Most Popular Baby Names - Names and their Meanings

 by: Michelle Higgins

Your baby was safely sheltered in the cozy cocoon of your womb for nine months before being transported into the big bad world. No wonder swaddling her makes her feel 'at home'.

What is swaddling?

Swaddling is snugly wrapping your baby in a blanket to make her feel safe and secure. Parents of colicky babies swear by swaddling. It also helps some babies to sleep more soundly.

The art of swaddling

Follow these simple steps to become a swaddling expert in no time.

Spread a blanket on a flat surface and fold down a corner a few inches. Place baby diagonally on her back so that her head rests just above the fold. Pull one corner of the blanket across her body to tuck it under her back. Then hold the other corner and wrap your baby snugly, while tucking it in the rest of the blanket. Lastly, pull the lower corner up to tuck it under baby's chin to complete a secure swaddle. Special swaddling blankets make this process simpler.

Take care not to leave any folds or lumps on the underside that may cause discomfort to baby. If your baby is more comfortable with her hands free, you can wrap below her arms so that she retains some mobility.

How does swaddling help my baby?

Swaddling is thought to simulate the warmth and coziness of the womb to make your baby feel safe and secure. It provides the extra warmth that your baby might need, until his body temperature control mechanism starts functioning well.

Swaddled babies sleep well and are not awakened by their own startle reflex. A bundled baby is easier to carry as a compact package even while he is sleeping.

Most importantly swaddling can calm your fussy or colicky baby and can help him fall asleep.

Before you start swaddling...   (continued...)

Swaddling Your Baby
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