Safe swaddling tips for new parents

Since 4000 BC, swaddling has been practised in various forms worldwide. Some parents claim that it helps their baby sleep and reduces crying and anxiety, but there are concerns to consider.

What is the definition of swaddling?

Swaddling is the practice of gently covering a baby in a light, airy blanket to induce calm and sleep. To prevent the risk of asphyxia, they should only have their bodies wrapped, not their heads or necks.

What are the advantages of swaddling my infant?

Some people believe that swaddling helps their infant rest more readily and sleep longer, while others find it helps calm their infant. According to research, the combination of swaddling with sound and movement has been proven beneficial in managing crying infants. It can also promote deeper and longer sleep in infants.

Another study discovered that swaddled premature infants were calmer, had better neuromuscular development and muscle tone, and experienced less pain and discomfort.

What are the potential dangers associated with swaddling my infant?

It has been hypothesised that early swaddling could disrupt breastfeeding if skin-to-skin contact is prohibited during feeding. However, research has revealed no harmful effects on nursing over the long run.

Some data suggests that swaddling a baby’s hips too tightly may increase the likelihood that they will develop hip dysplasia (a developmental disorder with the hip joint). Ensuring that your baby’s legs have sufficient space to flex up and out at the hips promotes the development of the hip joints.

Is swaddling my infant safe?

If you follow safe sleeping and hip-friendly swaddling guidelines, swaddling poses minimal risk to infants. Current baby sleeping advice is always to place your infant to sleep on their back and avoid front or side sleeping positions, especially if your infant is swaddled. In addition, you should stop swaddling your child as soon as they demonstrate the ability to roll over.

What safety factors must I consider?

Follow these safe swaddling guidelines:

• Consider your baby’s temperature and the surrounding temperature to prevent overheating. Check their temperature frequently and ensure they are wearing weather-appropriate attire. They should not be swaddled if they are ill or have a fever.
• Use thin fabrics like a small cotton sheet or muslin square to swaddle your infant. Do not place additional material, such as a blanket, on top of a swaddled infant, as this could cause them to overheat. Follow safe sleep recommendations by placing your infant on a solid, level area free of other objects.
• Your baby’s neck and head should never be swaddled (always swaddle below the shoulders). To prevent suffocation, ensure that any material is secure and will not become entangled as your baby moves.
• Use swaddling techniques that benefit the hips to lessen the risk of hip dysplasia. Ensure that your infant can move their hips and knees freely to kick. Your infant’s legs should be able to fall into a natural position (such as frog legs) instead of being forced straight down.
• Always place your infant to sleep on their back. Never place a swaddled infant on their front or side to sleep.
• If you use a swaddling product or a blanket, ensure that it meets safety regulations and is well-fitted and undamaged. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for age or weight classifications and consider a lower tog rating to reduce the risk of overheating.
• If someone else is caring for your infant, ensure they are aware of safe sleeping and swaddling practices. Take the time to demonstrate and explain safe swaddling, and make sure they understand that your baby should always sleep on their back.

How long can I safely swaddle my baby?

Introduce swaddling just when your infant is a newborn. As soon as they demonstrate signs of learning to roll over or are already able to roll over, stop swaddling them.