Abra Cadabra Swaddle

Picture a baby inside its mother's belly shortly before it is born.  Inside the womb it is dark, warm, and there is very little room to move around.  The baby is all curled up, snug and comfortable in its little home.  Is there any wonder why a newborn would love to be swaddled?  Not all do, but the vast majority will love it.  When an infant is wrapped snugly in a blanket, it helps her to feel safe and secure just like she did in her mother's belly. 

Most infants experience the moro or startle reflex when they hear a loud noise, which causes them to extend their arms, legs, and neck then quickly retract them and start to cry.  Some exhibit the startle reflex even in their sleep (without the crying portion). Swaddling also helps to prevent the flailing arms and legs when the newborn experiences the startle reflex and makes them feel more safe.  Some babies seem to experience the startle reflex more in their sleep when they are put to bed on their backs.  Since this is the recommended position for sleep for infants these days, swaddling them at bedtime may help them to sleep better as well.

Swaddling can be done with regular receiving blankets, or more securely with special swaddling blankets.  Whichever you prefer is fine, but  give swaddling a try  to quiet a crying infant, or to help her sleep on her back.  You just may have found the key to better sleep for your baby.

Lisa McLellan

Child Care Expert