Swaddling

Many babies sleep better when swaddled:

Swaddling – that sounds cute and kind of cozy. And indeed, the age-old technique of wrapping babies tightly in a cloth around their whole body is said to convey the sense of security of the womb.Colicky babies and babies who are hard to soothe often becomesignificantly calmer. Therefore many midwives recommend that young, exhausted parents try swaddling. The swaddling technique, which midwives recommend today, resembles the method known since antiquity and still common in many cultures today. However, in modern swaddling the baby's legs are not wrapped tightly but have some freedom of movement. Many babies seem to actually enjoy the the snugness of the swaddling cloth – and for many parents it eases the transition in the first months, until their baby has properly settled into the world.

Swaddling – how it's done

A square blanket is best for swaddling. With rectangular blankets, a part must be folded over, which may make the blanket too thick. Spread the blanket out, fold one corner inward and lay the baby on it with their head and shoulders on it.
Fold the lower corner of the blanket over the baby so that it covers the legs and torso; if necessary, fold the tip of the corner again. Caution – the baby's mouth and chin must always remain free.
First pull one side of the blanket snugly over the baby's body and, if necessary, secure it by tucking it lightly under the body. Then pull the other side over and wrap the baby with it.
Swaddled babies usually fall asleep faster and wake up less often. However, make sure that your baby does not stay in the same position for too long and that the sleeping area is not too warm.

Swaddling – possible, but not always necessary

Swaddling is a method to help very restless children or colicky babies fall asleep and stay asleep. Many midwives recommend swaddling for the first months and when circumstances call for it.

Pediatricians tend to be critical of swaddling. They see the risk of spinal and hip problems and a flattening of the back of the head, because the baby is not in the fetal position as in the womb, but lies flat with its head and back. They also fear the risk of overheating from the tightly wrapped blanket.

Whether you swaddle your baby, you decide yourselves – Children who do not cry or fuss beyond the 'normal' amount, however, do not necessarily have to be swaddled. And for babies with an existing hip misalignment who need to be wrapped widely, swaddling is not recommended. In addition, some babies simply do not like swaddling and protest loudly.

The baby wrap – a good alternative to swaddling

Babies who don't like being swaddled may settle in a baby wrap close to the parent's body. The babies are just as 'wrapped' as in a swaddle, but in a slightly rounder posture and with the comforting body warmth of mom or dad. In addition, parents have their baby clearly in view and notice immediately if it feels uncomfortable.