So you have heard all about babies being swaddled or perhaps seen your family and friends swaddle their babies. You must be wondering... why do people swaddle their babies?
Here are the top 5 benefits of swaddling for BOTH parents and babies:
1. Swaddling helps babies feel more secure (mimics being cosy in the womb)
2. Swaddling prevent the startle reflex = avoiding unnecessary wake-ups
3. Swaddling eliminates the need for comfort items in the cot. No bumpers, pillows, stuffed animals, blankets. These items are not recommended as they have been linked to SIDS.
4. Swaddling helps babies maintain the back-sleeping position for safe sleep!
5. Swaddling helps babies sleep better (since they feel more secure and prevents startle reflex that wakes them up) - in turn, parents get more sleep! #winwin!
WHICH TYPE OF SWADDLE TO GET?
A large square blanket is super handy and versatile in swaddling your baby. They generally come in 100 x 100cm or 120 x 120cm. I highly recommend the latter - the bigger the better as it is more accommodating. That’s why our swaddles are designed to be 120 x 120cm large! There are many swaddling techniques that you can use - depending on which your baby needs/prefers.
With my girls, I used just one technique known as the Burrito Wrap technique. My girls loved it when they were babies, and slept so well and soundly, wrapped in this technique.
HOW MANY SWADDLES DO WE NEED?
I recommend starting with 2-3. One to use and two in case of nappy leaks and vomits. Don’t forget these large square swaddles are highly versatile in use. You can use them as a light weight blanket in the car or pram when you are out and about, a change mat cover, pram cover or nursing cover.
WHICH MATERIAL OF SWADDLE IS BEST?
Swaddles come in different materials.
Some are jersey styled - this means they are stretchy. I personally didn’t have success with them as my girls are strong little houdinis and their hands always manage to escape from being swaddled.
Then we have the muslin style. This is a more breathable, non stretchy version. For this style, you will be able to find 100% cotton, 100% bamboo and 70% bamboo + 30% cotton blend on the market. 100% cotton is the ‘roughest’ in texture of them all. While 100% bamboo the silkiest - however note that 100% bamboo swaddles are most delicate and the thread tends to pull most easily. In my experience, 70% bamboo + 30% cotton provides the best of both worlds. Still ultra soft and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin but more durable.
Shop our range of swaddles featuring original artworks created exclusively for us by local Aussie Artists today!
We have loved creating them for you and hope your babies will sleep better in them and also have so much fun discovering the animals featured during playtime / tummy time.
