Many parents are choosing to wrap their newborn baby in swaddling to help settle them during the day and night. Swaddling is an age-old technique that is coming back into favour so if you’re struggling to get your baby to sleep, then a baby wrap could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Why use baby wraps?

Swaddling and baby wraps contain a baby in much the same way as when they were in the womb. The slight pressure around the body gives that same sense of security and also prevents the baby from startling itself by sudden muscle movements or flailing arms (a process known as the moro reflex).

Baby swaddling can also reduce the symptoms of colic (crying more than three hours a day, three days a week for over three months). Colic is one of the main reasons for a newborn baby not to sleep during the night.

Research also suggests swaddling can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) in young babies by eliminating the need for loose sheets and bedding in the cot.

When to start using a baby wrap

Whether you should use swaddling will depend on your baby and not necessarily on their age. Some babies are not soothed by swaddling as they find being restrained a stressful experience. Your little one will soon let you know if that’s the case.

Some babies find swaddling more tolerable if they have their arms out while others prefer their arms securely wrapped in. You should buy a baby wrap that allows you to do both or a sleepwrap that doubles as swaddling.

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You can begin using a baby wrap from any age but is most beneficial during the first year. After 3-4 months your baby won’t need to be swaddled during the day but nighttime swaddling can continue up to seven months or longer if your infant needs it to sleep well. Once your baby starts to roll over you should loosen the swaddling to help relaxation.

Baby wraps are made from a light stretchy cotton which will keep your infant warm but allow their skin to breathe.

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