First Time Swaddling your Little One? Let us Kickstart your Swaddling Journey!

Swaddling a baby can be a daunting task, especially for new parents who have zero experience in handling babies. Let us share with you how to swaddle your baby the right way, and also answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we get!

Swaddling helps greatly in calming babies down and helping them to relax, making them less likely to cry. In turn, this also benefits the parents by giving them a boost in confidence and ease of mind as well! Click HERE to read more about how swaddling can be beneficial for both you and your baby!

How to Swaddle a Baby?

Swaddling a baby can be quite a daunting task for new parents who have zero experience in handling babies. Follow the instructions below for a step-by-step guide on how to swaddle your baby the right way!

Step 1: Spread out a swaddle and fold the top corner down into a diamond shape

Step 2: Position your baby face up with his head over the folded corner

Step 3: Place his left arm beside his body, wrap the left corner of the swaddle over and tuck it under his body

Step 4: Place his right beside his body, wrap the right corner of the swaddle over and tuck it under his body

Step 5: Fold or twist all loose ends

Credits: American Academy of Pediatrics 

Now, as easy as the instructions may seem, it will take a couple of practices to do it quickly and properly. To know whether you have done it correctly, check whether the swaddle is too tight for the baby. There should be enough wriggle space around the hip so that his lower body can still move about. Also, always ensure that your baby is facing up at all times. Facing down while being wrapped in a swaddle may result in suffocation. 

To help you out with some swaddling tips, here are some questions that we get from our LB mummies and friends! 

Q: When can I start to swaddle my baby, and when should I do it?

A: You can start swaddling your baby from birth! This helps him/her feel safe in the new environment. You can swaddle your baby anytime, but it is usually done during sleep or nap time to help them stay warm and sleep better.

Q: How do I know if I’m wrapping my baby up too tightly or loosely?

A: You can perform a simple test to gauge the tightness. Place two fingers between the swaddle and your baby’s chest, and it’s not too tight if your fingers fit easily. It’s probably too loose if you can fit four fingers or more in between. 

Q: Can I breastfeed a swaddled baby?

A: It’s not recommended to do so as that will make your baby feel too comfortable. Although that may sound good, they may doze off and end up not getting the nutrients that they need.

Q: There are too many types of swaddles out there. How do I pick one?

A: Avoid swaddles that are made of synthetic materials. They are not breathable and may cause your baby to overheat or develop rashes. Pick one which uses good quality organic materials like muslin or bamboo cotton blends to ensure good airflow.

At Little Bearnie, our swaddles are made from 70% bamboo and 30% eco-friendly organic cotton which will give your little one(s) the best burrito experience. New mummies, hope the above FAQs and tips give you a little more confidence in your swaddling journey! You are not alone! 

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Dear mummies, you are not alone in your parenting journey. Read more about our #MummiesTime series where our LB mummies share over here!