Why is swaddling so important
A good swaddle (or wrap) really can help your baby get to sleep, stay asleep longer and help your baby develop good sleep habits early on - and there are few things in life more adorable than a sleeping baby snugly swaddled in soft merino.
- Swaddling has proven to help prevent the startle reflex that newborn babies have - meaning that if you swaddle with their arms down, they wont wake up because they have hit themselves in the head.
- It also helps newborns feel comforted and calm in the tight, womb-like wrap - after all it is all they have ever known.
- And most importantly swaddling keeps your baby warm while they sleep (which is when their temperature tends to drop) without the need for loose blankets, which could be a suffocation hazard.
- Swaddling is used to help newborn babies remain sleeping on their back, which has been proven to reduce occurrences of SIDS.
Most importantly, evidence suggest swaddling helps babies sleep longer and more deeply with fewer incidents of waking and an increased ability to resettle themselves. Meaning everyone gets a better night sleep!
Safe Swaddling (or wrapping) do's & don't
Best practice' is something a new parent is going to hear a lot after the arrival of a newborn baby, particularly in relation to
- Side or stomach sleeping is not advisable | This is a really important one - Studies have found that the side sleep position is unstable and can increase the change of a baby rolling onto his/her stomach. Sleep your baby on his/her back for EVERY sleep.
- It is important to never sleep your baby overnight with a beanie or hat on as this may cause over-heating. Hats purchased with our wraps are for 'out and about'. The best practice is to keep the room temperature at a comfortable condition for a lightly clothed adult.
- If you are wrapping or swaddling your baby, then it is important to limit the use of blankets or duvets as well, not only can this lead to overheating, but there is a chance of your baby slipping under the covers while asleep. The best practice is to add layers UNDER the wrap, swaddle or sleeping bag to achieve the desired warmth.
- Use a firm sleep surface: Best practice is to use a firm mattress, covered by a sheet.
- Once your baby starts to turn over, you must stop wrapping/swaddling and move to a sleeping bag option.
- Ensure that everyone who wraps/swaddles baby is aware of these best practice recommendations.