Learn the Advantages of Swaddling & How It Improves Your Baby’s Sleep
Look on any new parent’s baby registry and you’ll find everything from a bassinet to baby bottles to onesies. But something you’ll see a lot of are swaddle blankets! That’s because the benefits of swaddling a baby are many. At first you may find yourself asking what is swaddling a baby? and why is swaddling important? But the advantages of swaddling a baby are that it keeps baby calm, soothed, and adjusted to life outside the womb. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says “that when done correctly, swaddling can be an effective technique to help calm infants and promote sleep.” No wonder swaddling is so popular!
Most parents first see swaddling in the hospital before they even bring their little one home. That’s because nurses know and understand that the benefits of swaddling a newborn include less crying, less fuss, and more sleep - sign us up!
We can talk about swaddling all day, so keep reading for more FAQ’s about the benefits of swaddling and what a difference it can make in your life and of course, your little one’s, too.
BENEFITS OF SWADDLE FAQs
Why is it important to swaddle a baby?
When you swaddle up your little baby to look like a delicious burrito, it’s easy to understand why swaddling is meant to mimic life inside the womb. That is where she’s lived for the past nine months - nice and cozy and warm! It’s that wrapped, tight feeling that feels familiar to your little one and helps to soothe her as she adjusts to life outside the womb.
Why Babies Need To Be Swaddled?
Babies prefer a nice, tight swaddle as not only does it mimic life inside the womb, but it also feels like a hug. That hug sensation triggers a neurological response that lowers stress levels. So lower stress levels for baby, which means less stress for you.
What are the benefits of swaddling a baby?
There really are so many, but here are just a few:
- Temperature regulation (breathable, lightweight fabrics, like muslin, are best) this ensures that baby doesn’t get too hot or to cold, keeps them at that “just right” temperature
- Helps to calm their startle reflex (also known as the Moro reflex) That falling sensation can cause arms and legs to flail. While perfectly healthy, that sudden “startle” can wake up baby during precious sleep time
- Reduces possibility of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Your little one should only ever be put to bed on their backs, never on their stomach, and never on their side. Swaddling helps to maintain this “back to sleep” position.
- Eliminates the need for extra blankets in their sleep space. According to the AAP, “bare is best” meaning nothing extra in baby’s crib, bassinet, co-sleeper, etc. that could pose a possible hazard (like extra blankets, bumpers, or toys)
How long should babies be swaddled?
While you may want to keep your baby swaddled all day because of its calming benefits, babies need some time outside of the swaddle, too. Just like their fully grown care-takers, babies need time to move… stretch… take a bath… and some skin on skin contact, too. Remember, once baby can roll over on her own, it’s time to stop swaddling due to potential risks of rolling onto her tummy while sleeping, a major risk factor for SIDS. This could start as early as 2 months or closer to 4, and when it does, a good way to start weaning from swaddling is to swaddle with one arm out. Trust your instincts, follow baby’s cue’s, and when it’s time to transition from swaddle to sleep sack, Dreamland Baby Weighted Sleep Swaddle and Sack will have you, and baby, covered!
Should newborns be swaddled all day?
As adorable as your newborn looks wrapped up like a baby burrito, it’s best to give her some time outside of the swaddle as well. This will encourage more skin on skin contact, allow her to touch and feel things with her curious hands, and help with the development of motor skills. It’s recommended to swaddle while sleeping for between 12 and 20 hours a day for newborns. If that seems like a lot, remember, she was in the womb for 24 hours a day and she is still adjusting.
Why Swaddle Your Baby With Dreamland Baby Swaddles?
Dreamland Baby Swaddles are, simply put, a dream for parents and baby alike. Why? Not only do they come in a variety of cute patterns and colors, but they couldn't be easier to use. Our removable swaddle “wing” makes swaddling super easy and convenient. Our swaddle has all of the benefits discussed above - like easing the transition from the womb, reducing the “startle” reflex, and eliminating the need for extra blankets in baby’s sleep space - and more.
Designed in collaboration with pediatricians, NICU nurses and Certified Sleep consultants, our swaddles are made from 100% natural, soft cotton for temperature regulation. They also have a two-way zipper which makes middle of the night diaper changes a breeze.
Our patent-pending design is gently weighted to help calm your baby with Deep Pressure Stimulation so she can relax and sleep soundly. This means our swaddle can reduce stress and anxiety, the time it takes to fall asleep, and middle of the night waking.
One thing to keep in mind with weighted sleep sacks is that they are considered safe as long as the weight of the sleep sack is no more than 10% of your baby’s body weight. So a 10-pound baby should wear a sleep sack weighing no more than one pound. A 20- pound baby should wear a sleep sack no more than 2 pounds, and so on.
Even better news about our Dreamland Baby Swaddle, when it’s time to transition from the swaddle, you’ll still have an adorable sleep sack at the ready!