Age old technique provides security for newborns
by Victoria Pericon

After leaving the comfort of their mother’s womb, newborns can have an unsettling first few weeks. It is something of a shock for the little one to be out of the familiar environment of the womb, and becoming accustomed to his new surroundings can be a difficult transition.

Many parents, seeking ways to ease the transition from the womb to the world at large, adopt the practice of swaddling their babies. Swaddling, an ancient technique for giving newborns a sense of security, is a helpful aid to assist babies adjust to their new environment. “Swaddling is a wonderful way to ease new babies into the world,” says Heather Allard, president of 2Virtues.com, mother of two and inventor of the Swaddleaze blanket, “it keeps them warm and safe and lulls them to sleep.”

Laurie LeComer, author of “A Parent’s Guide to Developmental Delays: Recognizing and Coping With Missed Milestones in Speech, Movement, Learning and Other Areas” (Perigee Trade; January 2006), agrees that swaddling adds to a baby’s sense of security. “It also reduces the baby’s tendency to startle, and this makes for a calmer baby—which helps the baby to feed,” says LeComer.

According to Ari Brown, M.D., pediatrician and author of “Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year” (2nd Edition 2006), babies are born with an undeveloped neurological system where the brain and nerve “superhighway” develops over the first two years of life. As a result, anything that replicates their experience in the womb comforts them. Swaddling creates a slight pressure around the baby’s body that gives him a sense of security because it imitates the pressure he would have felt in utero.

While swaddling can always be counted on to put some babies to sleep, for others, it is uncomfortable and they do not enjoy it. Dr. Brown cautions that babies should no longer be swaddled beyond their first month as it can impede their mobility and development. “When your baby begins to kick off the covers, it’s a sign he no longer appreciates being bundled snugly.”

A few precautions must be taken before swaddling a baby. Be careful not to cover her face or wrap her too tightly, which may cut off her circulation. Do not overheat the infant by swaddling her in a room that is too warm, as that is one of the risk factors for SIDS. Remember, the goal is not to keep the newborn warm, it is to make her feel safe and secure. It’s also important to make sure your infant is not wet or hungry before you swaddle her.

Dr. Brown refers to his particular swaddling technique as the “baby burrito” wrap: (1) place the newborn diagonally on a receiving blanket, with one corner folded into a line (2)fold the corner at the bottom onto the baby’s belly (3) wrap each side around the baby’s body and then tucked under the body. “Make sure the arms are inside,” says Dr. Brown, “otherwise the baby will worm his way out quickly.”

This article was written by Victoria Pericon.
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