It is popular to swaddle your newborn baby in a duvet or a blanket so that the little bundle has arms and legs close to the body, as it gives your child a longer and more secure sleep.
It may sound strange, but it provides your child with greater security to lie snugly, as it in many ways resembles the time in the mother's womb, where arms and legs did not have space to flail around.
Swaddling, which is a recognized technique in many cultures, also prevents your child from suddenly waking up with a jerk because the arms are held close to the body. The technique is also known to reduce the risk of colic and sudden infant death syndrome.
Swaddling is especially good for babies from 0-3 months, while some babies can benefit from it all the way up to 7-8 months of age. However, not all children accept swaddling.
But if you get your baby used to being swaddled in a way that resembles a womb cave from the start, a shortcut to better sleep (both for baby and parents) is quickly created – but remember, your child should only be swaddled in connection with sleep. During awake times, your baby needs the opportunity to discover and play with their arms and legs.
But how do you make a good and safe swaddle yourself?
The answer is that it is actually quite simple, so here comes our little 3-step guide (as we promised you in the headline!):
- Fold one corner down a bit on a duvet or blanket
- Place your child's head on the folded corner so that your child lies diagonally
- Fold all other corners under your baby so that arms and legs are secured (think of your baby as the sweet piece of candy in a paper cone)
NOTE! Remember to regularly check your baby's temperature, and ensure that the swaddle is not too tight and does not cover the face.
See 3 methods for swaddling in the video below (start at 02:08 minutes):
