Swaddling is an ancient ritual that dates back thousands of years and has been practiced worldwide for generations. There are several advantages to swaddling a newborn. It not only relaxes and soothes them, but it also allows them to sleep for extended periods. According to recent research, swaddled newborns are calmer, sleep more, and have lower and more consistent heart rates. Swaddling is a lovely and safe approach to help soothe and comfort your infant when performed appropriately.
The Moro Reflex Is Moderated by Swaddling
Swaddling a newborn in baby sleeping bags helps lessen the Moro reaction’s effects. The Moro reaction, also known as the startle reflex, is a natural neurological response that causes a baby to feel as if they are falling. While the Moro reaction is a sign of a healthy infant, its consequences might disrupt your baby’s sleep. Babies go through this all the time throughout their first 3 to 4 months of life. They have involuntary movements due to the startle reflex, which can quickly wake them awake. Swaddling helps avoid those uncontrollable movements, allowing for a far more peaceful night’s sleep.
Swaddling Aids in Colic Relief
Any parent who has had a colicky infant will tell you that it is one of the most challenging parenting situations. Some parents express a sense of helplessness due to their inability to soothe their screaming infant. Colic is caused by a growing digestive system, making it harder for your infant to digest food. This can result in gas and other severe pain, resulting in prolonged and inconsolable screaming or fussiness in otherwise healthy babies.
Swaddling Reduces SID Incidence
Swaddling is both practical and safe when done correctly; according to the experts, swaddling aids in the maintenance of the supine posture during sleep. According to research, infants placed to sleep on their stomachs are also at a higher risk of SIDs. As a result, babies should only be put to sleep on their backs, never on their stomachs or sides. Swaddling your infant in the supine position assists your baby in maintaining this secure sleep position. The danger of SIDs decreases for a newborn who is not yet capable of turning over independently.
When your baby begins to turn over from back to front, breaks free from the baby swaddle wrap, or the swaddle becomes disruptive to sleep, you should discontinue swaddling. Loose blankets and bedding might potentially endanger your baby’s health by raising the risk of suffocation. It is also critical to keep any loose bedding or clothing out of your baby’s crib and to discontinue swaddling when they begin to roll.
Swaddling Simulates a Parent’s Calming Touch
Touch has been shown to have neurological benefits; it causes a self-soothing reaction in the human brain, helps to normalize our heart rate and blood pressure, and decreases cortisol levels. Touch, on the other hand, is essential for healthy newborn development. Babies who are swaddled fall asleep faster and stay asleep more reliably throughout the night.
Each infant is unique; some newborns reject being swaddled in baby sleeping bags from the start. All infants resist at first, but they rapidly accept the sensations of comfort and tranquillity that the wrap provides.
