Having spent 9 months in their mother’s womb, it is normal for newborn babies to look for a womb-like haven to sleep at. They are longing for that warm, affectionate environment where they feel safe and well-supported. Now, you can actually give your babies this experience by wrapping them using a cottony soft blanket. This process is simply referred to as swaddling. Swaddling, which is an ancient practice, has been proven beneficial to newborn babies. Here’s why.
#1 Sleeps tight.
It is recommended that babies get enough sleep, which is 8 hours. But of course, the longer the better. Getting more than 8 hours of sleep everyday ensures the maximum physical and mental development of your newborn. Studies have shown that babies who are swaddled experience long and deep sleep. They don’t have unnecessary wake-up moments because of startle reflex. As you know, newborns are very sensitive to noises and are not used to having a big space to move so you see them startled for seemingly no apparent reason. Swaddling prevents or minimizes startle reflex in babies.
#2 Behaves calmly.
Because swaddling gives them that feeling of warmth, safety and security, the babies are less likely to feel anxious and are therefore calmer or well-behaved. They feel that peace and comfort that swaddling gives. It is rare for them to cry so parents, nannies or babysitters are less stressed when taking care of them. They will grow up as peace-loving people and are better at handling complicated situations.
#3 Less demanding.
Babies can actually be demanding if you go along with their wishes. For instance, giving them comfort items like pillows and stuffed toys so they stop crying. This, in turn, makes them demanding persons growing up. While they are still babies, instill contentment in them through swaddling. With swaddling, your babies will not be looking for those comfort items so they grow up contented and independent.
#4 Avoid self-harm.
Newborns like to touch anything around them. They like to practice their different senses such as touching, holding and even chewing so it is very important that they stay in a safe and secured corner in the house. Now if you just put them in a cradle, a stroller or a crib, obviously their two hands are free to do whatever they want including scratching their face and eyes or hitting their nose and mouth, which can make them cry loud or feel irritable. Swaddling can help you avoid all these untoward movements.
#5 Great posture.
Your babies’ sleeping position can actually affect their posture. If they sleep on the side, they can develop hunchback growing up. This position can constrict their breathing which can be very dangerous. To avoid these scenarios, try swaddling. This practice can assist your babies to lay on their back while sleeping so they can breathe properly and grow up with good posture. You can also put their hands over their heart while they are swaddled so they can learn to calm themselves on their own.
About the Author
