What is that development?
Whether you're a new parent or a parent still waiting for your miracle, you may not know exactly what it means to swaddle a baby. It is a word that is often heard and rarely explained. So let's talk more about it!
Swaddling is an ancient practice of wrapping babies in a special blanket. The development is believed to help soothe babies by simulating how they felt in their mother's womb. Babies calm down, and parents with them, because their babies fall asleep sweetly and wake up less often.
Babies wake up at night for a variety of reasons, most commonly, of course, because they want to eat or be near their parents. However, they are also often awakened by the Moro reflex. The Moro reflex (also known as the startle reflex) occurs when the baby hears a sound or changes body position. When frightened, the baby spreads its arms and spreads its fingers and toes, and may even tremble slightly. Most of the time, he cries and squeezes his toes and fingers and seems to try to hug himself with his arms.
How to choose the right chasing blanket or wrap .
The right diaper can greatly improve your baby's sleep. Here are some factors to consider to choose the best one:
- Material : Choose a material that is soft, breathable and gentle on baby's skin. The most popular materials are cotton, bamboo and muslin. Always try to look for certified organic diapers that do not contain any toxins.
- Size : Diapers come in a variety of sizes, but most are around 100x122cm. When choosing, consider the size of the baby and the level of swaddling you want to achieve. Some diapers are specifically designed for newborns, while others may be suitable for larger babies.
- Diaper type : There are 2 main types of diapers - traditional and wrap type. Traditional diapers take some practice to properly wrap, but they offer more options for the perfect fit and size. Wrap diapers, on the other hand, are easier to use and often come with snaps or hook-and-loop closures to make changing easy and quick.
- Safety : Avoid diapers with loose, overly stretchy fabric, as this can pose a suffocation hazard. Make sure that the diaper fits the baby's body tightly without restricting movement or breathing.
Development alternatives.
Swaddling is a popular way around the world to soothe newborns and help them sleep better. However, some parents do not want to develop or may find that their baby does not like it. Here are some alternatives you can consider:
- Sleeping bags : Sleeping bags are a popular alternative to diapers, providing a safe and cozy environment for your baby without restricting movement. They come in different sizes and materials. It's also a great sleepwear for grown-up babies who like to "kick around".
- When you get too big for diapers : As your baby grows and becomes more active, you may want to move away from traditional swaddling. Several products are available, for example, wrap-type diapers - sleeping bags that provide different development options - hands in, one or two hands outside.
- Co-sleeping : If you are comfortable co-sleeping, you can create a safe sleeping environment by using the baby cot delivered to your bed. This allows your baby to sleep close to you and still have their own safe sleeping space.
- White noise : Some babies find white noise especially soothing, which can help them calm down and fall asleep. You can use a white noise machine or an app on your phone to create a calming environment for your baby.
Common development mistakes
Developmental mistakes happen, especially for new parents who have never done this before – and it's completely normal. Don't worry, we're here to help! Here's a list of the most common development mistakes and how to fix them.
- Wrapped too tightly. This can restrict the baby's movements and sometimes even breathing, depending on how tight the tissue is. Make sure the diaper is snug but not too tight, leaving room for your legs to move and breathe freely.
- Not leaving enough room for clubs. It is important to leave room for your baby's hips to move freely to prevent hip dysplasia, a condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly. To solve this, make sure the diaper leaves enough room for your hips and legs to move freely and comfortably.
- Diaper "too high". This can increase the baby's risk of overheating. To avoid this, make sure the diaper is wrapped securely around the middle of the body, leaving the shoulders and neck uncovered.
- Incorrect size. If the diaper is too big or too small, the swaddle won't work. Diapers come in a variety of sizes, but most are around 102x122cm. . Choose the size according to the size of the baby.
- The baby's temperature is not taken into account. Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), regardless of whether the baby is swaddled or not. To address this, keep checking the baby's temperature and adjust the swaddle and/or clothing layers as needed, see if the baby likes the extra warmth or prefers a slightly cooler environment. Due to not ensuring the required temperature, babies can often be irritable, have difficulty falling asleep, and often wake up.
When to stop chasing
It is generally recommended that you stop swaddling your baby when they are independent, which is usually around 4-6 months. age. Swaddling can restrict movement and make it difficult for baby to roll over, so let's let babies learn and continue to explore the world!
When your baby starts to move, it's time to switch to different sleepwear. You can start with one arm, then gradually progress to both arms, or opt for a sleeping bag or other alternative sleepwear.
Remember that every baby is different and some may not want to be developed earlier or later than others. It is important to monitor the baby's development and adjust the sleep pattern accordingly to ensure his safety and comfort. Always consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions.
Sweet dreams to you and your babies,
The Tiny Humans team
