Swaddling without handles. How to swaddle a baby so that his hands remain without a swaddle. Should I swaddle my baby?

In America, Indian tribes used rabbit skins and dry grass as ingredients for diapers. The used grass was then thrown away and the skins were dried. So the baby was comfortable and dry. In the second century BC in Europe they already began to swaddle a baby in cloth as a form of clothing.

Our article will highlight all the nuances of swaddling and answer the question up to what age this simple procedure should be done.

What does the term swaddling mean?

Swaddling is a set of measures aimed at creating a comfortable stay for the baby, retaining waste products and preventing diaper rash.

With the help of diapers, favorable conditions are also created for the baby to sleep peacefully.

Facilitates the baby's adaptation to the outside world and brings it closer to the conditions of intrauterine life.
Reduces excessive excitability, since the child may involuntarily wave his arms and legs. This can frighten him and interfere with restful sleep.
Keeps you warm. In children of the first months, thermoregulation processes are not fully developed, and swaddling helps them maintain their normal temperature.
Prevents diaper rash. The fabric is breathable, unlike a diaper. And mom will replace wet diapers immediately rather than a diaper, which will prevent prolonged contact of delicate skin with a wet surface.
Development of touch. The soft touch of the diaper will allow the baby to develop this feeling;
During the first baths, you can swaddle your baby in a thin diaper. For him, this will be a kind of protection from the outside world, and so the newborn will not be afraid of the bath and water.

Pediatrician Komarovsky E.O.: “Swaddling a child is not harmful. Buying diapers is much cheaper than baby vests and rompers. But it’s easier for dads to wear undershirts and rompers. There is no dad who perfectly masters the skill of swaddling.”

Types of diapers

It is important to study the fabric requirements:

Good quality. The diaper should not tear when stretched.
Absorbent effect. The most important property. The diaper should absorb moisture well and at the same time maintain a “breathable effect”.
Proper finishing of edges. In general, children's clothes are hemmed using an overlocker. This is necessary to avoid tight seams that can rub the baby’s delicate skin.
Be soft to the touch, without foreign odors. Should not fade when washed.
Only natural materials- chintz, flannel, kulirka, linen, footer, knitwear. Avoid synthetics.
Diaper sizes. Very comfortable in the form of a square with a side of 1.2 m. This is enough for you to easily swaddle your baby.
Do not choose fabric with bright colors so as not to irritate the child. The composition of dyes can be harmful to the skin.
Diapers need to be washed regularly baby powder and iron on both sides.

Types of diapers and their purpose

Calico. Must be made of cotton material. They are usually always closest to the newborn's body. Also used as crib sheets.

Flannel. They are swaddled over calico. They are thicker than chintz and retain heat well. They can be used as a bedspread. In summer you can not use it.

Knitted. Appeared recently. They stretch quite well, are soft and gentle to the touch. They are also swaddled under flannel.

Cocoon diapers with Velcro. Modern diapers, which can also be made of knitted fabric. They do not create unnecessary folds. It will not be difficult for a mother to wrap her baby in such a diaper.

Disposable diapers. Not intended for swaddling. Necessary for laying on a changing pad or on a bed so that the baby does not stain the surface. Convenient when going to the clinic. Must not contain synthetic materials.

How many diapers should I take?

Mom Elena, 28 years old: “I bought 10 flannel and 10 cotton and knitted diapers for my daughter. It was enough, even a little too much. We could have swaddled a couple more babies. A very comfortable diaper - a cocoon, I had only one copy of it. My daughter loved to fall asleep in it.”

Required minimum baby dowry for swaddling

flannel - 5 pieces;
calico - 5 pieces;
Velcro diapers - 1 - 2 pieces;
disposable diapers.

How to properly swaddle a newborn?

Classic swaddling with handles. Option #1

We spread a cotton diaper on the changing table so that there are no wrinkles. We place the baby in the center of the diaper so that the head lies above the edge of the fabric.

We place our left hand on the baby's chest, and wrap one end of the diaper under the baby's back. We do the same with the right handle, and also wrap the second edge of the diaper under the back.

We straighten the lower corners, cover the baby's chest with the edge and place the right corner under the newborn's back, and the left corner over the baby's right shoulder. We tuck a small corner into the fold on the baby’s chest.

The diaper should not crumple or create unnecessary folds. This will interfere with the baby's sleep.

