Swaddling Your Baby Practical Tips and Advice
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Swaddling TipsI never quite got the hang of swaddling my baby - I wish I had! >>> It was my first full night on the maternity ward. My newborn son woke about midnight and proceeded to disturb the entire ward of resting mothers and babies with loud yells. My inexperienced efforts to console him had no effect, until finally a midwife took pity on me. Appearing from behind the curtain that surrounded my bed, she proceeded to expertly swaddle and bind him in a shawl and popped him into his cot. Within minutes, his cries lessened, he snuffled a bit, and was quiet. My newborn baby then slept for a full five hours - and so did I! |
Swaddling Products There are lots of swaddling systems available to make the swaddle process easier for parents. |
>>> Eight weeks after my first son was born my father died of a terminal illness. As the family gathered, my very young baby was naturally unsettled by the sadness and grief around him, and the change in his surroundings and routine. After a number of restless nights, an aunt, very experienced in childcare had a comforting cuddle with my young son following his last feed, swaddled my son firmly and again popped him into his cot. It was 6.30pm, and he didn't wake again until 5am the next morning - a total of ten and a half hours sleep for the first time in his short life so far! I never did achieve the same quality of swaddle. Swaddling has since increased in popularity and there are a tremendous variety of swaddle products available, from shaped swaddling blankets to body socks to baby sleeping bags complete with wraparound, all complete with full instructions on their use. * * * * * * * * * * Historically, swaddling in various forms has been practised for hundreds of years, with records going back as far as Ancient Greek and Roman times. Probably one of the most famous examples of the use of swaddling can be found in the bible - "And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (St. Luke, II, 6, 7.) It has remained popular in many Eastern cultures and tribal traditions, and is now enjoying a revival in the Western World. What is Swaddling? Swaddling is the age old practice of snugly wrapping babies in a blanket or similar cloth so that their movements are restricted, including their own 'startle' reflex (or Moro reflex), which can disturb a sleeping infant. Swaddling is thought to mimic the confined conditions of the womb, and therefore to provide a certain amount of warmth, comfort and security to a young baby after their entry into the wide open space of the world. As your baby grows, a half-swaddle allowing the arms and shoulders freedom from the restrictions of a full swaddle may be appropriate. |
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Swaddling a baby used to be very "Hit and Miss" but today thanks to some innovative baby swaddling products being available it is likely to be much more successful and can help your baby sleep better. An example of a Swaddle Designs blanket. |
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| Related Information. How To Swaddle Your Baby How to Chooose A Baby Comforter |
Related Products All Swaddle Products Swaddle Designs Snug and Tug |
