The Benefits of Swaddling Your Baby

Swaddling your newborn is a trick that's been around for ages. Because it mimics a mother's womb, it can help keep your baby feeling snug and secure like they've been used to. It can also be a big help with soothing fussy babies and getting your little one to fall asleep.
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Safety First
If done correctly, a swaddle should be snugly fastened so that there's no chance of it coming undone. For tips on how to safely swaddle, click here for The Mayo Clinic’s step-by-step tutorial. Also, be sure to place babies on their back when they fall asleep swaddled, in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. It’s important that they can’t roll over when placed this way, so the transition out of swaddling should begin once they start rolling over at around 2 to 3 months old. 

Babies Fall Asleep Faster and Longer
Because swaddling helps babies feel so cozy and secure, it can help them fall asleep much faster and keep them sleeping soundly for longer. It also helps prevent their startle reflex from causing unnecessary wake ups. This means more sleep for parents too!

It Mimics a Parent’s Touch
Since swaddling mimics touch, it helps babies feel calm and safe. While this can help babies fall asleep, it also has neurological benefits such as stabilizing their heart rate and blood pressure, lowering cortisol levels, and provoking a self-soothing reflex.

Decreased Crying
Due to its soothing effects, swaddling can decrease the frequency and duration of crying. Studies have shown that it actually decreases crying about 30% more than massages do!
 
No Need for Items in the Crib
Swaddling allows your baby to be cozy and comfortable, so there’s no need to worry about using comfort items while they sleep. It’s best to avoid using items like pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals in your baby’s crib since this has been linked to SIDS.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are created for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider if you have any medical concerns.