Swaddling a Baby- Everything You Should Know About It!

Introduction:

Swaddling, a sleep enhancer for babies with troubled sleep, could be problematic if continued after certain months of age. Swaddling soothes the newborns, giving them the feeling of a mother's womb. Though some pediatricians do not suggest swaddling, they agree that it eases and calms the baby to sleep. Before practicing, it is necessary to know the correct way to swaddle, its merits and demerits, when to stop swaddling, etc., rather than following it as a mere tradition.

What Is Swaddling?

Swaddling the baby is a postnatal tradition started by the nurses immediately after birth and followed by the parents and family after that. It involves wrapping the baby's body, excluding the neck and head, and using a comfortable blanket to give them comfort as a mother's womb. It is practiced worldwide and is considered one of the postnatal care that a baby requires. Swaddling and making the babies lie on their backs provide the baby stability during sleep and help them sleep longer. Though it helps with sleep, there are certain demerits to swaddling when followed for a period more than advised.

What Are the Types of Swaddling Clothes?

Swaddling clothes are designed in various patterns and shapes. They are available for purchase in any baby store and can be chosen based on the parent's preference. Some of them are simple square or rectangular blankets, while the others are sack-like and allow zipping the baby up. Some have additional flaps on the side that wrap across the baby's body and can be secured with sticky strips.

How to Swaddle a Baby?

The right way of swaddling the baby involves the following steps;

• Ensure that the baby is relaxed and in a calm state.

• Use a light, breathable cloth, preferably cotton, to swaddle the baby.

• See that the baby does not wear multiple layers of clothing underneath the wrap, as it can cause overheating.

• Lay the cloth flat while folding the top corner.

• The baby should be laid on its back, with the head positioned above the fold.

• Hold the baby in place, tuck it in the left corner of the cloth to the right side of the body, and vice versa.

• Then, the bottom of the cloth should be folded and tucked on one of the sides.

• Take care not to wrap it tightly or let it loose. Also, make sure that the neck and head are not covered, as it might suffocate the baby.

• Adequate space should be left so that normal chest expansion occurs uninterruptedly and normal breathing is maintained. Also, make sure that the baby can move the hip freely.

What Are the Benefits of Swaddling?

• Swaddling helps the babies have an uninterrupted, comfortable, and quality nap for a longer period.

• It is also said that swaddling recreates the mother's womb atmosphere for the baby and helps with the transition phase that the baby goes through post-birth.

• Swaddling minimizes the parent's worry about making the baby fall asleep and get some time for themselves which is impossible when the baby is not asleep.

• Research shows that preterm babies who are swaddled during hospitalization have shown developmental benefits such as less physiological distress, improved neuromuscular and motor development, etc.

What Are the Risks of Swaddling?

Pediatricians, parents, and caregivers give mixed opinions on swaddling a baby. There are a few complications associated with wrapping for a longer period, such as;

• If the baby is not swaddled correctly, it could roll and lie on its stomach, which could become fatal to the baby. SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is a condition in which healthy babies die due to unknown reasons. Though it is said that lying on the stomach is a common cause of SIDS, there is no strong evidence to prove this claim.

• If the wrap is too tight, the babies could suffocate and have difficulty breathing, which could be fatal as well.

• If the baby is wrapped in thick or multiple-layered blankets or if there are multiple layers of clothing under the swaddle, overheating occurs in babies. Overheating can result in sweating, heat rashes, damp hair, etc.

• Hip dysplasia (abnormality in the hip joint when the thigh bone does not correctly fit the pelvis) could occur in babies when the legs are set straight and swaddled tight.

• Delayed postnatal weight gain is noted in certain conditions if the newborns are swaddled immediately after birth.

When to Stop Swaddling the Baby?

• Ideally, it is recommended to stop swaddling when the baby starts rolling over, which is usually between two to four months of age.

• When the baby starts to roll over, they try to shift from lying on their back to lying on the stomach, which can result in various complications as well as SIDS.

What Are the Substitutes for Swaddling?

• In the initial stages of transition, using the same swaddle, one hand is left free, followed by the other hand and legs in the coming days, rather than wrapping the baby's hands and legs.

• Using a sleep sack or sleep bag with holes in the neck, hands, and leg regions is not as suffocating as a wrap yet gives the baby a feeling of the swaddle.

• The baby should be laid in a crib without blankets or swaddles that could cover the baby's face.

• Pacifiers are given to make the baby fall asleep easily.

• Variations in temperatures can disrupt the baby's sleep, so it is essential to maintain an average temperature in the sleeping room.

• Refrain from doing things that might wake up the baby; the sleeping atmosphere should be peaceful.

• Following a consistent sleep schedule helps the baby fall asleep quickly.

• Feeding the baby and ensuring that the baby is not hungry before falling asleep.

What Is Swaddling in Childcare?

Some childcare centers may be found to have policies for swaddling. The reason for this is that the baby may have an increased risk for SIDS or suffocation that may occur due to the rolling of the baby while the baby is swaddled. Other risks are overheating and hip dysplasia.

In the childcare center, the number of caregivers is more, and their swaddling techniques may be different. This may cause a risk of SIDS.

The child may face difficulty in swaddling when the child grows and if swaddling is not done before or if the child is in a different environment, and if trying to roll, the swaddling is found to be challenging and risky.

What Are the Seven Safety Tips for Swaddling?

The seven safety tips for swaddling include:

• The swaddle should not be wrapped tightly. Its wrapping should allow the movement of the legs, which helps prevent the risk of hip dysplasia.

• The double blankets should not be used to wrap or warm the baby. This may lead to overheating.

• The swaddle should be nicely wrapped or secured. If not done properly, it may lead to a risk of suffocation.

• Swaddling should not be done and should be stopped if the baby is trying to roll over.

• Swaddle sacks should be preferred. These help to snuggle and allow the babies to move their legs.

• The baby should be laid on its back to sleep after swaddling.

• Swaddling of a baby should be done only during sleep. The baby should be left free at other times for the growth to occur.

Is It Fine Not to Swaddle a Newborn?

Swaddling is not necessary for a few babies. If the babies find it difficult to sleep while swaddling, they may be left free to sleep properly. Some babies need not be wrapped, and they sleep soundly without swaddling.

Conclusion:

There are mixed opinions on swaddling the baby. However, it depends on the preferences of the parents and the family. Doing it is fine, but doing it right is what needs emphasis. Before practicing it, it is necessary to know the right way to swaddle the baby and when to wean the baby from swaddling. Consult with the pediatrician if the baby has any birth complications.