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The how and why of swaddling

Page added on: Friday 17th of June 2011 at 05:26:50 PM

 

      

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Baby at Sones are delighted to be stocking organic cotton and bamboo muslin swaddles from Aden and Anais. Because of their breathability and generous size they have multiple uses and will also be useful as a stroller cover, burp cloth, nursing shield, summertime and tummy time blanket, crib sheet and lots more so their use does not finish when you cease swaddling your baby. You will find them in the shop under accessories.

 

Information about swaddling has been passed down through the generations by mothers and has been widely recognised as a way of soothing and calming babies since ancient times. In fact archaeological records suggest that it was developed around 4000 BC in Central Asia. Swaddling helps babies get to sleep and stay asleep and get comforted quickly especially when they are newborn. A swaddled baby feels warm and secure and the wrap can help prevent babies from being disturbed by their own startle reflex and throwing their hands up and even scratching their face.

 

In May 2005 researchers at the Paediatric Sleep Unit of the University Children’s Hospital in Brussels compared the sleeping habits of swaddled and unswaddled babies. It was found that swaddled babies slept significantly better. They were more easily wakened by outside noises and their heart rate was more responsive. This study was undertaken because it was theorized that babies being swaddled on their backs greatly reduced incidences of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

 

A further study at the Washington University School of Medicine confirmed these findings when babies were laid to sleep firstly with a conventional blanket and then on another occasion in a lightweight swaddle. The team measured rapid eye movement (REM) breathing patterns, brain waves and the number of times they were startled or woke. When swaddled the babies not only woke up and startled less frequently they also fell asleep again much sooner after arousal. Length of REM sleep during the nap doubled for swaddled infants from about 450 seconds to 900. A study in the Journal of American Medical Association supported the idea that babies should be wrapped in light fabrics.

 

Muslin is an ideal fabric for swaddling because although it is finely woven  and delicate, the durable weave, makes the fabric stretchy, and therefore ideal for swaddling, as the natural give" allows the blanket to be tucked snugly around a baby without being overly restrictive. Lightweight muslin also permits air to circulate around the baby's body, while still providing comfort and warmth without the worry that the baby may overheat in moderate weather. Cotton muslin is a wonderful fabric, and wraps woven from this natural fibre stands up to repeated washings and become softer and better with age.

 

How to swaddle a baby
 

Step 1

 

Lay the swaddle in a diamond shape and fold the top corner down to form a triangle. Place your baby in the center of the folded area with their head just above the fold of the swaddle. Ensure that your baby’s shoulders are still below the fold.

Step 2

Place your baby’s right arm slightly bent at the elbow flat against their body. Take the left side of the swaddle and bring it across your baby’s chest. Ensure their arm is securely under the fabric. Tuck the edge of the swaddle under their body to ensure a secure swaddle.  

Step 3

Fold the bottom of the swaddle up & over your baby’s feet.

Step 4

Finally, place your baby’s left arm slightly bent at the elbow against their body, take the right side of the swaddle & bring it across your baby’s chest. Tuck the excess fabric underneath your baby to secure the swaddle.

 

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