How Tight Should a Swaddle Be: Proper Safe Swaddling Technique
Many parents swaddle their newborns during their first week of life. Swaddling lowers an infant’s anxiety and provides comfort as though they’re still inside the womb. Not to mention just how cute a burrito baby looks!
Swaddling is a practice passed down from generation to generation. But new parents might struggle with how to swaddle a child for the first time.
Is your swaddling too tight? Or is it too loose? While it’s hard to fail swaddling, the wrong technique might end with an uncomfortable and sweaty baby. So how do you not mess it up?
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Is Swaddling Safe?
Is your baby going past their bedtime just because they’re cranky? Swaddling can help soothe your baby and avoid issues like startle reflexes.
But swaddling does have some risks to it, even if it’s been part of human tradition. One of the most dangerous and heartbreaking things that can happen to an infant is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
A tight swaddle can suffocate and overheat an infant. A baby can also accidentally put themselves onto their sides or stomach, raising the risk of SIDS.
Besides SIDS, your baby might also develop hip dysplasia if they’re swaddled too tightly. Binding their legs can cause problems in their development, increasing the risk of dislocation.
Lastly, swaddling your baby too frequently may get in the way of mother-baby bonding. A good amount of skin-to-skin contact brings comfort and stability to a newborn. Intimate contact also helps in better breastfeeding.
All of these things sound very dangerous and scary. But don’t be discouraged! Swaddling can still be a safe and positive activity for you and your infant. If you’re still with us, this is how you can swaddle your tot without it being too tight or too loose.
How Tight Should a Swaddle Be?
A swaddle should be tight enough that you won’t see any extra fabric flapping around and potentially covering your child’s face. Likewise, a swaddle should also be loose enough that your infant doesn’t suffocate and feel like a living Easy-Bake Oven.
Babies 3 months and under should have their whole bodies wrapped except for the head and neck. At around 3 to 6 months, when your infant has more mobility, swaddle them with their arms free from the blanket.
To check your swaddle’s tightness, insert two fingers between your infant’s chest and the blanket. Make sure there is enough space to wiggle your finger in and out. If you have no problems moving, you’ve swaddled your infant correctly.
How to Safely Swaddle Your Infant
There are other things to keep in mind while swaddling your infant. Remembering these tips will ensure your baby sleeps soundly while in their blanket:
- Always put your infant’s hands on top of their chest before swaddling them. This allows mobility and comfort for their joints.
- Make sure to tuck the blanket to avoid it from unraveling and tangling with your infant. Your baby’s blanket might potentially cover their airway.
- Avoid over-swaddling. This can happen when you use two or more blankets at once. This can lead to overheating and SIDS.
- Always put your baby on their back before they sleep.
- Allow your infant to lie down freely after a long night of swaddling.
FAQ:
Why should I swaddle my infant?
Swaddling is an effective way to soothe an infant and put them to sleep because it simulates the experience of being inside the womb.
How do I make sure my swaddle is not too tight?
Make sure there is a two-finger gap between your baby’s chest and their blanket.
What is the best blanket to swaddle an infant with?
While there are tons of blankets for sale, a general rule of thumb is to look for something soft, breathable, and lightweight (preferably cotton).
Conclusion
A snug swaddle at night can keep a baby sleeping nicely and peacefully. But a swaddle that is too tight or loose can end in a nightmare. Fortunately, it’s never too late to learn how to properly and safely wrap your infant.
Swaddling has benefits as much as it has risks. But parents can avoid accidents by following the proper steps in making a baby burrito. Pretty soon, you’ll be wrapping babies like wrapping Christmas presents!
