Swaddling for better sleep

Let’s talk about swaddling and why it is so important during the early months of your baby’s life! All babies are born with several normal newborn reflexes. Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is one of these primitive reflex responses intended to keep a baby safe. Have you noticed your baby suddenly startle while sleeping before? This is the Moro reflex at work! The baby will experience a sensation of free-falling, where the baby reacts by lifting and stretching their arms. It often ends in the baby crying and/or waking.

We can EASILY prevent your baby from startling by swaddling them for sleep!

Over the years I have had many parents tell me, ‘My baby doesn’t like their swaddle’ or ‘They fought it so much I stopped doing it because they were always getting out’. There are lots of reasons why parents stop swaddling early. But education is power when it comes to little ones!

Here are some swaddling facts:

• Babies generally don’t grow out of their startle until around 4-6 months

• Swaddling helps simulate the security they felt in the womb (they squirm and move the same way they did in your belly; they just have the freedom to break out now)

• Swaddling helps to reduce overall crying and helps to calm babies’ nervous system

• Swaddling can help to extend sleep both overnight and for naps

• Babies with Colic, reflux, and other painful conditions are the ones who benefit from swaddling the most. They also generally will be the ones who take the longest to grow out of their startle!

• Some babies are less likely to startle and will grow out of this reflex quickly

• Babies should be swaddled firmly around their chest/arms and loosely from the waist down to protect their hip position (think froggy legs, not straight down)

• A baby who can roll easily from back to belly shouldn’t be swaddled

There are so many swaddling options out there. My personal favourite is always the classic muslin wrap! So, keep wrapping your little baby burritos for the best sleep possible!