How swaddling can improve your baby’s sleep
For thousands of years, mothers all over the world have swaddled their babies.
Swaddling helps your baby to feel safe and secure and is a great way to soothe them. It can even help your baby sleep longer!
Here are three reasons why:
1. Swaddling your baby prevents unnecessary wakes ups due to the moro(or startle) reflex. This is where your baby feels as if they’re falling and reacts by lifting their arms. If this happens when your baby is in a light sleep phase this can startle them awake. Swaddling helps your baby feel as if they are being held safely.
2. Swaddling helps to recreate the secure and cosy feeling of the womb. After 9 months of being in Mum’s tummy, the outside world can be a scary and confusing place for a baby. They need constant comfort and reassurance during this time. While being wrapped up tightly in a blanket might not sound appealing to parents, it can help babies sleep better and cry less.
3. Blankets and quilts can easily be kicked or thrown off in the night, leaving your baby waking up cold and uncovered. A swaddled baby should remain safely wrapped up, which hopefully means less wake up calls for you! If however you do have a little escape artist on your hands, be sure to check out our FREE swaddling guide! It shows you six ways to swaddle – to cover different ages and stages!
Of course, another huge benefit is if baby sleeps more, then Mum and Dad sleep more!
Finally, remember to always swaddle safely:• Never cover your baby’s head.• Always use a thin fabric and make sure your baby doesn’t overheat. (Tiny Chimpmunk muslins are perfect as bamboo’s natural properties will keep your baby cool.)• Always place your baby on their back when swaddled and use a different swaddling method when they are able to roll over.
Guest blog by Vickie Weinberg, from Tiny Chimpmunk. Check out her amazing website full of gorgeous bamboo baby goodies.
Rachel Hawkes
Rachel is a Complimentary Health Specialist running a Wellbeing Centre and also founder of Buddha Buddies Baby Classes. The resources page is full of FREE DOWNLOADS for many aspects of being a Mindful Parent. You can also read her article on picking up some useful Mindfulness tips for parents. For lots more parenting tips, subscribe to her monthly newsletter.
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