A new baby means preparing yourself for all of the beautiful, life-changing moments to come. Watching them reach each milestone and feeling your heart swell with pride is one of a parent’s best moments. With a new baby on the way, you want to make sure you’re researching the best techniques to soothe your little one, so you can sleep!
Natural Swaddling is a practice that has long been used to help soothe young babies to help them sleep. It’s an important skill to learn as you settle into life with your newborn as well. Here’s an introduction to swaddling and how to find the best premium swaddle blankets for you and your little one.
What Is Natural Swaddling?
Let’s start with the basics, shall we? Natural swaddling is the practice of wrapping your baby up snuggly in a soft and breathable blanket that mimics the womb to help them stay calm so they can sleep better. It is common for nurses to swaddle your newborn just after visiting the hospital nursery after delivery. So, when your new baby comes back into your arms wrapped like a little burrito of love, that is your little one’s first introduction to swaddling. But not to worry, with a bit of research and practice, you can swaddle your baby just like the pros to help them stay calm and soothed.
Benefits of Natural Swaddling
One of the most outstanding benefits of natural swaddling is simply calming down a fussy baby and getting them ready for bed. Wrapping your baby up snugly in a swaddle blanket helps to imitate the snugness and comfortability of the womb. This is why new babies are often swaddled not long after delivery while still in the hospital. It can help them with the transition from womb to the world. It can also help prevent them from startling themselves awake with sudden movement while they sleep or scratching their face and body.
When to Swaddle
Even though swaddling is an effective way to calm a fussy baby, that doesn’t mean it is always the correct answer. Swaddling is appropriate for when it’s bedtime or naptime to encourage safer sleep. Otherwise, swaddling might not be the answer. You don’t want to swaddle too much and hinder your baby’s motor development. Typically the best time to stop swaddling your baby is about the time they start to show signs of rolling over. This milestone usually happens between 4 and 6 months, but it can happen sooner. At that point, their swaddle blankets can transition to proper sleep bags that reduce the risk of suffocation and are designed to give ample room for movement.
How to Find the Right Swaddle Blankets
Swaddling has been a parenting technique for some time. And the best swaddles can help you and your baby both get some extra Zs. As such, there have been some innovations when it comes to the best swaddle blankets. Look for reputable manufacturers with experience, premium fabrics designed for maximum comfort and a proper weave for breathability. A soft, breathable material is essential.
Finding a swaddle blanket isn’t just about finding a blanket in the right size. You want to make sure that your swaddle blankets are made out of the highest quality materials available. Cotton and deluxe muslin from bamboo are some of the best fabrics that you can choose for your swaddle blanket. First of all, they’re very breathable materials. Cotton and bamboo muslin are excellent materials for temperature control. Second, they’re soft, which is important for a new baby’s delicate skin. Perhaps one of the best parts about these popular swaddling fabrics is that they only get softer the more you run them through the washing machine.
Swaddling Techniques
There are a couple of different techniques you can use when it comes to the actual act of swaddling. The number one thing you want to keep in mind is that you never want the swaddle blankets to cover your baby’s face. And whatever technique you use for swaddling your baby, make sure you’re not wrapping them too tightly or too loosely. A nice snug fit in the middle is the way to wrap. Typically you want the swaddle to be snug and secure around your baby’s chest while being a bit looser in the hip area. A snug, secure swaddle will promote safer sleep and avoid having any loose blankets in the crib. Here are a couple of methods to try on your journey to finding the right technique for you and your baby.
The Classic Diamond Swaddle
This classic technique starts with placing your swaddle blanket down at a diagonal angle. Then fold one corner down slightly to make a diamond shape. Next, place your baby with their head on the folded blanket corner. You can fold with your baby’s hands over their tummy, similar to how they would be positioned in the womb. After that, tuck one side of the blanket underneath their arm. Then grab the bottom corner of the blanket and place it over their chest but under their neck and tuck into the first fold. Finally, wrap the last corner over and under your baby for a snug fit.
Easy Swaddle
This swaddling technique is similar to the diamond technique with just a little more ease. You’ll fold one corner of your swaddle down to match the length of your baby. Put their arms down to their sides, take one corner of the blanket, fold it over their body, and tuck it underneath them. Then you will repeat that method for the other side, making sure their arms are tucked snugly at their sides. Next, all that’s left is to take the bottom corner and tuck it in at the top. By following these swaddling tips, hopefully you and your baby will be well on your way to a good night’s rest.
About Little Unicorn
Parents only want the best for their children, and with Little Unicorn’s baby products, that is exactly what you’re getting. They have experience as parents and even more in the industry to ensure products are safe for your family. Get the highest quality products for every milestone in your little one’s life. Little Unicorn ensures that their products are tested and then retested to meet global safety standards. Whether you’re preparing for a new baby or know someone with a little one on the way, Little Unicorn products make excellent gifts for all of the expecting parents in your life. With essentials like customizable diaper bags, outdoor blankets, hooded towels for bath time, large burp cloths, and muslin blanket options, you’ll have zero trouble finding exactly what you need in a hand-drawn design that you adore. Little Unicorn is happy to be a part of your family’s story throughout all of the beautiful, messy, and unforgettable moments and milestones in your family’s life.
Find the highest quality swaddle blankets for your newest addition to the family at https://littleunicorn.com/