Swaddling is an age-old practice used by parents for centuries to help babies sleep longer, wake up happier and reduce the effects of colic. Studies have shown that swaddling can help babies sleep longer and less fitfully, comfort them with the power of touch when upset and keep babies sleeping on their backs, which is the safest position to prevent SIDS. The greatest part of swaddling is that it gives parents the power to comfort their child and make him/her feel rested, happy and safe.
Swaddling helps babies sleep better and longer.
In a study performed in 2005, several doctors discovered, "When infants between 6 and 16 weeks of age sleep swaddled and supine (on their back), they sleep longer, spend more time in NREM sleep, and awake less spontaneously than when not swaddled" (Pediatrics, 2005). Not only does swaddling help babies stay asleep, it will also help him/her fall back asleep more quickly if awoken. "When swaddled, the babies not only woke up and startled less frequently, they also fell asleep again much sooner after arousal" (Ross Grant, HealthDayNews Reporter, 1992).
Swaddling comforts babies, whether in pain, upset, or colicky.
Touch is an important part of making babies feel loved and secure, and swaddling can help fulfill that need for parent and child. "Firm but gentle touch can be applied to your baby to provide comfort and sense of security. Touch includes...swaddling (wrapping baby in a blanket)" (Laura K. Knosp, RN, 2002). Dr. Harvey Karp suggests swaddling will cause your baby to feel "safe, cozy, and womblike" (Newsweek, June 10, 2002). In addition to helping your baby feel safe and secure, swaddling "relieve[s] pain-induced stress because it provides constant stimulation simultaneously across several sensory systems and can be consistently applied without fatiguing the caregiver" (Child Development, August 1989).
Swaddling encourages babies to sleep on their back, the safest sleeping position.
Much of the stress of being a new mom stems from worrying about the baby’s safety. Swaddling keeps baby from rolling over, thus increasing the chances that baby will stay sleeping on their backs. Because baby is wrapped tight in the blanket rather than a loose drape, swaddling can also prevent babies from getting tangled in blankets, decreasing the chance of SIDS. "Research...has shown that babies who are swaddled...are more likely to sleep on their backs- a position that is known to reduce the incidence of cot death [SIDS]" (9).
When baby sleeps better, mom sleeps better.
Swaddling not only helps babies sleep more soundly, but it gives mom and dad peace of mind knowing that their baby is comfortable, safe and secure. One of the biggest frustrations of new moms is the feeling of helplessness that comes when they are unable to comfort their crying baby and help them fall and stay asleep. Swaddling methods give parents a powerful tool to comfort their baby when upset, even when they are not available to hold them.
According to Dr. Pamela High, a pediatrician, women who feel this sense of competency, confident in their ability to console their babies, suffer significantly less postpartum depression (U.S. News and World Report, August 27, 2006). At Burrito Baby we are determined to empower all parents with the resources they need to soothe their baby, thus relieving stress and increasing sleep for everyone in the family. Burrito Baby believes that rested parents are better parents and we wish you happy sleeping!
