It can also keep him from being disturbed by his own startle reflex, and it may even help him stay warm and toasty for the first few days of life until his internal thermostat kicks in.
Most important, it's a method that can help a baby get calmer.
Nowadays, you probably won't leave the hospital without a little lesson in this technique.
Try it, after you've made sure your baby isn't hungry, wet, or tired. It can be used to help settle your baby down when he's over-stimulated or when he just needs to feel something close to the tightness and security of the womb.
Once your baby is about a month old you might want to stop swaddling him while he's awake as it may interfere with mobility and development in older babies.
It's fine to keep swaddling your baby while sleeping if he seems to sleep better that way. He’ll let you know by crying or kicking when he no longer wants to be bundled up.
How do I perform this cosy art?
- Lay a blanket on a flat surface and fold down the top-right corner about 6 inches.
- Place your baby on his back with his head on the fold.
- Pull the corner near your baby's left hand across his body, and tuck the leading edge under his back on the right side under the arm.
- Pull the bottom corner up under your baby's chin.
- Bring the loose corner over your baby's right arm and tuck it under the back on his left side.
- Some babies prefer to have their arms free, so you may prefer to swaddle your child under the arms so he has access to his hands and fingers.
