Swaddling is a practice which has been used around the world for centuries, originating as far back as 4000 b.c. There are many benefits of swaddling a baby. It not only calms and soothes babies, but
Swaddling is a practice which has been used around the world for centuries, originating as far back as 4000 b.c. There are many benefits of swaddling a baby. It not only calms and soothes babies, but also helps babies sleep longer. Recent studies have found that infants are quieter, sleep more, and have lower and more stable heart rates when swaddled. When done correctly, swaddling is is a wonderful and safe way to help calm and comfort your baby.
Transitioning from womb to world is not so simple for your new little one. Babyies suddenly find themselves in cold and bright world from what was once a warm, cozy environment. Swaddling recreates the secure and cozy feeling of the womb, making this transition from baby easier.
Touch has been proven to have neurological effects; it triggers a self-soothing response in the human brain, stabilizes our heart rate and blood pressure and lowers cortisol levels. Correspondingly, touch is fundamental for healthy infant development. A snug swaddles helps to mimic the soft pressure of a mother's touch, and helps baby have longer, more restful sleep with fewer disturbances.
Swaddled babies tend to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep more consistently throughout the night. If baby sleeps better, then Mom and Dad sleep better, and this is great for the whole family!
One of the benefits of swaddling a baby is that it helps alleviate the effects of the Moro reflex. The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, is a normal neurological response which causes a newborn to feel as though they are free falling. Babies experience this all the time within the first 3 to 4 months of life. While the presence of the Moro reflex is an indication of a healthy infant, its effects can disturb your baby's sleep. The startle reflext causes baby to have involuntary movements that can easily wake them up, and swaddling helps prevent those spontaneous movements, allowing for a much more peaceful sleep.
While swaddling baby can help maintain the optimal temperature for baby, it is important to ensure that you are using a high-quality breathable swaddle, such as the Baby K'tan Newborn Swaddle blanket to ensure that baby does not overheat. Avoid "double swaddling" or using a blanket which is too warm. Over-bundling with multiple layers can cause baby to overheat which can increase the risk of SIDS. A breathable fabric, like the 100% cotton-mesh of the Baby K'tan Newborn Baby Swaddle Wrap will help keep your baby warm and snug without the danger of overheating.
Experts also recommend maintaining a comfortable room temperature of around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. After being swaddled, your baby’s skin should feel comfortable to touch and not too warm.
Any parent who has experienced a baby with colic will tell you that it can be on of the most difficult parenting experiences. Some parents describe a feeling of helplessness in their inability to calm their crying baby. Colic is mainly thought to be the result of a developing digestive system, making it diffic