Swaddling with handles. Option No. 2

We spread the diaper. We bend the edge a little at the top. We hide the baby’s right hand in the resulting pocket. Now we place this hand together with the diaper on the stomach and cover the baby’s right side.

Then we do the same with the left edge of the diaper. We straighten the bottom edge and bend it under the knees.

Swaddling with handles. Option No. 3

We spread the diaper into a diamond shape. Fold the top corner. We lay the baby down so that his head is above the diaper. We hold the baby's right hand and place the corner of the diaper behind the baby's left side through the armpit.

And the other lower corner is over the child’s left shoulder. We wrap the left corner of the diaper around the baby's body. The free bottom can simply be folded under the legs.

When the temperature is high, you cannot swaddle your baby.

Used in the treatment of hip dysplasia and for the prevention of congenital dislocations. This swaddling creates a “frog pose” to unload the joints.

Everything is as usual. We spread the diaper on the changing table. Fold it diagonally to form a triangle.

We place the larger edge of this triangle under the baby’s lower back. It is better to put on a gauze diaper even before diapering.

We place the bottom corner of the diaper on the tummy, and tuck the side corners from the top on the baby’s belt. You can wear a vest on top.

Swaddling with head

Favorite type of swaddling immediately after birth in the hospital. We spread the diaper and place the newborn so that the head is below the edge of the diaper. We wrap the baby. First, we bring one edge behind the back, while fixing the handle, then the second. The bottom edge can be placed on the breast and secured.

In this position, the baby sleeps very comfortably; it is difficult for him to even move his head, so unnecessary movements will not wake him up.

Tight swaddling

Back in Soviet times, it was believed that this type of swaddling helped straighten the legs. But, as it turned out, this was an erroneous version.

Tight swaddling prevents the baby from breathing and developing normally, so it has been abandoned lately.

Go for a walk

In cool weather, you still need either a blanket or a warm envelope on top of the diapers. First, you swaddle your baby in any convenient way. Then spread out the blanket in a diamond pattern and wrap the baby up. The upper corner of the blanket can cover your face from strong winds or frost.

Until what age do we wrap babies?

In general, a child should be swaddled until he is three months old. This is the period when the baby is already on his tummy, and extra diapers will interfere with his exploration of the world.

You can swaddle your head only for the first week of your baby’s life.

Pay attention to how your baby sleeps. If he doesn't wake up from shaking his arms or legs, you can swaddle him freely.

Some parents even wear baby vests and rompers almost from birth.

A modern take on how to swaddle a newborn baby

If the baby is calm, then swaddle for up to a month.
Observe your baby's behavior.
The maximum age for swaddling is 4 months.
It is not recommended to swaddle for a long time; it will delay motor development.

The process of swaddling is very important in the life of children. This way it allows the baby to feel his mother’s hands, warmth, and care. And if both parents are doing this, then this will free up a few minutes for mom to relax. Everyone chooses what is convenient for them. And, as it turned out, swaddling is not harmful, but even useful.

Be healthy!

Lately there has been a lot of debate, even among doctors, about how to swaddle a newborn in the maternity hospital. Experienced mothers try not to give up this procedure in the first months, choosing one of the techniques they like. If a woman in labor has not learned how to swaddle in the maternity hospital, she will have to develop the skill.

First swaddling

In a modern maternity hospital, the baby is in the same room with the mother. She will feed him, wash him, change his clothes. If this is not the first baby in the family, then the mother will cope with diapers without any problems, wrapping her baby up like a doll.

Are newborn babies now swaddled in the maternity hospital? In modern maternity hospitals, they try to adhere to old traditions, and a newly born baby is wrapped in swaddling clothes. In this case, they start from a psychological position. It is this approach that provides the feeling of security that the baby felt in the womb. Therefore, midwives already in the birthing room teach young mothers several methods of wrapping.

Methods for swaddling a newborn baby:

tight - with straight arms and legs;
free - with open arms and legs able to move;
wide - with legs spread at 60°.

How to properly swaddle a newborn baby in the maternity hospital? Initially, wrapping is carried out at birth, using the method of tightly fixing the limbs. This is a good opportunity to quickly calm the baby. This procedure is first performed by a midwife.

In the future, when the baby is transferred to her mother’s ward, she will have to master the procedure by studying several techniques at once (for the future).

