Swaddling

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Swaddling, the practice of tightly wrapping a baby in a light blanket, is an age-old technique that not only calms babies but makes them portable. The technique is growing in popularity in the United States.

In 2008, the medical journal Pediatrics has weighed in with a commentary, noting that there is a wrong way and a right way to swaddle. The right way has a seemingly wondrous effect. Fussy babies, with their arms wrapped tightly to mimic the effect of the mother’s womb, stop crying almost instantaneously. The technique has been popularized recently by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, author of “The Happiest Baby on the Block.” But several medical studies, including one report in The Journal of Pediatrics, also show that swaddling can decrease crying time. Other studies show it prolongs sleep and even reduces a baby’s risk for sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS — but only if the baby is on its back. Swaddled babies placed on their stomachs are at higher risk for SIDS, as noted in a review article published in Pediatrics last October.

But there is a wrong way to swaddle. The wrong kind of wrapping can affect a baby’s hip development and increase risk for developmental dysplasia of the hip.  The key is to leave plenty of room for baby’s legs to move around. 

 “Babies have an on and off switch for crying, but like any other reflex it requires very specific technique,” said Dr. Karp. “For the last 30 years pediatric books have talked about swaddling, and rocking and white noise and all that stuff, but they never taught parents how to do it. These techniques have to be taught very specifically.”

At Lamaze Family Center, in our Infant Care Class, we have a workshop going over each of these soothing techniques where we watch and practice.  Our experienced instructors will offer hands on assistance and answer any questions. Our goal is to have you leave the class, feeling confident and capable of soothing your newborn the day he or she is born.

To register for an Infant Care Class, go to our website at www.lamazefamilycenter.org or call us at (734) 973-1014.