Frequently Asked Questions About the Miracle Blanket Swaddler

Why does the Miracle Blanket work so much better than other products and blankets?
The truth is that we aren't sure yet. But after talking to thousands of customers, we have developed one main theory: Research has shown that the two best fussiness "eliminators" are classic swaddling and gentle abdominal pressure. A lateral belly wrap is a very old Irish remedy for fussiness that is comprised of a long band of "stretchy" fabric that is wrapped around a babies abdomen to provide a gentle, even, lateral pressure around the baby's mid-section. Ours is the first and only product that combines these two incredibly effective solutions in one product. Because of the way our design combines the perfect classic swaddle with the even, horizontal pressure of the lateral belly wrap, it seems to work better than anyone ever thought possible.

Why is the Miracle Blanket so expensive?
We consider our customers part of our "family". So we want to give an honest, straight answer to this question - even if it means giving up a few secrets:

The main reason for the high price is that the blanket is nearly six feet wide and the material has to be cut on a 45 degree angle to provide just the right amount of stretch or it doesn't work as well (this is actually part of our patented design specs). This causes a lot of waste. Regular square blankets are cheap because they are simply a length of fabric cut every four feet and sewn around the edges in straight lines. As a matter of fact, according to our mfg costs, our price should be approximately 50% higher than it is! Several manufacturers have seen the blanket and claimed they could make it for less. After we explained our exacting standards and the quality of fabric we require, we quickly find out that we are getting the best price available. We are constantly looking for ways to get our mfg costs down, but we WILL NOT sacrifice quality or effectiveness.

And remember: If you don't think the extra sleep is worth every penny, call us and we'll refund ALL of your money!

Why should I swaddle?
Many experts suggest that swaddling in the first several months eases babies through the shock of suddenly being out of the womb by duplicating many of the sensations of the womb. Many babies do not handle this transition well, and some recent research suggests that this may be the main cause of fussiness.

Swaddling seems so confining. Is it good for a baby's development?
This question is the main reason western cultures all but abandoned the practice of swaddling over the past 100 (or so) years. Think about how comfortable the baby was when she was in the womb - total darkness, almost silent, snug fit ... very little input. Suddenly they are thrust into a world of light where their little arms and legs flail and flinch without control. Their little razor-sharp nails scratch their little face and their heavy head lolls without support. Giving your baby a few more months of some of the snug, supporting, and warm sensations of the womb should not be seen as an insensitive act - but a loving one.

My baby squirms and seems to fight when he's swaddled. Does this mean he doesn't like it?
Most babies squirm quite a bit when swaddled, especially at first. This does not mean they don't like it. The fact is, very young babies don't have very much - if any - muscle control and their arms and legs flail without them being able to control them. Swaddling actually helps limit this movement so the baby can relax and calm down. If your baby continues to squirm, and doesn't calm down after 5-10 minutes, take him out of the blanket and give him a few minutes to rest and try it again. Eventually, your baby will relax at the mere sight of a swaddling blanket.

Can my baby overheat because of swaddling?
Although it is possible for your baby to overheat, it has been shown that swaddling alone cannot cause overheating. However, here a few simple measures that will eliminate this concern altogether:
1) Wrap her in the Miracle Blanket and diaper only.
2) Be sure the room in which the baby is sleeping is not too warm. The room should feel comfortable to a lightly dressed adult.
3) If overheating is still a concern you can wrap your baby in the Miracle Blanket with his/her feet outside of the foot pocket.

How Can I tell if my baby is overheated?
If your baby's tummy feels overly warm to the touch, or he/she is perspiring, it is important to observe the measures mentioned above in the question, "Can my baby overheat because of swaddling?"

Can swaddling make it hard for my baby to breathe?
The University of Washington published a study in mid-2002 that shows that this is generally not a concern - as long as the wrap is not exceedingly tight. Swaddling works best when your baby is wrapped "snugly" but comfortably. The Miracle Blanket is very effective in keeping the hands and body in the proper position. Keep in mind that most babies LOVE to be wrapped very snugly ... it feels more like the womb.

What is the "Rooting Response"?
Infants have one talent when they are born: Finding a nipple. If they feel something touch their face, they assume that it may be a nipple and they will begin to try to position their head to take advantage of the potential food source. This is very frustrating for the baby when they are awakened by something touching their face and they cannot find a nipple. It is for this reason that it is important to avoid blankets and bedding that touch your baby's cheeks while he/she is sleeping.

What is the "Moro Reflex"/Startle Reflex?
The Moro Reflex is the tendency of infants to startle and "jump" for no apparent reason. Nearly all babies do this - some more constantly than others. This comes with several different theories. One suggests that without the "all-over support" of the fluid in the womb, the baby frequently experiences a "falling" sensation and startles awake. This reflex can be virtually eliminated by the sensation created by swaddling.

My baby squirms and grabs while breastfeeding. Does swaddling help this?
One of the greatest things about swaddling (of any kind) is how much easier it makes it for mom or dad to hold baby still while feeding. Baby's arms are secure, he is comfy and he is very easy to position.

My baby likes one arm free to suck his thumb. Can I still swaddle?
Absolutely. Although you should try to get your baby used to the feeling of having both arms inside the blanket to avoid scratching and twitching, you can certainly leave an arm free if your baby likes that better. If you are a "swaddling artist" you can accomplish this with a normal receiving blanket. However, it makes it much easier for your baby to struggle out of the blanket. With the Miracle Blanket you can actually leave one arm free and maintain the total effectiveness of the blanket. Many people use it this way, and love it for that reason.

Can I leave both of my baby's arms free?
We don't suggest leaving both arms free. When you do this, most of the effects of swaddling are relinquished. Baby's arms will twitch, scratch and flail. With both arms free the only part of the baby that is (essentially) swaddled is the belly. One arm free is usually okay because some babies have a use for that hand - sucking. But two arms free pretty much defeats the purpose of swaddling.

When should I stop swaddling?
There are many differing opinions on this. We, at The Miracle Blanket, think 14 weeks is a good time to stop. A good rule of thumb is, the baby will begin to let you know he's had enough of swaddling after a few months - this is the best time to stop. If your baby loves to be swaddled after 4 months, studies show that it's fine. As a matter of fact some cultures swaddle beyond 12 months; however, the chance of problems with "loose bedding accidents" increase when the baby is old enough to struggle free of the blanket and turn over on his/her own.