The first time I learnt how to swaddle or wrap a baby was on a doll when I attended an antenatal class at 36 weeks pregnant. My first attempt was an epic fail. The muslin cloth was folded too long, wrapped too tightly and one arm of the doll had somehow managed to escape the swaddling altogether. Thankfully my husband, the ever attentive student, took one look at my dismal attempt and worked his magic before the nurse was able to see my embarrassing effort.

Speaking to my far more experienced sister, who has three children to my one, it was more than a little surprising to hear her say she has always struggled with wrapping her babies. Hearing about her swaddling attempts, these sounded all too familiar to my experience with the doll.

Swaddling babies is not a necessity but some parents or carers choose to do this to help their little ones settle. Evidence suggests that by wrapping your baby when they go down to sleep, this can create a more settled sleep routine and may help prevent SIDS by encouraging your baby to sleep on their back. It can also stop random arm movements from disturbing your baby while they are sleeping. Additionally, babies suffering from reflux or colic have been known to be more settled when they are swaddled. Babies with special needs, particularly those with stiff or floppy limbs, may also benefit from being swaddled.

There are some simple safety tips to follow if you choose to swaddle your baby:

The wrap should never cover your baby’s face. Place the cloth under your baby in line with their shoulder before you start folding.
Don’t wrap your baby too tightly your baby should be able to breathe easily so allow enough room for their chest to move.
Your baby should be able to move their legs freely. The legs should be bent at the hips with knees apart. Do not wrap legs straight as this could lead to issues with hip joint development and cause hip dysplasia.
Use light cotton wraps or muslin cloths to swaddle your baby. Avoid using bunny rugs or blankets as these may cause overheating.
As soon as your baby starts to roll over, normally between 4 6 months old, you should stop wrapping your baby. Some babies with special needs may benefit from being swaddled for longer however you should discuss this with your health professional.

Some babies find comfort from being swaddled but this is not always the case. They may actually become distressed. Some babies may prefer to have their arms free while others prefer them to be swaddled. It is simply a case of finding what works for you and your baby and creating a routine accordingly.

The South Australian Government Women’s and Children’s Health Network have some great resources on wrapping your baby, including a step by step photo tutorial on how to swaddle. SIDS and Kids also have some useful information on safe sleeping tips when it comes to swaddling your baby.

So did I ever master the skill of swaddling my baby? Yes I did, eventually, but as soon as I perfected this feat, my son started to roll”¦.

Were babies swaddled or not? Did you have a mix of those who preferred it and those who didn’t?

References:

South Australian Government Women and Children’s Health Network

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=305&id=2228

SIDS and Kids

http://www.sidsandkids.org/safe-sleeping/safe-wrapping/

News article

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/swaddling-babies-too-tightly-can-harm-hips/2071739/

Cerebral Palsy Sleep Difficulties

https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au/services/for-children/sleep-difficulties-children-with-cp/