Swaddling works best on infants that are under 3-4mo old by making them feel warm and secure.
Why Swaddle Your Baby
Some of the best baby sleep aids are actually techniques that parents can use to get babies to sleep. The first technique, swaddling, is often used in the hospital nursery and taught to parents before they take their newborn home. Swaddling works best on infants that are under 3-4mo old (*unless they have learnt to roll). Swaddles make babies feel warm and secure without the hazard associated with blankets. It also keeps the infant from being awoken from their own startle reflex while sleeping.
*Note: It is recommended to discontinue swaddling your baby at the first signs of rolling. This can show up as early as a few weeks of age.
Swaddle Purchase Guide
What to keep in mind when purchasing your baby's swaddle?
Ensure the swaddle is designed with room at the hips to allow your baby’s hips to move freely especially at nighttime. Swaddles that are too tight can prevent the natural process whereby the baby's hips tighten and stabilizing themselves. A swaddle that is loose at the hips reduces the chance of developing Infant Hip Dysplasia.
Choose a TOG that is suitable to the climate and environment your baby is sleeping. TOG is a measurement unit that determines the level of insulation or warmth a material provides. Overheating and over bundling is a risk factor for SIDS. You can make adjustments by changing the amount of clothing/layers worn underneath the swaddle to account for different environmental temperatures. Swaddling sleep sacks are generally warmer and a higher TOG.
Buy the correct size based upon your baby's weight and length to prevent the chance of the fabric accidentally covering baby’s mouth or nose. Swaddles should be appropriately snug and safely secured around the baby's torso. Ones that uses velcro to swaddle are good examples.
My personal favorite swaddle are the halo sleep sacks.
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