Even before baby is born everyone is talking about swaddling your baby for sleep — how to swaddle, they even show you and let you practice in antenatal classes — but no one ever tells you why you should swaddle and what the benefits are for you and your baby.
The Science Behind Swaddling
As your baby grows and develops in your uterus they are surrounded by amniotic fluid within the amniotic sack, which keeps them nice and warm. However, as they grow the level of amniotic fluid decreases to allow for the mass increase of your baby's body. Come the third trimester and baby is now quite big — their limbs are tightly enclosed and they are content to sleep. It is in this place that the Moro (startle) reflex begins to show itself. The Moro reflex is contained in the womb because baby is unable to flail uncontrollably. This is the reason after birth swaddling is important — to keep baby calm and snug.
When your baby arrives, they are suddenly thrust out of a nice warm, dark, cosy environment into a strange world of bright lights and vast space. They have no control over their body's movements, and when they begin to flail around they do not know how to stop. A swaddle wraps baby snugly as they would be in-utero, stopping their arms and legs from flailing wildly, and bringing back that familiar feeling of confinement and comfort.
During sleep, the Moro reflex causes a baby's muscles to naturally twitch — they can smack themselves or startle themselves awake. Swaddling minimises this, allowing baby to sleep longer and more comfortably.
"Wrapping keeps your baby from accidentally whacking herself and getting even more upset. Before birth, your uterus kept her arms from spinning like a windmill…" — Dr Harvey Karp, Happiest Baby on the Block
When to Stop Swaddling
I recommend using an arms-down swaddle until about 16 weeks of age. If your baby begins to roll prior to this, remove the swaddle immediately as this becomes a SIDS risk. Always ensure when swaddling that the hips are free to move to avoid any risk of hip dysplasia. Always place baby to sleep on their back on a firm surface free from loose bedding.
Leanne's Favourite Swaddles
1. Muslin Wrap — Must be large (1.2m x 1.2m). Lightweight, very versatile, can swaddle in many different ways, suitable for any size baby. Available in most retailers — just check the size before purchasing.
2. The Miracle Blanket — A pre-made swaddle with wings that use baby's own body weight to hold the confinement in place. Relatively simple to use, almost completely Houdini-proof, 100% cotton, suitable from birth to 14 weeks. Available from Sleep Tight Babies Australia.
3. Baby Studio Swaddle Wrap — Can be used for arms-down or traditional arms-across-body swaddling. Very simple to use with Velcro tabs. Great for very fussy babies who need quick swaddling. Available at major retailers or online.
Other Popular Options
Love to Dream — An arms-up zip swaddle, super easy and quick. Not very restrictive — still allows the Moro reflex to startle baby. Better as a transitional swaddle when the Moro reflex has lessened. They have a great 50/50 swaddle for transitioning to a sleeping bag. Available widely online and in store.
Ergo Pouch — A pouch that zips baby in. Arms can move within the swaddle but can't escape. A good transitional swaddle for slightly older babies who haven't been swaddled before. Available through most baby shops.
Leanne xx