Is it just my mother that always told me a newborn baby always should be wrapped/swaddled?! Yes, no? Mixed thoughts? Well, it was always instilled in me that’s what you do, probably because that’s what my mum did and what her mum taught her to do.
So when I had my daughter in August 2021 (Covid Baby Alert!), I wrapped/swaddled her from the get-go. My husband had to learn what wrapping/swaddling was and he became a master in no time! Although, there were a few times.. ok probably more than a few… when I checked on our newborn baby girl only to find she’d managed to get a pesky little hand or arm out of the swaddle. And it got me thinking.. does she not like this? Why am I doing this? And well… in the many hours I was awake in the middle of the night, I researched and this is what I found… it helped me.. so maybe it will help you too!
In this blog, let's explore the wonders of swaddling, with a special focus on its ability to limit the Moro reflex, among other advantages.
- Mimicking the Womb:
The womb is an environment of unparalleled comfort and security. Babies spend nine months cocooned in its warm embrace, and swaddling helps recreate this feeling in the outside world. By providing gentle pressure and restriction of movement, swaddling mirrors the womb's snugness, offering babies a sense of familiarity and safety, which can be incredibly calming. Swaddling can help a newborn baby with the transition out of the womb – and as an adult, we can’t imagine how hard that really must be!
- Limiting the Moro Reflex:
Newborns have a natural startle reflex, known as the Moro reflex, which causes them to suddenly throw out their arms and legs when they feel a sensation of falling. This reflex can startle them awake, leading to disrupted sleep patterns. Swaddling, by snugly wrapping the baby’s arms and legs, limits the Moro reflex, preventing these abrupt movements. By reducing these startling moments, swaddling helps babies sleep more peacefully, allowing for longer periods of restful sleep… hopefully meaning more sleep for you to, mumma!
- Ensuring Better Sleep Quality:
Quality sleep is vital for a baby's growth and development. Swaddling promotes better sleep quality by limiting the Moro reflex and creating a sense of security that helps babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Improved sleep patterns lead to a well-rested baby, making them more alert and content during their waking hours.
For parents, swaddling offers peace of mind. It provides reassurance that their little one is safe, snug, comfortable, and warm (especially in those colder months), allowing parents to attend to other tasks or get the rest they need. By limiting unnecessary movements and providing a gentle embrace, swaddling helps babies feel safe and secure, enabling them to explore the world around them with confidence when they are awake.
