Why Swaddle Baby?

What is Swaddling?

Swaddling is the ancient, midwife endorsed act of snugly wrapping babies for security, warmth and to help them sleep better.

Why Swaddle Your Baby?

Babies are born with a startle reflex which can make their arms and legs jerk involuntarily. This can alarm them and even wake them from sleep. Newborns also have a limited ability to regulate their own body temperatures, and can lose heat rapidly - as much as four times more quickly than adults. Swaddling your baby keeps them from being disturbed by their own startle reflex, and helps keep them warm in the early days, until their internal thermostats are more efficient.

Wrapping or Swaddling Your New Baby?

Many midwives will recommend swaddling infants soon after birth. It will not suit all babies, but if your baby is finding it hard to settle, this technique may greatly assist. For some babies, it is very comforting.

Most babies love being wrapped. It mimics their pre-birth experience making them comfortable and content.

Ask your own mum or grandmother about swaddling your baby and they will no doubt be a great fan of this method of settling babies and will enjoy sharing the advice with you.

But...it does not suit all babies! So remember, try it but don't force a baby to be wrapped that doesn't want to be.

It is always important when parenting to trust your own instincts and look for your baby's communication signals as to what is best for them.