The Art of Swaddling
My journey to motherhood was one that came not without its challenges, but a lot of joy. I remember those first few nights with a newborn baby boy who I swaddled, unwrapped and swaddled again. Getting the technique right, worrying if I was doing it right, concerned it was too tight, too loose, or just not perfect! It soon became our best friend, as we quickly learnt that those little arms needed to be snugly wrapped in order to not undo the good work of getting him to sleep.
Sleep is all that you think of in those first precious weeks. Oh how it consumes us all! Swaddling has long been the ancient practice of wrapping your baby in a cocoon. It makes them feel safe, secure and if done properly it can promote a sound sleep.
Swaddling however, if done too tightly, or with the wrong type of swaddle, isn’t always effective. It is so important to protect their hips, allow for movement, and leave the neck and head out of the wrap. I found with both my babies they slept well when swaddled in those early days and the stretchy large swaddles were a welcomed addition. I was lucky to have had nurses who had the technique down pat in the hospital, which set me up for success.
Method of Swaddling
1. Choose a wrap that is a good size and with a good amount of stretch. It allows you to ensure it is tight enough to hold, but gives you the ability to leave the legs, hips, and knees loose for movement. The KYND Baby wraps are perfect in size and stretch, designed with this in mind.
2. Lay the blanket flat on the bed and place the baby in the middle.
3. Wrap over one side tucking it under the shoulder on an angle.
4. Wrap the other side over, tucking it around the baby.
5. Fold the bottom up to just below the neck, and then wrap around the back on each side, making sure the top part is tight, and firm.
6. Leave the bottom of the swaddle loose for the knees, legs, and hips.
When should you stop Swaddling
Swaddling is great in the early weeks. With my babies, I continued to use this practice till about 8-10 weeks when I transitioned them to a sleeping bag. I used a bag that allowed for arms in or out so that I could then work on getting them used to sleeping with their arms out. One at a time. At this point (by 3-4 months), most babies start to show signs of rolling over, and when they finally roll you want their arms out. Blankets are not recommended as they can become loose in the bed, so transitioning to a good quality sleeping bag comes highly recommended.
To all new parents, welcome to the most beautiful, challenging but rewarding time of your life. ‘Firsts’ will continue to bring you joy, and we wish you all the best on this journey.
Rheanna xxx
KYND Baby founder
See our beautiful collection of large, stretchy swaddles here