How to swaddle a newborn

This presentation reviews the proper way swaddling should be used and illustrations as well.

1. How to Swaddle a Newborn A safe and effective way to soothe a newborn baby

2. What Does Swaddling Mean? Swaddling is a specific way to tightly wrap a baby in a blanket.

3. Advantages of Swaddling Provides warmth and security to newborns. May help to reduce the startle or Moro reflex in babies. This reflex is the response to any stimuli and causes the arms and legs to jerk outward. May provide longer periods of sleep.

4. How to Swaddle a Baby Lay a blanket on a flat surface like a diamond and fold down the top corner about 6 inches to form a straight edge. Place your baby on his back so that the top of the fabric is at shoulder level. Bring your baby's left arm down. Pull the corner of the blanket near his left hand over his arm and chest, and tuck the leading edge under his back on his right side. Bring your baby's right arm down. Pull the corner of the blanket near his right hand over his arm and chest, and tuck the cloth under his left side. Twist or fold the bottom end of the blanket and tuck it loosely behind your baby, making sure that both legs are bent up and out from his body, his hips can move, and his legs can spread apart naturally.

5. How Long Should I Swaddle? The Swaddling technique should only be used until the infant can roll on side or belly. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggest stopping at 2 months of age. Experts suggest only swaddling while baby is sleeping, otherwise development may be hindered.

6. Things to Remember Learn how to properly swaddle. Hip and leg problems may occur if swaddling is too tight. On the other hand, do not allow the blanket to become loose. This can increase the risk of SIDS(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). There are blankets available which have Velcro closures to make swaddling easier. Some babies DO NOT like to be swaddled. You will know very soon if your baby doesn’t like it.