Here’s how to do it the right way!

Swaddling is a technique that has been used for thousands of years to calm babies. Swaddling your baby has several advantages. Recent research has revealed that swaddled babies sleep longer and cry less. Furthermore, they appear to be far calmer in general. If not done correctly, there are very few hazards involved with swaddling your kid. The main hazard is the risk of your baby overheating, which should be avoided.

The Benefits Of Swaddling Babies

Here’s why swaddling is such an essential part of getting your little one to sleep safely and why it’s crucial for them to receive the proper care. If you’re wondering how long do you swaddle a baby, it’s recommended to swaddle them until they start showing signs of rolling over or breaking free from the swaddle. At this point, it’s time to transition them to a sleeping bag or another form of safe sleep.

Offers a Sense of Security

Babies are born with a startle reflex that can wake them up when they move out of position. Swaddling helps your baby feel safe and secure since he can’t move his arms or legs, which would prevent them from rolling onto his stomach. It also keeps your baby warm and comfortable so he stays asleep for more extended periods, whereas babies who aren’t swaddled may wake up as soon as they move because it’s uncomfortable or cold. If your baby can’t move his arms or legs, he won’t roll over, which is dangerous if he isn’t sleeping on his back. 

Offers Comfort

Swaddling also prevents babies from scratching themselves. To keep this from happening, swaddle your little one so he can’t put up his hands to scratch himself in the middle of the night. If you don’t swaddle him, he might do it when he’s sleeping, even if he doesn’t wake up because when the startle reflex wakes him up, he’ll realize that his hands aren’t restrained and will continue to scratch himself since they’re free. This can lead to an unnecessary injury that could’ve been prevented by swaddling your baby.

Helps Babies Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Swaddling your baby is part of the technique known as the “4 S’s,” which include swaddling, side/stomach position (sleeping on their back), shushing, and swinging. The 4 S’s can help your little guy sleep for more extended periods and at the same time reduce crying since he’ll feel comforted and secure. All babies fall asleep with their arms up around their heads, but they can roll into unsafe positions if they aren’t swaddled. Studies have shown that when a baby isn’t wrapped snugly at bedtime, he wakes up more often and has a more challenging time going back to sleep.

Less Frustrating

Swaddling babies make it less frustrating for parents who are looking for a little more rest at night. They’ll be happier and potentially less irritable when they get the sleep they need from being swaddled, so they don’t wake up as often during the night. This can help them develop positive sleeping habits, which is vital for infants since their brains are still developing to soothe themselves to sleep by using multiple stimuli, like sucking on their pacifier or their thumb. Swaddling isn’t meant to be done forever, but it’s something you should consider starting with your baby because there are systems that involve Velcro straps that allow the swaddle to be adjustable as your little one gets older so he can’t break free of it.

How To Swaddle Your Baby

Before you roll up your baby’s arms and tuck them inside his blanket, here are some valuable tips about how to swaddle him properly for better sleep:

Use a Light Cotton Blanket

It should be breathable because if it’s too thick or made out of wool, chances are it will cause overheating, which means your baby might get sweaty during the night. He’ll likely wake up because he won’t be comfortable if this happens. That’s why you should use a lightweight cotton blanket instead of a heavy one that will make him too warm.

Wrap From Bottom to Top

Don’t wrap your baby’s arms first before covering him with the blanket because if it loosens, he’ll wake up. Instead, start at his feet and work your way up to his shoulders. Once you’ve wrapped both of his arms firmly but securely, then tuck in the fabric at his chest so it won’t come loose while he’s sleeping.

Tuck in the End Well

Before you know it, babies can wiggle their way out of swaddles when they get older (they may also use their hands to break free) so make sure to tuck in all sides of the blanket entirely or use a swaddling system that has Velcro fasteners which keep them from getting out quickly.

Swaddling helps your baby get more restful sleep, which is vital for everyone in the household. While you can swaddle him with a lightweight cotton blanket or use a swaddling system, make sure you do it properly, so he stays securely wrapped all night long. Once your little one gets older, you’ll appreciate the knowledge that you’ve gained on how to do this safely while getting all of the benefits that come along with it.