Dressing For Success

Posted on: 6 July 2022

Newborns are known for sleeping for large amounts of time during the day, yet there does seem to be a bit of a learning curve for parents who might find that their baby doesn't sleep that well. Some babies simply sleep less than others, or your baby might be sensitive to changes in their environment that wake them up. Swaddling blankets are cozy and come in adorable colors and prints, and using them provides these benefits for helping your baby sleep longer.

Provide Gentle Pressure That Makes Babies Feel Secure

Throughout pregnancy, babies are kept safe and snug in the womb. Newborns often seem to crave the sensations that they experienced before they were born. Rocking your baby to sleep can help them to feel similar movements as they did when their mother was walking around. Swaddles also help your baby to feel secure by making it easy to apply gentle pressure to their bodies that can feel a lot like the womb. Swaddling your baby helps them to feel like they are still being held, even after you put them down for bedtime in their crib.

Minimize Wake-Ups From the Startle Reflex

Newborns experience the Moro reflex throughout their earliest months of life. You might notice your baby exhibiting the startle reflex if they suddenly jerk and shoot their arms out as though they were falling. While this reflex is normal and a good sign that your baby is developing properly, it does pose a problem for their sleep. The sensation of falling can cause your baby to jolt wide awake just when they were finally starting to drift off. A swaddle allows you to wrap your baby up snugly with their arms inside. Keeping your baby's arms secure can help them to avoid flailing them outwards, which can wake them up.

Help Your Baby Regulate Their Body Temperature

Ideally, babies should sleep in a room that is at a comfortable temperature. However, it is generally recommended to avoid using blankets in a crib for your baby's first year of life. Swaddles are designed to be wrapped around your baby in such a way that they shouldn't come loose, which makes them safe to use when your baby is sleeping. Look for ones that are made from lightweight, breathable materials that help your baby stay warm and cozy without getting overheated. Staying at just the right temperature helps to minimize wake-ups from your baby getting too hot or cold during the night.

For more information on swaddling blankets, contact a professional near you.