It is also recommended to swaddle the baby tightly upon discharge from the hospital. In this case, they resort to a variation of this method - “envelope”. This makes it easier for the mother to hold the baby in her arms on the way, and he feels more comfortable.

Each mother will determine for herself how to swaddle a newborn at home. Perhaps she will use the tight method for the night, and during the day she will wrap herself loosely. If the room is warm, then he will use the wide method, which the little one will like, since it is a more natural pose.

Algorithm

Each method has its own algorithm for swaddling a newborn baby. If a mother quickly masters the technique of how to swaddle a baby tightly, then she will cope with the other options quite easily.

Algorithm of action in the maternity hospital:

Having carefully laid out the diaper on the table, place the baby in the middle so that the neck touches the edge of this sheet;
apply the straightened left arm to the body, grab the side edge and wrap it tightly around the body (diagonally), placing the end under the back on the right;
We do the same with the right hand and the side end of the fabric;
The bottom edge looks a bit like a fishtail. It is tucked up onto the body. In this case, the legs must be connected and straightened;
Having tightly wrapped the lower ends of the sheet around the body, they are secured either with a safety pin or with a bow.

Algorithm in pictures

The "envelope" method It is carried out in the same way, only the fabric is laid diagonally so that the upper corner subsequently covers the baby’s face. The lower corner is placed on the legs and stomach, and the sides are wrapped around the body.

The technique is used when swaddling a baby upon discharge from the hospital. What a newborn is swaddled in upon discharge depends on the time of year: a blanket or a light envelope. A diaper is almost always used for discharge from the maternity hospital; it should only be made of natural material. If mom is an ardent supporter of sliders, you can use them, but you must master the described technique. Swaddling helps calm a fussy baby.

Special methods

In every family there is, of course, an older woman, a grandmother, an aunt who will show a young mother how to swaddle a newborn. In the first month it is better to use two diapers. First, the baby wraps himself in one, then in the second. Thus, he finds himself hidden in a dense cocoon that restrains his movements. Modern swaddling of newborns from 3 months consists of wrapping only the lower part, leaving the arms free.

Swaddling of legs. During wakefulness, it is recommended to swaddle the baby's legs without arms. It is recommended to leave them outside. This method is also very good in summer or in warm weather. When it's hot, you can use gauze as a material for swaddling.

Step by step photo

How to swaddle a newborn baby in the maternity hospital:

fold the diaper in half;
place its edge at the level of the baby’s chest;
bend the left side to the right, fold it behind the back;
perform similar manipulations with the second side;
lift the bottom edge to the waist, straighten, tuck, strengthen.

This method is considered the most comfortable; it promotes the rapid development of the baby.

Swaddling of hands. Another option is to swaddle the arms only. It is used when the baby is a light sleeper and flinches from every movement of his limbs, while eating, if he waves his arms and prevents himself from eating.

To swaddle your baby's arms, you need to place him comfortably on the diaper. The head should extend beyond the edge. She will remain unswaddled.

How to properly swaddle a baby:

put a thin vest on your baby;
put him on a diaper;
take the left edge, go around the handle, tuck it under the back along the bias, smooth it out;
do the same actions with the second edge;
tuck the bottom edge;
put on a cap.

During the swaddling process, do not forget to straighten the folds with your palm. The baby should feel comfortable in any type of swaddling.

How many diapers and vests do you need in the maternity hospital? According to reviews from mothers, a pair of elegant diapers and vests are definitely required for discharge. For 5 days of stay in the maternity hospital, 3-4 of each type of clothing and 2-3 diapers will be enough. In modern maternity hospitals, sets of diapers are provided if there are not enough of them, but a sufficient number can be obtained upon request.

How to properly swaddle a newborn in the maternity hospital video:

A baby is born and in the first days of his life it is advised to swaddle the baby's head. Initially, they put on a vest with closed sleeves. Its seams are all made outward. Then the baby is placed on the diaper so that the head is located below the edge. Cover the head with its free part, then wrap it around the arm, tucking the edge of the diaper under the tank. The second edge is wrapped around the baby and secured.

Despite the variety of clothes for newborns in stores, many young mothers prefer to wrap their baby in diapers.

They are cheaper than suits, and babies sleep more peacefully when wrapped in them. It is easier for an inexperienced mother to pick up a multi-layered, even cocoon than a baby in a suit. Feeding your baby is also easier when wrapped. Progressive parents should also purchase a few pieces.

