A recent post on mumsnet sums up the confusion felt by many parents as new research has highlighted concerns over incorrect swaddling and SIDS.
“my second baby on its way (5 days to go!) and i am confused about whether to swaddle or not. last time i started and then a midwife said it increased the chance of cot death. a week later a different mw said it reduced it!!!”
Mums have swaddled their babies since time immemorial, and anyone who has watched a newborn wave their arms uncontrollably will know that to do so makes intuitive sense.
Swaddled babies feel held and warm, they feel at home – some might argue that leaving a small baby unswaddled is
like shining a bright light in their eyes; way too much stimulation, way too soon. Swaddled infants generally sleep for longer as well, a fact born out by scientific studies.
But new research has highlighted some risks associated with swaddling including over-heating, impeded hip development and SIDs when babies are swaddled and lain on their front. Elsewhere studies show that in populations where babywrapping is common, there is a low incidence in SIDS.
The ambiguity of the advice makes it challenging for sleep-deprived parents, so here are some simple guidelines to follow when swaddling an infant (copied from the websites of two major centers studying infant mortality the ISPID and FSID ):
Recommendations
- Parents should be aware of the potential risks of swaddling their infant, particularly of the use of heavy materials for swaddling. Use breathable natural fibres such as fine merino, cotton or bamboo. Be mindful of the season and temperature of your house and chose appropriate swaddling material.
- Only swaddle after being shown the correct method by a professional. (eg. A midwife or nurse)
- Only use thin materials and DO NOT cover baby’s head.
- Infants must NEVER be placed prone (on their stomach) when swaddled or not.
- Current research suggests that it is safest to swaddle infants from birth and not to change infant care practices by beginning to swaddle their infant at 3 months of age when SIDS risk is greatest.
- Secondary caregivers should be made aware of their infant’s usual sleeping environment and practices.
All NBS’ swaddles are made in natural fabric, including Aden and Anais’ bamboo fibre muslins of varying thickness and Merino Kids Merino Coccoi Baby Wrap, which is especially designed to promote correct swaddling. Click here to find out more about how merino regulates a baby’s temperature.
This post is a summary of advice from the ISPID site, please read the report itself to make fully informed choices around swaddling.
Did you swaddle your baby? What were your experiences? Did you use any of the products above? What are your thoughts on the new research?
I didn’t mention in the post, but I used a Merino Kids Cocooi Wrap with my daughter. I was living in CHCH, NZ at the time – notorious for really changeable weather, and plummeting night-time temperatures in winter. The wrap gave my sleep-deprived brain peace of mind, as I knew it would regulate her temperature whatever the weather!
Merino Kids – We know that baby sleep tips/advice comes and goes, but swaddling has been around for century’s and is definitely back in fashion for all the right reasons. Archaeological records suggest that swaddling first developed around 4000 BC.
Scientists have now discovered that it may decrease the risk of SIDS as well as promoting better sleep routines for your newborn.
Parents can be misinformed about swaddling due to the type of fabric used in a swaddle blanket placing high importance on using the right fabric to allow for natural movement and keeping the baby at the right temperature for maximum comfort.
Let’s face it, if it was good enough for Jesus….
We list four simple reasons to swaddle and why you should do so using the 100% merino wool Cocooi Swaddle
Swaddling may reduce the risk of SIDS, Swaddling tiny babies may reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and here are the reasons why.
· Using your Cocooi merino swaddle, promotes sleeping baby on their back
· Allows complete air circulation whilst asleep
· It regulates temperature
· Designed to ensure baby never gets tangled in bedding
Swaddling encourages a good sleep pattern
The slight pressure of a swaddle around a tiny baby’s body emulates the familiar and secure feeling of the womb. This helps the baby with deeper sleep patterns. Studies have shown that babies sleeping in merino settle more quickly and cry less.
Fabric needs to have natural stretch
Knitted Merino wool has a natural stretch which promote’s babies natural arm and leg movements within the secure environment of the swaddle. This movement is crucial in their early brain development.
Fabrics that have no stretch can create a sleeping problem. The reasons being
- a baby becomes accustomed to having no movement and therefore wakes up when parents decide to no longer swaddle their baby.
- Newborns natural startle reflex or “Moro Reflex” can wake them up from a deep sleep if not swaddled.
Babies have to be the right temperature.
We all know that babies shouldn’t over heat. The downside of our paranoia is that we don’t give them enough blankets. Merino wool keeps babies warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot.
Ever wondered how Rod Stewart looks so relaxed at the age of 66 with a new baby boy? The answer may lie in the fact that four month old Alden has being pictured sleeping peacefully in a swaddle, see if you can spot Alden in his Cocooi Swaddle.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1365955/Rod-Stewart-Penny-Lancaster-baby-time.html
Thanks for the post Merino Kids, it really clarifies that not all swaddles are made alike and how important it is to choose the right fabric. Little Alden Stewart looks gorgeous in his Cocooi Swaddle BTW, so cosy!