To Swaddle or Not to Swaddle, that is the latest question!
A baby in a swaddling blanket, serene, asleep, happy… it is what we all think about when swaddling our baby—all the beautiful professional baby portraits with babies looking so peaceful. That is a lovely thought, but don’t feel guilty if your baby refuses to be swaddled!
Well, it seems that sometimes higher birthweight babies are just too far along for a swaddle. Some babies must wave their arms all around and have foot room to kick. However, some parents and advisers swear by swaddling. Babies, however, often have a mind of their own.
Swaddling is not always the right choice.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to Swaddling. No need to feel guilt at all; your baby can sleep peacefully in a baby sleeping bag and still move about.
Parents can feel as if they are not doing something right. That something is ‘off’ when their baby does not like to be swaddled with arms down around their middle. This is supposed to be the best thing! So, if you have a baby that, from day one, likes his arms up and legs free, there are a couple of things that you can try. First, a Baby Sleeping Bag can be preferable to a tight swaddle.
Sometimes a reason for your baby to dislike a swaddle is that it is not tight enough. A traditional swaddle blanket can be best since you can tighten or loosen the fit as needed.
Often babies of a larger birth weight can be more advanced in some ways. They skip the Swaddling and the sixteen hours a day sleep-a-thons.’ Most concerning is that they can wriggle! This prelude to turning over often means they can flip themselves over by two and a half or three months! This is why you will need to have some way to know that your baby is not wriggling too far during the middle of the night. Sleep sacks are more useful for larger-weight babies that may be prone to turning over.
Parents need to have a good night’s sleep. Or at least a few consecutive hours of peaceful sleep. Knowing your baby is tucked in safely, whether in their bassinet, crib, or co-sleeper.
According to ‘Parents Canada,’ Swaddling may no longer be recommended!
“There is currently no evidence on the ‘safe way’ to swaddle an infant, and hence caution regarding Swaddling should be expressed with parents/ caregivers.” as reported by, The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO).
Dr. Denis Leduc, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at McGill University Health Center and Director of the Newborn Nursery of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, says, “Proper swaddling of the infant for the first two months of life may promote longer sleep periods, but if misapplied, could be associated with adverse events such as hypothermia, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or development of hip dysplasia.”
Some babies love to be swaddled, while others resist it. As a parent, you know your child best; no one solution fits every child.
I know a baby that allowed no swaddling and no restraining. The little guy just loved to move around and wriggle those toes and wave those arms. Boomers mostly did not swaddle our babies, who are now parents themselves. So many things have changed. We were told to have babies sleep on their sides, and now only the back is correct. Things keep changing, and it is really good to have the internet to be able to check out the latest and best practices available for babies now. Still, it would be best if you took your cue from your infant.
The thing to remember about babies is that, just like us, they are individuals. “They don’t come with a book of instructions,” the wise ones always tell new moms. Only you know your child best. Trust yourself. Loving and caring, along with a bit of advice from professionals, will help every time.
There are lightweight or heavier depending on the season.
There is an alternative to Swaddling called the baby sleeping bag. Easy, comfortable, and allows for movement and flexibility. Sleeping Bags or Sacks are available for newborns up to 2 years old.
As a new parent, you will face many challenges trying to do the right things. Be patient with yourself. You will figure things out.
Another tip for babies that don’t like the swaddle routine even when carried… You do need to protect your hips and have good support as your baby grows heavier.
As parents and grandparents, we always want the best for our children. This caring and love never stop; we are also continually learning how to communicate with our kids. After all, they are unique individuals just like us.
Read this article on integrating extended family members and encouraging family togetherness.
