The First Step Swaddle
03 Mar 2023
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Ever wondered why your newborn is throwing their hands around? How swaddling can bring peace to your family. Okay, so we have all been told right from the birth bed ‘Let’s get little one swaddled’. They either love it or hate it, but why do we do it? Stick with us whilst we tell all...
Babies are born with a certain set of reflexes that help them survive the first months of life in their new world. One of them is named the Moro reflex. This reflex sees your little one "throw" their hands in front of them - it is supposed to be a defensive gesture, protecting your little one from potential danger and of course getting your attention.
This reflex can cause us parents’ a number of headaches by disrupting our little ones sleep pattern. Their little hands flying in front of their eyes, which they do not yet recognise as their own. This can be one of the main reasons your little one will suddenly wake from a nap or their night sleep.
The transition from Mum’s tummy to open space can be a daunting experience for your new human, whilst us adults love a big bed and open spaces for baby this is unfamiliar territory. This is why baby swaddling goes back over 4500 years old. Creating a familiar safe environment that mirrors the womb. This is the main reason why swaddles have conquered the newborn world. Helping make your little one feel secure and brining in that ‘familiar territory’ this aids good and restful sleep. Some babies may sleep well without swaddling but the greatest benefit has been felt by mothers of ‘sensitive’ and ‘colic’ children.
Let’s sum this up!
What does the first step swaddle give your child?
- Reflects the conditions known from the mother's bump, which makes babies feel safe they have known this environment for 9 months.
- Extends baby's sleep.
- Significantly reduces the symptoms of colic.
- Prevents awakening by eliminating the Moro reflex (startle reflex)
- Soothes your little one.
The great news is that brand Sleepee now introduced their ‘The First Step Swaddle’. This bestselling swaddle has a flexible material with a zipper that prevents the Moro reflex but does not completely restrict the movements of your little one. The material is thin and breathable, ensuring your little one does not overheat.
The handy zipper at the bottom ensures nappy changing is easy and quick. This swaddle is usually suitable for children from birth (threshold weight 3 kg, so premature babies may be too small) up to 6-7 kg. If your little one still needs a swaddle but is already growing out of the first swaddle - swaddles for larger children, up to 9 kg, are also available in this range.
On the first couple of occasions your baby may protest against swaddling, but don't be discouraged. This is often caused more by changing the position from vertical to horizontal or moving away from you for a moment rather than swaddling. Also remember that for safety reasons, children (both those not wrapped and especially those swaddled) should not have any other items in the cot or basket in which they sleep.
When to swaddle?
For naps and night sleep, but not during activity - so that the toddler has enough opportunities to exercise his hand muscles. How long do we wrap? The Moro reflex is usually strong in the first 3-4 months of life and then fades away. However, it is worth knowing that many children like swaddling (at least partially) until much older age. Children with sensory integration problems or simply sensitive may like swaddling much longer - they feel safer, sleep more peacefully.
A swaddled baby must lye on their back only, once your little one is able to move onto their tummy’s we then recommended stopping swaddling and consider moving the child to a sleeping bag.
Sleep consultants Gosia and Martha www.sleepconcept.pl
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