Although there are mothers who doubt this, we will still share the lessons with you, because... they may come in handy when:

carrying out hygiene procedures: cleaning the nose, ears;
medical examination;
the need to quickly calm the baby, for example, after a bath or stress;
skin diseases, diaper rash - the diapers do not have seams that rub the skin;
the need to quickly warm the baby.

Two to three pieces are usually required upon admission to the maternity hospital.

From this article you will learn

Choosing the right diaper

When choosing a changing kit, first of all look at the weight and height of the newborn. The following tips will help you navigate the situation:

Buy several different copies to decide which ones are more convenient to use.
Surely they will come in handy large square diapers 120×120 centimeters. At first, you can wrap your baby head and shoulders in them, later they will come in handy during a doctor’s examination, on the road, or as a sheet for the crib.
Canvas 100×100 centimeters recommended for swaddling babies up to 3–4 months.
Previously the most popular were diapers 80×95, 80×120 centimeters.
Diapers are suitable for premature babies, whose length is 70 centimeters.
Standard diapers for the classical method – rectangular shape.

Typically, the set should consist of half diapers made of thin fabric and half warm ones.

The most common lightweight fabrics: cambric, kulirka and chintz. Batiste models tear quickly, but are ideal for air permeability and are suitable for summer and hot weather. The cooler shrinks a lot. Calico fabric for children is the most popular.
Made from warm fabrics Knitwear, flannel, footer are suitable. The advantage of knitted models is the ability to take any shape, the baby can move his arms and legs. Classic flannel diapers are made of pure cotton and are characterized by the ability to perfectly absorb moisture. Footer is the warmest material; it is a winter option for babies. Models made from it must be large.

Important! In the first days a newborn is capable soil clothes up to 20 times a day. If you are not going to use disposable diapers, the number of diapers needs to be doubled, since some of them will be constantly in the wash. A diaper folded in four is also used as a headrest. Plus you need gauze diapers.

Transforming models are very convenient, in which the baby’s legs are placed in a pocket, and the body is wrapped in the edges on which Velcro is located.

Types of swaddling

Even many experienced mothers do not know how many types of swaddling there are. Main methods: tight, loose, wide. From birth, the baby's head is wrapped in linen; later, only the legs are swaddled. Swaddled in a blanket, envelopes, slings, sleeping bags. Modern models have bright pictures, which makes the toddler’s appearance funny and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you have a girl or a boy, there are any options.

Each type requires skill. You can train on dolls, toys, or learn by wrapping an even roll of blanket in fabric. It is advisable to master all the methods before the baby is born, during pregnancy. Inept actions can scare the baby or accidentally injure him. Once you learn the algorithm of actions, it will be easier in practice.

Are you planning to swaddle your baby?

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Before wrapping the baby in cloth, you need to put on a diaper and a vest. Which diaper to use, gauze or disposable diaper, is up to the mother to choose. Many pediatricians advise leaving the baby's head uncovered.

There is a well-known phrase from Dr. Komarovsky that it is better to put a cap on a grandmother than on a baby.

Classic tight version

Swaddling a newborn with a “soldier” assumes that the baby’s arms will be straight along the body. The legs in this position are straightened and tightly wrapped in cloth. There are several ways: swaddling with the head or just the torso.

First method (with the head)

This method requires two diapers. Spread the first one horizontally at the level of the baby’s shoulders. Place the second one on top in a diamond shape and fold the corner under the back of the baby’s head.
Place the baby in the center so that the edge of the top panel can be wrapped around the head. Tuck the edges of the fabric and place tightly around the baby's forehead and temples.
Bend the baby's arm towards your chest, wrap it in a diaper, bringing the edge first under the armpit, then towards the legs. The fabric should fit snugly around the body, but not too tight so that the baby can breathe freely. We repeat the same action on the other side.
Now we wrap the child with the second cloth, the direction of the edge of the fabric is from the shoulder to the opposite arm, it is placed under the back. We wrap the second half of the body in the same way.
Wrap the bottom end of the diaper around the baby's legs, secure the ends by tucking them into the folded edge. You cannot use pins of any kind; if necessary, it is better to use tape. A strong child is able to free himself and grab a dangerous object.

Second method (body only)

Suitable after swimming. It is not very convenient to pull on baby onesies and blouses; it is easier to wrap the baby in a large diaper.

To do this, the canvas is arranged in the form of a diamond, the upper edge is folded inward.
You need to lay the baby closer to the top, fold the edges of the fabric, clasping the baby’s shoulders.
Wrap the right edge of the diaper around the left side of the baby's body and place it under the back.
Raise the bottom edge up, stretch the fabric and wrap it around the baby’s shoulder. Wrap the baby's body with the left hand and secure the tip of the diaper.

This method raises many objections; modern pediatricians do not recommend it. Although the child’s sleep with this method is sound, constant stay in a static position interferes with natural development, and the tightly stretched tissue impairs blood circulation.

It is a myth that crooked legs can be corrected using this method. A child in several layers of fabric quickly overheats, and colic may occur.

The best option: use loose or wide swaddling.

Free option

Swaddling this way can be done in different ways.

Basic principle: the baby’s arms and legs are given some freedom. You can wrap the baby, leaving the arms open, or you can use the so-called Australian method. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Lay out a large diaper.
Fold the top edge inward about 10 centimeters. Place your child in the center with his shoulders on the folded edge of the material.
Place the baby's hand in the resulting space formed by the edge of the diaper. Pass the end of the fabric under the armpit of the opposite arm and place it behind the back.
Repeat on the other side.

If you did everything correctly, the baby’s fists will be located at the level of the mouth, and the baby’s hands can move in the resulting pocket. The baby will not be able to pull out his hands and will not frighten himself with an awkward movement.

You can fold a large diaper diagonally and spread it with the blunt end down. The baby is placed so that his head is slightly above the edge of the diaper. Wrap the ends of the resulting triangle diagonally around the baby, securing the lower end under the chin.

Wide variety

The fact that tight swaddling leads to hip dysplasia, for example, with a breech presentation of the fetus, was noticed back in the Middle Ages.

For the classic version This method uses two diapers.

One is folded in two or four times to make a triangular diaper (in the shape of a scarf).
It is placed under the baby’s lower back, the sharp corners of the triangle are located on the sides, and the blunt corner is passed between the legs.
The ends of the diaper are wrapped around the baby's body and secured.
The baby in the diaper is placed on the second diaper so that it covers the kidney area.
The upper ends of the fabric need to be wrapped alternately around the baby’s body and secured, the lower edge should be raised to the tummy.
Wrap the lower edges of the material around the baby's lower back and secure the ends.

Swaddling the legs

After the baby has passed the age of a newborn, only the legs can be swaddled.

To do this, a horizontally located canvas is placed under the baby’s shoulder blades, and its edges are alternately placed under the little one’s arms.
The upper ends are fixed, and the lower part is twisted under the baby’s heels, like a candy wrapper. Legs should be straight.
The edge of the fabric is then straightened and secured by wrapping it around the child's hips.

How to swaddle in a blanket for a walk

When going for a walk, many people use discharge envelopes and overalls. But if you need to go out on a frosty day, use a baby blanket. If everything is done correctly, the child will definitely not freeze. And putting it on will be easier than putting on a bunch of clothes.

Proceed step by step:

Put on a hat and a blouse for the baby, wrap it in a warm cloth.
First, place the securing tape under the blanket laid out in a diamond pattern.
Then put the baby down. Fold the right edge diagonally and pass it under the left handle.
Lift the bottom edge, straighten it in the area of the legs.
Wrap the left edge of the blanket around the child's torso and secure it with tape in several layers over the entire surface.

The use of diapers involves several rules. Firstly, they must be perfectly clean and ironed on both sides. After the baby grows up, the need for such treatment will disappear; in the first month of life, this rule is mandatory. When ironing, it is advisable to use steam treatment to soften the fabric.

Here are a few more rules that will help you avoid problems when using diapers:

Wet baby need to change clothes immediately, otherwise dermatitis, diaper rash, and hypothermia cannot be avoided.
The baby must be clean use oil or wash it more often.
Change your baby's clothes where it is convenient for you: Use the changing table, bed, but don't leave him alone!
Be sure to straighten the fabric, make sure that the folds do not rub the skin.
Swad according to the room temperature, remember that It’s more dangerous to overheat a baby than to overcool it. Although the latter is also undesirable.
Don't swaddle infant in disposable diaper at night: They are designed for 2-3 hours of use.
Ask experienced mothers, grandmothers or a doctor for help. A video tutorial, diagram, photo, table do not always give an objective picture. You can consult in a hospital during special courses for pregnant women or in a maternity hospital. It may not work right away, but if you make a mistake, you will be corrected.
It's better to swaddle loosely than too tight.
Make sure that the face was not covered with cloth.
Communicating with the baby act with care.

Don’t worry, it won’t be long before you intuitively begin to understand your baby. The baby himself will give you signals whether he is comfortable with a certain type of swaddling, whether he likes the fabric of the diapers and when to refuse them. Soon all that will remain from this period are photographs and a heap of already unnecessary symbols of infancy.

IMPORTANT! *when copying article materials, be sure to indicate an active link to the original

Almost every new mother, especially if her first child was born, wonders how to properly swaddle a newborn baby. A nurse should teach this simple matter in the maternity hospital. But if this did not happen, or the knowledge is a little forgotten, then this article is for you. (At the end of the article there is a selection of video instructions)

Before you start swaddling ( ), you must ensure that you are using clean, washed and ironed diapers. Some unscrupulous mothers continue to use a diaper after the baby has urinated on it. Do not do this! Such an irresponsible attitude towards the child threatens the development of dermatitis and dermatitis, which cause the baby suffering and considerable discomfort.

You need to iron the diaper on both sides. It’s good if you have a steamer - you will save time, and the diaper will be soft and pleasant to touch for the child. If there is no steamer, then when ironing with a regular iron, spray the diaper with water so that it does not become overdried and hard.

You can swaddle your baby wherever it is convenient for you - on the changing table, on the sofa, on the bed.

Remember - under no circumstances leave the baby alone on the changing table, even for a minute - he may turn around, fall from a height and injure himself. Be carefull. If you urgently need to go to another room, take the time to put your baby in the crib.

So, how to swaddle a newborn baby.

Swaddling

First of all, make sure that the baby is clean, if necessary, wash the baby and put a clean diaper on him. If you don't use disposable diapers, you can make diapers out of gauze and place them under your baby's bottom. In this case, the diapers will become dirty more often, so purchase at least 20 of them in advance.

If it’s a cold season and the room is cool, prepare two diapers at once for swaddling.

Note to moms!

Hello girls) I didn’t think that the problem of stretch marks would affect me too, and I’ll also write about it))) But there’s nowhere to go, so I’m writing here: How did I get rid of stretch marks after childbirth? I will be very glad if my method helps you too...

We begin the swaddling itself. Spread the diaper on the surface of the changing table or bed. Place the baby carefully in the center of the diaper, the baby's head should be higher than the edge of the diaper. Press the baby's right hand to the body, wrap the right corner of the diaper diagonally. The edge of the diaper should go behind the baby's back. Then we press the left handle, and similarly wrap the left edge of the diaper. We still have a “tail” below. We also fold the edges one by one under the baby and secure them in the resulting side pocket. All!

If it’s cold, then wrap the baby wrapped in one diaper in a second diaper according to the principle described above, the only difference will be that the baby’s hands are already hidden and do not need to be pressed.

During the hot season, the baby can be swaddled with open arms, using the free swaddling method. In this case, the child’s arms should be above the edge of the diaper, and wrapping the edges follows the same principle as simple swaddling.

A baby wrapped in a diaper should feel comfortable. If he is clearly unhappy, and even when carried in your arms you cannot calm him down, check whether the folds in the diaper are bothering him or whether you swaddled him too tightly.

You can get used to swaddling a baby after a couple of training sessions, then the process will be automatic for you. The main thing is to be confident in your abilities, and success will not keep you waiting!

We also read:

By the way, for mommies (and daddies) who don’t know how to swaddle at all, there are special Summer infant swaddleme swaddling envelopes, here we wrote a short review of envelopes —

Debates about the benefits of swaddling newborn babies have continued for decades. If you are a supporter of using diapers and are expecting your first child, then you definitely need to familiarize yourself with the ways in which you can swaddle your baby.

Why do you need to swaddle your baby?

Even if the mother plans to put rompers on her baby from the first days, she still needs to master the basics of swaddling. For example, giving a child medicine or cleaning his nose is much more convenient when the baby’s hands are wrapped in a diaper and do not interfere with the mother’s necessary manipulations.

In the womb in the last weeks of pregnancy, the baby is as if in a cozy cocoon. Every child experiences stress when they are born. Swaddling helps the baby get used to its new environment.

In addition, the following facts speak in favor of swaddling:

A baby wrapped in swaddles sleeps sounder and longer.
A swaddled baby experiences physical and psychological comfort.
The possibility of fright from involuntary sudden movements of the handles is excluded.
The diaper retains heat better, therefore reducing the risk of colds.

Main types of swaddling of newborns

Today, not all young mothers are familiar with the rules of swaddling newborns, although this skill will definitely be useful to them when they are babies.

Our grandmothers and mothers also used 3 methods of swaddling babies - tight, loose and special wide swaddling for babies who have joint problems.

Whatever method of swaddling you use, it must be done on a flat surface.. Today's mothers just need to purchase a special changing table, a wide range of which is available in any baby store.

Today there has been a whole wave of protest against tight swaddling. More and more specialists in the field of pediatrics are talking about the dangers of this method. But if you think about it, this method of swaddling has been used almost since the birth of the first person. If everything were so bad, then humanity would have died out long ago, but everyone who was tightly swaddled in childhood feels great. Therefore, we will still describe this method of wrapping a baby in diapers.

A diaper is spread on the changing table so that its wide side is perpendicular to the baby’s position. The upper edge of the diaper is folded slightly and the baby is laid so that the head is located above the folded edge.

The baby's arms are stretched along the body, they take the diaper by the upper left edge and move it to the right side, straightening the excess diaper under the baby's back. Then, in the same way, take the diaper by the upper right corner and wrap it behind the back to the left. The bottom of the diaper is tucked along the length of the legs under the back. The edges of the canvas are folded over to the front side and secured, wrapping around each other.

Since diapers tend to shrink after the first wash, and babies grow up quickly, to make it more convenient to swaddle a child, the diaper is spread on the table with one angle up, that is, like a diamond.

The video shows tight and loose swaddling of a newborn baby

Free swaddling of babies can be done in two ways:

Wrap the baby together with the arms, leaving them in a position comfortable for the child.
Swaddle only the lower part of the body, leaving the arms free.

In the first case The swaddling process is carried out according to the same scheme as tight swaddling, only the diaper is not pulled tightly to the baby’s body, but a small space is left inside the cocoon so that the baby can move his arms and legs.

With the second method The baby is wrapped only to the waist. Moreover, if you are worried about the slenderness of the baby’s legs, you can wrap the diaper tighter. But since it has already been proven that the method of swaddling does not affect the straightness of the legs, it is better to leave the baby space for movement by wrapping the diaper around the waist not too tightly.

For healthy babies who do not have problems with joint development, this method of swaddling is not used. Wide swaddling is used for medicinal purposes.

In this case, a soft spacer made of a diaper or tightly folded fabric 20 cm wide is placed between the baby’s legs, and only then swaddling is carried out.

The video explains in detail the methods of treating hip dysplasia and wide swaddling.

Until what age can a baby be swaddled?

Even pediatricians do not give a definite answer to what age a child should be swaddled. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the baby himself.

All experts agree on only one thing - after 3 months, swaddling must be abandoned.

Until this time, each mother decides individually how long the baby should be in diapers, whether to use them only while sleeping or when the baby is awake. Many young parents refuse diapers altogether immediately after leaving the hospital.

In any case, while the baby is not sleeping, it is better to use loose swaddling with open arms. The faster the baby gets used to calmly reacting to involuntary hand movements, the better. Gradually, during sleep, you need to leave the child’s hands free, so that by 2-3 months you will completely abandon diapers.

Swaddling babies depending on the season

For a long time, warm flannel and light cotton fabrics have been used for swaddling children.

During the cold season babies are first wrapped in a cotton diaper, and then also in a warm diaper. In summer, in warm weather, they mainly use only light fabric.

In any case, you need to pay attention to the child’s behavior.

If the room is cool and the baby is freezing, in order to prevent hypothermia, he is swaddled in 2 warm diapers, and, if necessary, covered with a blanket. In this case, the baby should wear a warm cap on his head.

You need to monitor your baby no less carefully in hot weather. . To avoid overheating, do not use tight swaddling. Try to hold your baby with his arms free as much as possible. While the baby is awake, you don’t have to use diapers at all to avoid sweat rashes.

Every baby handles cold or hot weather differently. Carefully monitor the baby's condition to prevent hypothermia or overheating of the little man.