Why Do Newborn Babies Love To Be Swaddled?
Becoming a new parent means trying to figure out this tiny new person who can’t tell you what they need. One of the biggest puzzles is figuring out how to soothe your baby when they’re fussy. You’ve probably heard all sorts of advice, but one tip that comes up again and again is swaddling.
And you know this works. Everyone has seen a baby, snug as a bug in a rug, completely content in their swaddle. But what is it about being wrapped up like a tiny, adorable burrito that babies love so much?
This post will explore the reasons behind why newborn babies love to be swaddled. We’ll look at the science, the comfort, and the safety of this age-old technique. By the end, you’ll have a much better idea of why it works and how to do it correctly to help your little one feel safe, secure, and ready for a peaceful sleep.
What Is Swaddling?
Swaddling is simply wrapping your baby snugly in a thin blanket. This technique isn’t a new trend; in fact, it has been a go-to method for calming infants around the world for ages.
The idea is to keep their arms and legs contained. Think of it as a gentle, warm hug that lasts for hours. The goal of a proper swaddle is to restrict your baby’s movement just enough to prevent them from startling themselves awake, while still allowing for healthy hip movement. When done correctly, it recreates a familiar, comforting environment for your baby, making their transition from the womb to the world a little bit smoother.
The Comfort of the Womb
We already mentioned the notion of recreating the womb environment for your infant in a swaddle, but let’s explore the idea more. Your baby just spent nine months in a very tight, warm, and cozy space. In the womb, their movements were limited, and they were constantly held. Suddenly, they find themselves in a big, open world with lots of space, which can be hugely unsettling.
Swaddling helps ease this transition by providing that same sense of containment and pressure they experienced before birth. This familiar feeling helps them feel safe and secure. It’s like giving them a constant, gentle embrace, which is incredibly reassuring for a newborn who is still adjusting to life outside the womb. This continuous physical contact helps regulate their nervous system and promotes calm.
Taming the Moro Reflex
Have you ever seen your sleeping baby suddenly throw their arms out to the sides as if they’re falling? That’s the Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex. It’s a completely normal and healthy response in newborns, but it can be a major sleep disruptor. This reflex is an involuntary reaction to a sudden change in sensation, like a loud noise, a bright light, a change in position, or even just a dream.
When a baby startles, they often wake themselves up, and getting them back to sleep can be a challenge. Here’s where swaddling comes to the rescue. By keeping your baby’s arms snugly wrapped at their sides, swaddling helps prevent these sudden movements. The result is your baby waking up fewer times (which means more sleep for the both of you), safer sleeping, and a calmer, happier kiddo.
Is Swaddling Safe?
Like any parenting practice, swaddling needs to be done correctly to be safe and effective. When done properly, it’s a wonderful tool for soothing your baby. However, there are a few important safety guidelines to keep in mind.
Keep it Snug, Not Tight
The swaddle should be snug enough to contain your baby’s arms. However, it shouldn’t make it hard for them to breathe or get good blood circulation. A good test for this is seeing if you can fit two or three fingers between your baby’s chest and the blanket. If you can, it’s probably the right amount of snug.
Allow for Hip Movement
You don’t want to make the swaddle too restrictive around your baby’s hips and legs. Your little one should be able to bend their legs up and out into a natural “frog” position. This is crucial for healthy hip development and helps prevent issues like hip dysplasia.
Always Place Baby on Their Back
Swaddled or not, the safest sleep position for a baby is on their back. This reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Once your baby starts showing signs of rolling over, you should stop swaddling them for sleep.
Watch for Overheating
Use a lightweight, breathable blanket for swaddling. Check your baby’s temperature by feeling their neck or tummy to make sure they are not too warm. If they start to sweat, get flushed cheeks, or begin breathing rapidly, they could be overheating and should be removed from the swaddle.
By following these simple rules, you can make sure that swaddling is a safe and comforting experience for your little one.
Wrapping Up
Swaddling is a great way to calm a fussy baby, and it’s a practice rooted in providing comfort, security, and a gentle transition into a new world. By understanding why newborns love it, how it works and how to do it safely, you can use this ancient technique to help your newborn sleep more soundly and feel more secure.
Find Support at Bunnies by the Bay
As your baby grows, you’ll find other ways to provide them with that same sense of comfort. At Bunnies by the Bay, we specialize in creating gifts that give glad dreams. Since 1986, we’ve been designing super soft, quality baby gifts meant to be loved and snuggled for years to come. Our products, from cuddly stuffed animals to cozy loveys, are made with the softest fabrics and thoughtful details to bring comfort and joy.
If you’re looking for a special gift to welcome a new arrival, explore our beautiful collection of personalized gifts. A custom gift, like an embroidered stuffed animal, can become a sentimental treasure that stays with a child throughout their life. We have a particularly lovely selection of personalized gifts for baby girls, from blankets to gift sets, each designed to make her feel safe, warm, and loved.
Check out Bunnies by the Bay today and find the perfect companion to accompany your little one on their journey to glad dreams.