Even if you’re not entirely sure what swaddling is, there’s no doubt that you’ve seen it before. The image of a baby comfortably wrapped up in a soft blanket or cloth, perfectly at ease and content with the world just has to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. As a new mother with an even newer, but no less fussy, baby of my own, learning how to swaddle was one of the best things I have ever done. The thought of it seemed scary at first, restricting my son’s arms and legs inside of a blanket that he couldn’t possibly escape from was a little daunting, but after hours spent pouring over google and mommy message boards, I decided it was worth a try. Seeing his little face immediately smooth over with calmness during his first swaddle experience completely won me over.
To your baby, being swaddled in a soft blanket is reminiscent of the feeling of being safely tucked away in the womb. These feelings of security can make your baby less likely to startle themselves awake, leading them to sleep more soundly for longer amounts of time, allowing you a couple more hours of some much-needed relaxation. Swaddling is also an amazing tool to use for calming your newborn during a particularly messy bout of crying and help dramatically reduce the risk of SIDS by keeping them planted on their backs during those precious sleeping hours.
While the benefits of swaddling a great, it is very important to understand how to properly swaddle your baby to prevent any mishaps. Check out our awesome infographic for an adorable step by step guide to swaddling the right way.