Swaddling a baby is often used to comfort a newborn baby who is used to being in close surroundings and doesn’t quite know what to do with all of those arms and legs that seem to flail around.
When done correctly, swaddling can instantly calm a fussy baby (assuming of course that all of the other needs are met, such as feeding, changing and burping). But swaddling is often hard to get. Sure, the nurse at the hospital or birthing center may show you exactly what to do to wrap your infant up as a little burrito, but let’s face it, all of that information can go out of your head quickly, when you are dealing with both recovering from birth or adoption and caring for a newborn at the same time.
With swaddling, there are two important things to remember. Make sure to use a lightweight blanket. Not only will this prevent overheating, but it makes swaddling much easier. Now is the time to put all of those receiving blankets to good use. The other thing to remember is to make sure that the little arms, legs and finger and toes don’t get inadvertently pinched or flexed the wrong way, which can happen when your baby is very active.
My first born came along before You Tube, so I had to learn swaddling by looking at diagrams in the baby books and by trial and error. But, watching a well orchestrated video is so much easier. The one I have for you today is simple and clear. The instructor has a calm soothing voice, which is what all moms need to hear, and the instructions are given both auditory (the instructor explains what will be done first) and then visual using a real infant. I highly recommend it.
To get to the You Tube video, click here.
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
Babies Are Built to Say “Mama” and “Dada” First!
New Children’s Vitamin D Recommendation May Require Supplements
Fans May Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death
Link Between Second-Hand Smoke and Allergies
Are you subscribed to the Families.com Baby Blog? With the click of a button, you can receive an email notification anytime a new blog is posted in the Families.com Baby Blog!
Just look to the right of this blog and find the subscription center (it looks just like this picture, although you’ll have to find the “real” one just above the category listing ). Click on “Subscribe via Email”. You’ll be instantly subscribed and the email address that you registered at Families.com with will receive an instant notification whenever we post a new Baby Blog! Don’t miss a thing – subscribe now!