There are many advantages to swaddling a newborn baby in blankets, but it must be done safely.For example, it has been shown that they sleep longer and wake up less, although in the first hours or days after birth this could interfere with breastfeeding because, by sleeping more, there is a possibility that feedings will be reduced, and this could lead to hypoglycemia due to a reduced intake of the main nutrient. In this regard, It is worth mentioning that although it is true that the ideal is breastfeeding on demand, and that they suck as much as they want, in the case of babies who sleep a lot, who find it difficult to wake up even to eat, who spend several hours without asking, it is necessary to encourage them.
But let's get back to the wrap: If we imagine the transit from the maternal uterus to the outside, after several hours until it exits through the mother's vagina and having passed through the birth canal, it is easy to think that the little one may feel dazedHe's no longer wrapped up, no longer physically restrained, and to top it all off, he has to worry about learning to breathe and finding the body that has sheltered him for 40 weeks. Luckily, his mother is there to hold him in her arms, and luckily, they'll both be so tired that they might even be able to sleep a little and forget about the world while they do.
A Healthy Children ticket A few months ago, she spoke to us about the practice of swaddling babies, emphasizing safety. Pediatrician Rachel Moon, a member of the working group that developed the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for safe sleep, explains that a swaddled baby will only be able to sleep on their back, because if they are on their stomach they could suffer Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or accidental suffocationThis makes the supine position a fundamental pillar of any safe wrapping technique.
If you swaddle a newborn, always do it safely.
It seems clear that the technique helps the baby to maintain body temperature, It regulates the baby's reflexes that could wake or disturb him. (Limb movements) provide a little pressure that will remind him of before he was born and is generally pleasant. Mom's arms are also pleasant, and if the baby is dressed, he will be comfortable in them too; I think these could be combined to offer him physical contact and gentle containment.
Dr. Moon also makes an important recommendation: from 2 or 3 months onwards, it is best not to swaddle babies, as they have more mobility and, even when lying on their backs, They can turn over and get trapped in the blanket.Furthermore, they may find it difficult to wake up despite the risk, precisely because they are so comfortable. And if the harness is too tight, it could lead to hip dysplasia. Therefore, in addition to posture, the tightness of the harness and the freedom of movement of the hips are factors that parents and caregivers must monitor.
According to the AAP and other leading organizations, Swaddling the baby can decrease their ability to wake upThis reduced ability to become active during deep sleep is precisely what leads many parents to perceive it as a miracle trick for getting their newborn to sleep longer stretches. However, this same effect can be linked to an increased risk of SIDS if safety measures are not strictly followed: placing the baby on their back, temperature control, and ensuring there are no loose objects in the crib.
Below you have a video of the International Institute of Hip Dysplasia, it explains step by step how to swaddle a baby:
Recommendations: stay informed and follow common sense.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, new parents should put babies to sleep on their backs. free up space by removing loose blankets, duvets, or large cushions., avoid padded protectors and other items such as crib toys. A minimalist sleep environment, with a firm mattress and fitted sheet, is best when swaddling.
The document I linked to makes no mention of co-sleeping. but here you have more informationIn any case, when the baby is swaddled, Sharing a bed with an adult is not recommended.because the child would have less ability to move away if there were any risk of accidental suffocation.
Finally, never forget that a baby shouldn't fall asleep on a couch, not even next to the adult, and that your home should be a smoke-free space Now that your little one's life and health depend on you, tobacco is a major risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and its combination with swaddling increases the concern even further.
It is also essential to monitor the overheatingIf your baby is sweating, has damp hair, very flushed cheeks, is breathing rapidly, or their chest feels unusually hot to the touch, the room may be too warm or the blanket too thick. Ideally, always use lightweight, breathable fabrics and adjust the clothing and blanket to the room temperature.
Benefits and objectives of swaddling a baby
Babies feel disoriented when they are born because after spending nine months in their mother's womb, everything suddenly changes.From feeling safe and warm, they move to a completely new and open environment. Therefore, swaddling the baby snugly but gently in a blanket makes them feel warm and secure, as it reminds them of the pleasant sensation of being in the womb.
Swaddling the baby provides protection and calms him when he is too excited. He expects her to be startled by her own reflex movements. and keeps it warm until its internal thermostat regulates itself. When applied correctly, the technique can be another tool within a set of measures to promote more restful sleep.
Objectives of swaddling the baby:
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Facilitate its passage from the uterus to the outside, thus providing it with a light pressure and warmth similar to the mother's womb.
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Avoid triggering the baby's reflexes do not disturb his sleep.
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During the first few days, the baby cannot yet regulate their body temperature well; a warm and soft blanket ensures this. maintain a suitable temperature.
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Being warm and snug can relieve colic in some babiesby providing them with a sense of containment.
Some hospitals and clinics already use the baby swaddling system.During their stay in the hospital, they are kept well wrapped, warm, and calm. Therefore, once you get home, you can try continuing this practice, as long as you follow the safety recommendations; you might be surprised at how well they sleep.
However, and with all due reservations, some studies have highlighted that Swaddling a baby to sleep may increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). under certain circumstances. This would mainly occur in babies who are not used to this technique and who started this practice after three months of age, or when they are placed on their stomachs. Therefore, it is considered that The most important thing is not to swaddle babies who have not slept swaddled since birth. and, in any case, discontinue the technique when they start trying to turn around on their own.
