Do you remember the first time your baby came back from the hospital nursery, all wrapped up into an adorable little bundle? Parents have been swaddling their little ones for thousands of years, and once doctors began recommending that babies sleep on their backs around the 1990s, swaddling became even more popular. But what’s so great about swaddling? Is it really the miracle worker that some parents make it out to be? Decide for yourself by checking out eight of the amazing benefits of swaddling below!
1.Swaddling helps your baby adjust to the world outside the womb
2. Swaddling keeps your little one from startling themselves awake
Since swaddling keeps your baby’s arms and legs wrapped up close to their body, it prevents infants from flailing their arms and legs. Flailing triggers the startle reflex and is one of the most common reasons that babies wake up during the night. When you start swaddling, you can expect your baby (and yourself) to sleep more consistently throughout the night!
Since swaddling keeps your baby’s arms and legs wrapped up close to their body, it prevents infants from flailing their arms and legs. Flailing triggers the startle reflex and is one of the most common reasons that babies wake up during the night. When you start swaddling, you can expect your baby (and yourself) to sleep more consistently throughout the night!
3. A swaddle can help infants regulate their internal temperature.
Babies’ internal thermostats don’t kick into gear immediately, so parents have the important job of making sure their little one is always at a comfortable temperature. Swaddling can help with this, since swaddle blankets are cozy yet breathable. They keep your baby warm while wicking away any moisture and allowing excess heat to escape.
4. Swaddling helps with colic.
About 15-25% of babies experience colic, and as uncomfortable as it is for the baby themselves, it can be even more upsetting to their parents! It can be heartbreaking to hear your baby cry and not be able to console them. That’s where swaddling comes in! The pressure of the swaddle, plus the secure feeling of being wrapped up in a little cocoon, can help babies with colic calm down and experience some relief.
5. Swaddling reduces the likelihood of SIDS.
SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is many new parents’ worst nightmare. SIDS often occurs when babies roll onto their stomachs and are unable to breathe properly. A swaddle reduces incidences of SIDS because it makes it much harder for babies to roll over.
6. Being swaddled can make your baby happier.
A swaddle triggers your little one’s relaxation mechanism, helping them stay calm and happy. Swaddling is very soothing and comforting for infants, who are still getting used to the world outside the womb.
7. Babies can’t scratch their faces while swaddled.
It’s pretty common for babies to scratch themselves, although it can be upsetting for parents to see a bright red scratch across their little one’s face. Swaddling is a great solution for this issue! Since your baby’s arms will be securely tucked into the swaddle, they won’t be able to accidentally scratch their face during naptime or nighttime.
8. Swaddling increases breastfeeding success.
Many moms give up on breastfeeding because their babies cry so much that they assume their milk must not be satisfying them. But before you decide to quit breastfeeding your little one, give swaddling a try. Since swaddling reduces crying, it increases breastfeeding success. Successful breastfeeding cuts back on the risk of SIDS by about 50%, making swaddling even more beneficial and valuable.
Comfy Cubs Easy Baby Swaddle Blankets
Ready to experience the benefits of swaddling for yourself? The Comfy Cubs Easy Baby Swaddle Blankets are a great place to start. With a simple Velcro closure system that makes swaddling easier than ever before, these swaddle blankets are perfect for new parents that haven’t quite figured out how to fold and tuck a traditional swaddle. Soft, cozy one hundred percent cotton helps your baby feel secure and comfortable as they sleep. Plus, this set comes with three adorable gender-neutral designs that are sure to become a staple in your diaper bag.