The Miracle Swaddle For Newborns & Why It Works
Discover why the swaddle has gained such popularity with thousands of parents around the world and learn how it can help new parents achieve a peaceful night’s sleep. With helpful advice from experienced pediatric nurses at Moms on Call, you’ll be ready to take on parenthood!
Back in 2003, two amazing pediatric nurses from Atlanta, Laura and myself, had no clue that our after-hours calls at a pediatric practice would later transform into a global phenomenon known as Moms on Call. Our goal? To teach new parents the ins and outs of raising little ones, helping them distinguish what’s worth worrying about and what’s not.
Fast forward to today, where we’ve proudly assisted over 1 million families with our trusted, down-to-earth parenting resources. Our advice has proven to be effective time and time again, even surprising both of us. And why is it so well-received? Well, because it’s a reflection of the experiences and wisdom that we, as mothers, have gained firsthand. Between Laura and I, we happen to have eight children, and we still remember the joy of witnessing their first smiles and achieving that elusive full night of sleep.
The feeling when you finally soothe your crying baby is indescribable
As nurses, we realized something that few parents knew: the swaddle technique used in the hospital works wonders for a newborn’s first three to four days, but then the baby’s strength and development render that miracle swaddling technique ineffective.
We’ve spent the last 20 years equipping families with the tools necessary to get much-needed rest for the long haul; we’ve taught thousands of parents how to swaddle like a pro with our tried and true method. Watch our Moms on Call video tutorial to learn for yourself!
MOC Basics: Swaddling from Moms On Call on Vimeo.
MOC Basics: Ideal Sleep Environment from Moms on Call. Now that you’ve watched the video, I know you have more questions. Here are a few of the most common swaddle questions we’ve heard over the years:
What if my baby does not like to be swaddled?
Having swaddled literally thousands of babies, we have learned that not all techniques are the same and that easier is not always more effective. Our signature swaddling technique recreates your tender embrace so your baby can fully relax and safely drift off to sleep. Practice with us, and before you know it, you will be enjoying that amazing feeling of holding a sleeping, swaddled baby in your arms.
What size baby swaddle is right for my baby?
The ideal size for an effective swaddle is a 44-by-44-inch square. It must be large enough to provide a tight and secure fit that lasts until the startle reflex begins to disappear around 3 months of age. Our custom Moms on Call swaddle blanket is exactly what you need!
What is the best fabric for a swaddle blanket?
After 20+ years of swaddling babies, we can confidently say that the material matters. Muslin material is simply too stretchy and slippery to create a tight, secure swaddle that stays in place all night. Don’t worry: those great, lightweight muslin blankets have tons of other uses, and we recommend having several on hand. When we were looking for the ideal fabric for the perfect swaddle, we found that double-napped flannel best maintains the soft security that imitates a parent’s tender embrace and has the longest staying power.
How do I keep my baby from breaking out of the swaddle?
Babies may seem tiny, but they are experts at escaping from a loose swaddle technique. Don’t worry, it’s not your fault! Their startle reflex can cause their hands to fly out to the sides and their eyes to widen in surprise. It’s like they suddenly have super strength for a moment, and it can quickly undo a poorly done swaddle. That’s why it’s crucial to have the best swaddle blanket and technique that ensures their safety.
Let me share a few key components that you should consider when swaddling your little one:
- The tightness is best at the level of the elbows to allow for full lung expansion.
- The arms are to be secure, with the hands slightly behind the hip to ensure an ideal breathing posture. Try it now for yourself! Place your hands slightly behind your hips and take a deep breath –– your chest is perfectly positioned to be free to breathe, and those hands will remain securely behind the hip, stable and surprisingly comfortable.
- The legs can move freely to ensure proper hip development and manage gassiness.
- The blanket is secure and not dependent on the baby’s body weight for stability.
My baby keeps waking at night.
We know that infants seem as if they like to have their hands up by their faces, but that startle reflex can trigger a left hook to the jaw during sleep time, which is not anyone’s favorite way to wake up. So, securing those hands, ideally tucked behind the hip, will make longer stretches of sleep not only possible but replicable.
What if my baby is too wiggly to swaddle correctly?
Watch the Moms on Call video tutorial, practice on a stuffed animal, and then try the technique on your baby after a nice warm bath. That takes the pressure off and allows you to take your time. Once your baby is secured in their large, soft, safe swaddle, allow that little one a few minutes to get those last wiggles out. Then, watch as they rest and relax.
What is the best temperature for my baby’s room?
Keeping a nursery between 68-72 degrees is the perfect temperature for your baby to sleep in a light, cotton sleeper or short-sleeved bodysuit secured with a soft, large swaddle blanket.
Do I swaddle my baby at nap time?
Yes! As often as your reality allows or for a minimum of two naps a day.
In review, the swaddle technique that serves babies best requires the right tools, including a swaddle with fabric that is soft and breathable but will stay secure and almost stick to itself. The swaddle must also be large enough to grow with your baby until the startle reflex decreases around 3 months. The proper technique takes practice, so give yourself time to learn how to swaddle your baby.
We know that parenting can be exhausting and wonderfully overwhelming, so we took the guesswork out of tracking down the perfect swaddle blanket. It’s the ideal size for our swaddle method and is made with oh-so-soft double-napped flannel. Check out the Moms on Call Swaddle Blanket to learn more.
