in her blanket. This can help your baby feel safe and
secure as she begins to adjust to all of the new
experiences around her and especially her new environment.
Why Swaddle your Baby?
First and foremost as your baby's caregiver you want her to
feel safe and secure. However, there are also many other
reasons why you might try swaddling her. You might try
swaddling your baby if she is having trouble sleeping and
becomes easily startled. Or if you believe that her own
muscle movements may wake her. Also if your baby seems
uncomfortable for no obvious reason swaddling may be a good
idea. And sometimes babies don't like to feel their arms
and legs freely moving, and would really enjoy the nice
snug feeling of being hugged by their baby blanket.
Some tips about Swaddling your baby to Remember:
Swaddling is typically only effective for the first few
weeks after birth. After your baby reaches about one month
old, swaddling can restrict your baby's motor development.
In an especially warm room do not swaddle your baby as
overheating has been shown as a SIDS risk factor.
Swaddling should be snug and secure, not loosely wrapped.
You want your baby to feel cuddled by her blanket.
And of course, if your baby doesn't enjoy being swaddled,
that is absolutely okay. All babies are unique and special.
Your baby is no exception. It is important to take the cues
from your baby on what she likes best.
How-to Swaddle your baby in 7 easy steps:
1.Before swaddling, lay your baby's blanket on a flat
surface.
2.Then fold one corner of the baby blanket.
3.Next, place your baby in the middle of the fold with her
head just above the edge of the blanket.
4.Take the right corner of your blanket and gently wrap
over baby's arm and tuck securely into the opposite side.
5.Then, take the bottom and fold upward to cover baby's
feet and legs.
6.Take the left corner of blanket and gently wrap over
baby's arm, tucking it around the opposite side as far
under baby's back as it will go.
7.Keeping your little bundle snugly wrapped, pick her up
and give a little kiss and hug.
Also:
If your baby wiggles her arms out of your nice snug swaddle
while she sleeps. You may find that your baby does not
enjoy having her arms confined. If this is the case, try
keeping her arms outside of the blanket when you wrap her.
----------------------------------------------------
Looking for the best ways to swaddle your baby? Find
answers to all your questions about infant and children's
massage at http://www.liddlekidz.com . With over a decade
of service to children and families, Tina Allen, founder of
leading children's health and nurturing touch organization
Liddle KidzT, has become an internationally respected
parent educator and expert in the field of infant and
children's massage therapy.
