Swaddling Q&A
Questions about swaddling:
1. Swaddling: Is it Safe?
New parents often learn how to swaddle their infant from the nurses in the hospital. A blanket wrapped snugly around your baby’s body can resemble the mother’s womb and help soothe your newborn baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that when done correctly, swaddling can be an effective technique to help calm infants and promote sleep.
2. Back to Sleep
It’s important to place your baby to sleep on his back, every time you put him to sleep. Do not have any loose blankets in your baby’s crib. Swaddling can increase the chance your baby will overheat, so avoid heavy fabrics or knitted blankets. The baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and rapid breathing.
3. Safe swaddling
Make sure her hips can move and that the blanket is not too tight. You want to be able to get at least two or three fingers between the baby’s chest and the swaddle. The legs should be able to spread apart and move freely inside the blanket (do not pull straight the legs).
4. When to Stop Swaddling
Stop swaddling by age 2 months, before the baby intentionally starts to try to roll.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx