Swaddling is common in the old age as it is today. It is a practice where infants are being wrapped in clothes or blankets to soothe and protect them from the cold weather. Today, it is still used for the same reasons. Modern doctors and pediatricians explain that swaddling helps a baby sleep better and keeps them away from having the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Although this is still controversial, many believe that swaddling is effective in helping babies calm down and rest well during the day and even in the evening because it gives them the same secured feeling as if they are still in the womb.
Traditional or not, its effects and benefits are notable. When you swaddle a crying baby tightly, it lessens its crying by comforting him and making him feel secured. Because babies cannot keep their body temperature warm, swaddling them will keep them cozy even during the day. Just remember not to overheat them to avoid dehydration. Check your baby’s body temperature and see if it is not too warm.
Another benefit when you swaddle a baby is it keeps its focus on breastfeeding because his arms won’t bother him when he is feeding. Babies easily get distracted so when they do it takes away their focus on whatever they are doing and that is not something you would want when you are breastfeeding him. Another benefit of swaddling is that they can be easily carried and that they won’t move around too much, avoiding possible accidents to happen. But just like any new experience, slowly introduce swaddling to babies who are not familiar with this practice. Always be careful when doing this, there are baby care products such as the Swaddle Me baby wraps that are convenient to use and come out much cheaper than regular blankets.