Swaddling

I have a very fussy newborn and my mom suggests I try the old-fashioned swaddling. Is it bad for the baby to be so restricted?

The fact is that many of the old-fashioned ideas really do work and a fussy newborn can do with all the help baby can get! Swaddling is wrapping the baby snugly in a blanket, and there are babies for whom this is remarkably reassuring mad calming. As the baby grows older the desire to be cuddled so closely will fade naturally so there is no need to worry about restricting the baby.

Try this method:

– Choose a soft blanket and place it on a suitable surface. Folding the top corner down about a hand’s width

– Lay baby onto a folded blanket with his head on the surface just above the folded area

– Pull one corner over the baby and tuck it under the back on the opposite side.

– Pull the bottom of the blanket up over his chest, folding it down under baby’s chin, leaving room for legs to be straight

– Bring the last corner over and tuck under back on the opposite side

– Result: snug baby!

Some babies like to be swaddled but prefer their hands to be free. However, there are some babies who don’t like swaddling, and then at least you will know that it doesn’t help.