What Are The Benefits of Swaddling?
You’ve heard the word a million times, but what, exactly, is swaddling? And why is this thousands-year-old method something that we do to babies? Let’s start by addressing the first question.
“Swaddling is basically taking some type of blanket, cloth or premade swaddle blanket, and wrapping your baby up like a little hot dog,” says Batya Sherizen, a professional baby sleep coach. “You put your baby’s arms straight down on his sides and wrap him up so that everything minus his cute little head is tucked inside the blanket.”
Sherizen says you can purchase ready-made swaddle blankets with Velcro, or you can use your own blanket, though it may not stay wrapped up as well. When done correctly, swaddling benefits both you and baby in many ways. Let’s discuss.
More Restful Sleep
“Swaddled babies have more restful sleep since it helps your little one to feel secure like they did in the womb,” says Hindi Zeidman, a mental health clinician, MSW, and founder of Ollie Swaddle. She adds that falling into a deep slumber means rapid eye movement (REM) sleep will occur, which is important for baby’s brain development.
Prevents Rolling
A child that’s been swaddled will be more likely to remain sleeping on her back. “Since back sleeping is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of SIDS, this is very important,” says Zeidman. “Keep in mind that once babies are able to roll from back-to-front purposefully it is time to stop swaddling.”
Decreases Colic and Fussiness
“A happy, secure baby will be calmer and less prone to unexplained fussiness,” says Zeidman. “This calm can also aid in better digestion.”
Helps with the Moro Reflex
One of the biggest benefits of swaddling is that it prevents what’s called the “Moro reflex,” which is when your baby suddenly jolts awake and flails her arms into the air. This abruptly disrupts sleep and can feel startling for your baby, as well.
“What is actually happening with this Moro reflex is that your baby experiences the physical sensation that he is falling, which obviously would scare him, and it can also prevent him from sleeping well,” says Sherizen. “When you swaddle your baby and keep his arms wrapped up nice and tight, it prevents this reflex from happening.”
Regulates Body Temperature
Did you know that babies’ bodies aren’t as efficient at regulating their own body temperature? Zeidman says that this can result in discomfort and fussiness, but when your child is swaddled, he’ll remain warm and snug.
Assists in Breast Feeding
“Not only does a calm baby nurse better, but if you tuck your baby’s hands into the swaddle it will help keep them from pushing away or scratching your breast,” says Zeidman.
Helps Mom and Dad Feel Calm and Secure
It’s safe to say that that a well-slept baby means happy, more alert, parents, too. More than good sleep, though, parent can appreciate peace of mind.
“Swaddling helps [parents] feel calm and secure, knowing that they are recreating a familiar environment for their baby since baby just came from a warm, cozy womb,” says Sherizen. It’s comforting to see your child sleeping so soundly, and to know that you have a method for quickly calming down your crying child.
Wendy Rose Gould is a writer based in Phoenix, Arizona. She covers women’s lifestyle topics for numerous digital publications, including InStyle, xoVain, Refinery29, Revelist, PopSugar and ModCloth. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram or at WendyGould.com
