Do you need to make a demanding child feel comfortable and safe? Swaddling is an ancient tradition that mimics the condition of the uterus, so all you need is a blanket and learn about this art of swaddling. The baby will feel happy, warm and satisfied.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Basic Bandage
Step 1. Spread the blanket out on a flat surface
Make it look like a diamond. It must measure at least 100cm x 100cm. A better idea would be to purchase a blanket designed specifically for swaddling babies.
Also make sure it is made of a very thin and stretchable fabric. This will make it easier to wrap the baby, but it will also prevent him from feeling too hot
Step 2. Fold the top corner of the blanket down
The fold at the top should roughly cover the height of the child.
Step 3. Lay the baby down
Lay the baby on the blanket so that the neck is in the crease. If it's very small, make sure your head and body are properly supported as you do this.
Step 4. Move the baby's right arm to the right position
Gently place your arm on your hip and hold it still. Alternatively, you can hold it tucked towards your chest or belly, as if it were in a fetal position. This will make it more difficult to make tight bandages, even if the baby will be more comfortable.
Step 5. Wrap the first side
Pull one corner of the blanket (the one that corresponds to the arm you are holding) over the baby's body, and wedge it under his back. The blanket should be tight enough to keep your arm stationary at your hip.
Step 6. Move the baby's other arm to the right position
Gently place the baby's other arm on your side, and hold it still. As you did with the previous arm, you can also move it to your chest or belly.
Step 7. Secure the bottom of the bandage
Pull the bottom corner of the blanket to the center of the baby's shoulders. Tuck it behind her left shoulder so that it rests between her shoulder and the underside of the blanket.
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Attention:
Leave plenty of room for the baby to move his feet inside the wrap. This will prevent overheating and, over time, hip dysplasia.
Step 8. Pull the right corner of the blanket over the baby
Fold it so that the left and right corners form a V-shaped bandage. Don't tuck the end up anywhere yet. With your left hand, gently hold the blanket firmly over the baby's chest.
Step 9. Fold the corner
With your right hand, turn the corner that should be somewhere near the baby's feet.
Step 10. Finish the wrapping
Pull the turned corner over the baby's right shoulder and tuck it into the back of the swaddle. You will likely need to lift the baby during this final step.
Step 11. Finished
Make sure the baby is not too hot and that the airways are not blocked. Do not wrap the pacifier in the baby's mouth.
Method 2 of 2: Swaddle Safely
Step 1. Learn about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
This is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and occurs suddenly and inexplicably, even when the baby is in excellent physical condition. It usually happens when the baby is asleep. Many parents worry and associate this phenomenon with swaddling because, many times, the cause of the child's death is later attributed to suffocation, which can however occur due to a number of factors. However, this type of bandage by itself cannot cause the unexpected death of an infant. If the right precautions are taken, this technique is very safe and beneficial for the newborn.
Step 2. Don't wrap it too tightly
If you wrap your baby too tightly, especially if they are very small, they may have a hard time filling their lungs with air. The bandage should be tight enough for him to breathe, but not loose enough for him to move his arms. If you are worried, keep an eye on your baby for a few minutes and make sure he is not breathing hard.
Step 3. Do not wrap the pacifier in the baby's mouth
Babies spit out the pacifier and then get angry when they realize they no longer have it. It always happens! However, you should not swaddle the baby so that the teat stays in the mouth. Sure, it can solve the expulsion problem, but if he has to breathe through his mouth, the pacifier risks choking him!
Step 4. Keep the baby on his back
It is important to ensure the safety of the baby while he sleeps, especially if he is swaddled. Babies are very weak and often do not have enough strength when they are on their stomachs to lift their body with each breath and take a breath of air. This is why the child must always be placed on his back when he sleeps, so that he can breathe freely and easily.
Step 5. Use a firm mattress in the crib
A mattress that is too soft can suffocate the baby if he turns face down. A firm mattress will allow him to fall asleep and stay safe.
Step 6. Remove excess pillows, soft toys and other items cluttering the crib
They can be dangerous because the baby could stick his face between them and choke. Only put what is absolutely necessary in the crib.
Advice
- If you want to cover the baby's head, leave all corners of the blanket flat. Follow the rest of the instructions and use the top corner to cover his garment once you've wrapped it up.
- Swaddling can relieve babies suffering from colic.
- Consult your pediatrician to make sure it is safe to swaddle the baby.
- To put the baby to sleep, put the swaddled baby in the supinated position. This way you will avoid sudden infant death syndrome.
Warnings
- Swaddling should only be done on infants. It can be dangerous on older children who already make more articulate movements.
- Do not swaddle your child if he has dysplasia.
