What is Swaddling?
A baby in the womb is surrounded by warmth and snugness. After they are born, this snugness and warmth are mimicked by swaddling. Swaddling is the technique by which parents snug the baby in a lightweight blanket or a piece of cloth, carefully securing their arms and legs gently. Swaddling, specifically in the early weeks of birth, provides a sense of comfort and security to the baby and soothes them as it imitates the feeling of being in the womb.
Swaddling a baby also helps in regulating their body temperature. The wrapped cloth offers an extra layer of warmth and regulates the newborn baby’s body heat. It also helps the newborn to stay calm, cozy and snug, and sleep comfortably. Another advantage of swaddling is that it helps to reduce the startle reflex by restricting the infant’s limb movements.
While swaddling a baby at home, especially during the hot weather, some guidelines must be followed to ensure the baby’s comfort and safety.
How to Swaddle a Baby Safely at Home?
Listed below are the steps to swaddle a baby safely at home:
- Use a swaddle made out of thin and breathable fabric. Blankets made out of cotton and muslin are the most preferable choices for a summer baby swaddle.
- Spread the swaddle flat in the shape of a diamond. Then fold the top corner inwards.
- Lay the baby on their back in the swaddle’s centre. Make sure to align the baby’s head on the folded corner.
- Take the right corner of the swaddle and cross it over the baby’s chest, tucking it under the left arm.
- Take the swaddle’s bottom corner and bring it over to the baby’s feet. Tuck this behind their shoulder.
- Lastly, take the left corner and cross it over the baby’s chest, tucking it under the right arm.
- Ensure that the swaddle is snug, but not too tight. An extra-tight swaddle may cause suffocation for the baby.
The tightness of the swaddle should be gentle enough not to cause any discomfort to the newborn.
Tips for safe swaddling during summer
Swaddling during summer may become difficult due to the hot weather. However, these tips for summer baby swaddle will help ensure the baby’s comfort during the heat.
- Ensure the baby’s room is at the right temperature. A temperature of around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius is recommended for keeping the baby cool during summer. Use a fan, open windows for proper ventilation and avoid exposing the baby to direct AC draft.
- Choose a swaddle blanket that has a natural, light, comfortable and breathable fabric. Optimal fabrics for a baby’s swaddle blanket are cotton and muslin. Avoid synthetic fabrics and heavy natural fabrics.
- Dress the baby appropriately under the swaddle. A short-sleeve bodysuit is a good option, but on a very hot day, a jabla is more suitable as it is lightweight and breathable. Avoid any hat or headgear while the baby is in a swaddle.
- Use a breathable mattress for the baby’s crib, like mesh or foam. This will help in the circulation of air and prevent overheating of the body.
Conclusion
Swaddling a baby during summer can be a challenge, but the right tips and techniques can make the process a lot easier. The right products help too, especially in ensuring the comfort of the baby. Cocoon Care’s bamboo muslin swaddles are an excellent choice for your baby’s comfort as they are 3 times softer and can keep 3 degrees cooler than cotton swaddles. These bamboo muslin swaddle blankets are carefully designed with lightweight fabric that stays gentle on the baby’s sensitive skin, making it an ultra-breathable choice to wrap on your newborn. Cocoon Care’s summer baby swaddle will make sure your baby has a good sleep, even on the hottest days of summer.