The baby may feel very comfortable swaddled in the blanket for weeks or months. But There will come a time when he becomes more active and the blanket will get in his way and he won't want it anymore.In fact, it's the most natural thing. Every baby needs time to explore their surroundings and move their body.
Possible risks of swaddling a baby
Wrapping is a safe technique when done correctly, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks so you can avoid them. Information from the AAP and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America emphasizes several key points.
- Hip problemsBabies who are swaddled too tightly can develop hip problems. Studies have revealed that wrapping a baby's legs in a tight blanket and stretching them excessively can cause hip dislocation or dysplasia. Therefore, The hips and legs should have room to flex and open..
- Overheatingespecially if the baby is in a warm environment or wearing too many layers of clothing. Excessive heat is linked to a higher risk of SIDS.
- The relationship with sudden infant death syndrome is linked primarily to the position in which we put them to sleep.The recommendation is always lying on your back, on a firm surfacewithout blankets or loose stuffed animals that could cover the face.
- Decreased ability to wake upSwaddled babies are sometimes less active during sleep, which helps them sleep longer, but it can pose a problem if situations with a risk of suffocation arise.
How to swaddle your baby step by step
Regarding the technique, and although the previous video explains it very well, there are some tips from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of the United States, which, together with the Orthopaedic division of the AAP, dictate 'how to properly wrap the baby' in a simple and respectful way for their hips.
- You should use a blanket that is soft, breathable, and made with natural materials. If it is summer, a cotton or linen sheet can be used; in cooler weather, a muslin or thin cotton blanket is ideal.
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Unfold the blanket before placing the baby on it, and fold down one corner; then place the baby face up, so that their head rests on the fold. Their face should be completely uncovered.
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Straighten the left arm and bring the left corner of the blanket over the body to tuck it under the right side, beneath this arm; then do the same on the other side, always maintaining gentle and even pressure.
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Take the bottom end of the blanket and pull it up until it reaches the baby's chest. leaving space for the legs to bend in a frog-like position. The bottom part of the blanket is folded loosely and placed under one side of the baby's body.
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There should be two or three fingers' width between the breast and the blanket, and the baby should be able to move their hips freely inside the swaddle. If the blanket leaves marks on the skin or it's difficult to slide your hand over the breast, it's too tight.
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Above all, make sure that the blanket never covers the baby's face and that the swaddle is always below the baby's neck.
In addition to this basic technique, some pediatricians recommend variations in which the arms are partially free or with the hands close to the face. especially when the Moro reflex begins to diminish Or the baby calms down by sucking their fingers. In these cases, it can be helpful to switch to swaddles or sleeping bags that leave the arms out and only support the torso and legs.
Until what age can you swaddle a baby and when should you stop?
The swaddle can be used from birth, but it is generally recommended not to use it beyond [age range missing]. 3 or 4 monthsFrom that age onwards, the baby begins to gain mobility and is more likely to roll over. This makes swaddling less secure, as it could restrict their ability to breathe or move freely.
Parents should stop swaddling their baby as soon as they show signs of swaddling. signs of trying to turn itself overMany babies begin to roll over around 2 months of age. There is no clear evidence regarding the risk of SIDS linked to leaving arms in or out, so this can be adapted to the baby's temperament as long as other safety measures are followed.
Signs that it's time to stop wrapping
- Ability to turn aroundWhen the baby starts to turn over on its own, it is important to stop swaddling it, as it could be in a dangerous position.
- Disappearance of Moro's reflectionThis reflex, which makes the baby startle while sleeping, usually disappears around 3 months, indicating that he is ready to sleep without being swaddled.
- The baby appears uncomfortable, struggles with the blanket, or manages to break free frequentlywhich also increases the risk of part of the blanket coming loose in the crib.
Most experts recommend gradually reducing swaddling when the baby reaches 3 months of age, but this depends on their physical development. If the baby shows signs of mobility, such as rolling over, turning on their side, or moving their arms freely, it's time to switch to a new sleep method, such as a sleep sack that allows their arms to be free.
Alternatives to swaddling to promote baby sleep
If you decide to stop swaddling, or if your baby has never been comfortable with a blanket, there are several safe alternatives that can help them sleep comfortably:
- Pajamas made of breathable fabrics: full garments that allow the baby to move freely, stay warm and reduce the risk of overheating.
- Sleeping bag or swaddle bags with free arms: they replace loose blankets and provide a feeling of gentle containment without limiting the hips or turning movement.
- Skin-to-skin contact, ergonomic babywearing and predictable sleep routines (bath, gentle massage, dim light) that help calm the baby without the need to wrap him up completely.
Finally: perhaps you have not seen any mother in your environment do it but they have told you, that's because in some countries it is customary to swaddle babiesI haven't done it systematically, and even less so for putting them to bed, but I have used blankets if they've woken up in the middle of the night, and neither breastfeeding, nor sleeping with me, nor changing them worked: I would put them on me, cover them up, and even walk around the house!
We hope these tips are helpful to you.
Combining all this practical information, official recommendations, and respectful observation of your baby will allow you to decide when, how, and how much to swaddle them, so that swaddling helps their rest and is not a source of unnecessary risks.