Swaddle, swaddle, swaddle!
The second you’re expecting, you’ll hear the word “Swaddle” non stop up until your baby is about 4 months old. So what is a swaddle? It’s essentially a large thin cloth that is used to wrap a baby tightly when they’re a newborn. Swaddling is one of the most important things you can do for your new baby. It’s going to help your baby sleep better and longer, it can prevent startle reflex and can help prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Swaddling will also help your baby stay warm and toasty for the first few days of life until their internal thermostat kicks in.
And while swaddling seems to be the most popular word you’ll hear in the 9 months of your pregnancy, it’s certainly not a new trend. The earliest findings of a swaddled baby date back to 4500 years ago in ancient Greek and Roman times and there is even a mention of a swaddle in the bible:
New Testament concerning the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:6–2:7:
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
A swaddled baby is a calm baby. It reminds them of the tight, warm feeling they had when they were inside their mother’s womb, and while it’s a universally accepted practice, it’s important to do it correctly. The babies arms should be wrapped tightly, but the hips and legs should remain loose to avoid hip dysplasia risk.
Still unsure? Check out our helpful video on how to swaddle using the SNUGABABE swaddle HERE and instructions on how to swaddle HERE.