Swaddling a baby is thought to help him feel comfortable and sleep better. However,careful! JIf the swaddling method is wrong, it can actually risk endangering the baby, you know.
Baby swaddling is a technique of wrapping a baby's body, especially a newborn baby, using a blanket or swaddling cloth (lampin). It is said that this technique can make the baby feel as comfortable, warm, and protected as when in the mother's womb or being hugged tightly. Thus, your little one becomes calmer and sleeps more soundly.
Many parents choose to swaddle a baby because it is considered to provide several benefits, such as:
- Soothes babies when they are fussy and have trouble sleeping.
- Keep the baby from being easily awakened from sleep.
- Make the baby sleep more comfortably without interruption and parents also have time to rest.
The Risks of Baby Swaddling that Need to be Watched
Besides the benefits, the tradition of swaddling a baby also has a number of risks, especially if the method of swaddling is wrong. The wrong swaddle can interfere with the movement and growth of the Little One's body in the future.
The following are some of the dangers of using the wrong baby swaddling technique:
Pelvic deformity
Keep in mind, swaddling so that the baby's legs are not bent is the wrong way and the baby is at risk for pelvic problems. If the swaddle is too tight with the legs together and straightened, there may be a higher risk for the baby to develop hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is a condition when the hips shift and are not parallel to each other. This condition makes the position of the baby's feet different from each other, so that it can cause a limp when walking later.
While in the womb, the baby's legs are bent and crossed with each other. If you force your baby's legs to straighten, the joints can shift and damage the cartilage.
Therefore, when swaddling your baby, make sure you give your feet room for movement so that the baby's pelvis can move freely, such as moving the legs up and down.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a term used to describe a baby who is under one year old and looks healthy, suddenly dies without any known cause. SIDS often occurs while the baby is sleeping.
Babies are at risk for SIDS if when swaddled he changes the position to be sideways or face down. SIDS can also occur when the baby's swaddle is too loose, putting the cloth at risk of sliding and covering the baby's mouth and nose. This can make it difficult for the baby to breathe. In addition, a baby swaddle that is too tight can overheat and increase the risk of SIDS.
When is best Detachable Baby Swaddle?
Some babies don't enjoy the sensation of being wrapped up. Your little one will usually signal when he doesn't want to be swaddled, such as fussy or rebellious when being swaddled.
You can also tell your baby is starting to feel uncomfortable in a swaddle when signs of overheating appear, such as sweating, wet hair, a red rash on his cheeks, and he seems to be breathing faster or gasping for air.
Mothers are also advised not to swaddle the baby while breastfeeding so that the baby's hands can move freely to touch and explore. In addition, it is not recommended for mothers to swaddle babies aged 2-3 months. This is because at that age, babies begin to actively move, either sideways, rolling over, or even face down while sleeping.
Safe Swaddling Tips
To avoid the harmful effects of swaddling, try to follow these safe ways to swaddle your baby:
- Spread the swaddling cloth, then fold it slightly at one corner. Place the baby on the swaddling cloth with his head on the edge of the folded corner. While holding your baby, bring one side of the cloth to his body, either the right or left side first, then tuck it under his body.
- Cover the baby's feet by folding the bottom side of the swaddling cloth up. Give it a little space for the legs to move.
- Bring the other side of the cloth to the baby's body, then tuck it so that it leaves the neck and head unwrapped.
- After the baby is swaddled, make sure to put the baby in a supine position. In addition, avoid using pillows until the baby is two years old
Some babies prefer to have their arms free from swaddling. If your baby prefers this position, just follow the swaddling instructions above, but tuck each corner of the blanket under his armpits, not over his shoulders, to keep his hands free from swaddling.
In order to prevent unwanted risks, make sure the baby swaddle is done the right way, Mother. Instead, do the exercises first until you can swaddle the baby properly. If you are still in doubt about the results of the swaddle, you can consult a doctor or midwife and ask them to teach you how to swaddle the baby the right way.
