Pregnancy And Baby Care Infant Crying Swaddle a Baby

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Here are some tips about swaddling your baby.

How to swaddle your baby

1. Lay a blanket on a flat surface. (The fabric of the blanket may be chosen depending upon the weather and climatic conditions of the region.) Light weight cotton or flannel fabric may best suit your baby.
2. Fold the blanket in the shape of a diamond.
3. From the top corner, fold it down nearly three to four inches towards you.
4. Place your baby on the blanket in such a way that her head is over the folded edge of the blanket. Tuck the right arm into the flap made by the folded edge of the blanket.
5. Pull the right triangular corner of the blanket on the right hand and then tuck the left corner such that her left arm is free to move.
   
   
6. Lift the bottom corner of the blanket and tuck it inside the blanket over the chest of the baby in such a manner that is away from baby’s chin so as to avoid suffocation if by any chance the blanket comes undone.
7. Similarly fold the blanket for wrapping the other arm as well.
   

If you find it difficult to swaddle your baby, then you can buy specially designed swaddling blankets, which are available in the market. Every newborn baby is unique, so you can even consult your pediatrician about swaddling.

Benefits of swaddling your baby

1. Swaddling helps newborn babies sleep longer and better as the startle reflexes are managed.
2. Swaddling gives your baby more warmth, which is needed during the first few weeks after birth as the baby is unable to regulate his or her own temperature.
3. Swaddling protects the baby from over stimulation and restricts extra movement.
4. Swaddling reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).