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All About Swaddling Babies

Swaddling in some form has been around since ancient times, although historically it was done rather more vehemently than nowadays! Babies used to be tied into very tight wrappings which made it very difficult for them to move, and did nothing to help their development. Swaddling continued for months - not weeks as nowadays - so children were unable to explore their environment or build up their muscles.

Modern swaddling of babies is completely different. We now use a lightweight swaddling blanket or receiving blanket to carefully and gently wrap very young babies (up to about 4 weeks old with their arms enclosed then another 4-6 weeks with their arms left out of the wrap). Young babies find the swaddling to be very comforting - like a gentle transition from the constant snuggling they received in the womb.

Benefits of Swaddling Babies

A study made in 2005 at the Pediatric Sleep Unit in Brussels compared how well babies slept when swaddled and unswaddled. They found that swaddled babies slept better when they were swaddled, and cried less, but when awake were more alert. They tended to wake more easily to outside stimuli but this is probably due to a general better alertness due to the fact that they are resting better - which is good for overall development. Certainly babies who sleep better are generally happier when awake, and have much more calm parents!

Interestingly, on a recent trip to Africa, I noticed that African women wrap their babies tightly to their backs as they work or travel. This is a portable version of swaddling - the babies are tied close and tight in a society where babies are always kept with the mother and not put down at all until they can walk. I rarely saw a baby crying but I saw plenty of them either fast asleep or actively watching the world go by from their mama's back.

How Safe is Swaddling?

Babies should be firmly but gently wrapped in a light cotton blanket or sheet (preferably organic cotton), and always laid on their backs. Do not allow your baby to overheat and check him or her regularly. Makes sure that your baby can't roll anywhere!

Provided that these simple rules are followed, swaddling your baby has actually been shown to reduce the incident of cot death, and certainly makes for a happier baby and happier parents!

Click Here to see Makes a Change's Organic Cotton Baby Swaddling Blankets