentive to cues of over stimulation and stress while offering stimulation. These subtle infant behaviors, such as looking away, sneezing, hiccoughing, and color changes, are early indicators of an infant reaching his threshold of sensory stimulation. Reducing the stimulation at this point may help the infant maintain regulation. If the threshold has been exceeded, reduce the stimulation and console the baby (while swaddled) to restore regulation.”

MORE INFORMATION ON SWADDLING

• Swaddled Babies Sleep BetterTM

A Washington University study proved infants sleep better when swaddled. Swaddled babies have fewer awakenings and twice as much REM sleep. REM sleep is believed to be important for brain development

• Reduces Incidence of SIDS

When baby sleeps better on his back, parents are less likely to use the unsafe tummy position for sleep. There is evidence that swaddled back sleeping infants have lower incidence of SIDS than unswaddled back sleeping infants as stated in the Journal of Pediatrics, December 2002

• Reduces Colic and Fussiness

Snug swaddling soothes babies by reminding them of being in the womb. Swaddling helps prevent over stimulation. Baby is able to self-soothe if swaddled with hands near face. Infants are inefficient at regulating their own temperature. Swaddling helps to keep infants warm.

• Can Help Make Breastfeeding Easier

Baby’s extra movements are nicely contained when swaddled. Tuck baby’s hands into the swaddle to keep hands from impairing latch-on.

Every baby is unique. Ask your pediatrician about swaddling your baby. Different techniques work for different babies. If your baby happens to get his or her arm(s) out of the swaddle and is unhappy that way (some babies are content with arms out), you may want to try another technique. You may want to try swaddling with one hand up by face and the other down across the tummy or down by leg with elbow flexed, alternating arms each time you swaddle. The third choice is to swaddle with both arms down, keeping the elbow joint flexed and allowing more time out of the swaddle.

Infant researchers state it’s in baby’s best interest to have the baby’s hands accessible to face, however it is your decision as a parent to choose how and if to swaddle your baby.

The information contained on this website is intended to complement, not substitute for, the advice of your child’s pediatrician. Consult with your own pediatrician who can discuss your individual needs and counsel you.

Reprinted with permission from: www.swaddledesigns.com. For more information, visit http://www.swaddledesigns.com/experts.html

Swaddle Designs Blankets are Made in the USA, and are available from All-American Baby. Please see our Blankets section for more selection.