Frequently Asked Questions About Swaddles

People have been swaddling babies in one form or another for centuries. Swaddling involves securely wrapping up a baby using a lightweight blanket, holding all their limbs firmly in place, and restricting their motion and movement. Swaddling a baby in a blanket can be challenging, as you have to fold and wrap the blanket just right to ensure it is tight enough but not too tight. These days, mothers are using swaddles to swaddle their babies. If you have never heard of this term before, you may have many questions. Here are a few frequently asked questions about swaddles. 

What Exactly Are Swaddles? 

Swaddles are blankets that are designed specifically for swaddling a baby. Instead of being square or rectangular like a traditional blanket, they often are uniquely shaped to make swaddling your baby easier. They may have sacks at the bottom for the feet and may have pieces of cloth that fold in around the arms or body. They also typically have Velcro or snaps, helping to ensure the blanket is held firmly in place after you have swaddled the baby. 

What Are the Benefits of Swaddles? 

Being a mother to a newborn is exhausting. You are sleep-deprived and you wonder if you are making the right decisions for your new child. The last thing that you want to do is figure out how to fold and wrap a blanket around your baby when the baby is crying in the middle of the night or when you are exhausted. Swaddles help to ensure that you can swaddle your baby easily and quickly. 

Why Should You Swaddle a Baby? 

There are a number of reasons why you should consider swaddling a baby. Swaddling helps to restrict motion and movement. Newborns are used to being in a tight, small womb and having their motions and movements restricted. Swaddling can be comforting. Swaddling also helps babies to sleep longer, as it helps prevent sudden jerking or movement that can awaken them. Swaddling can keep a newborn's hands away from their face, helping to prevent scratching. Finally, swaddling can help to reduce the risk of SIDs. 

If you are expecting a baby, or you are struggling to swaddle a baby you recently had, swaddles help to make the process much simpler. This allows you and your baby to experience all of the benefits associated with swaddling a baby without having to actually figure out the art of folding or wrapping a blanket to secure your baby's limbs. There are many swaddles on the market, so visit your favorite baby retailer to see the various materials and patterns you can select from when buying swaddles.