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How to Swaddle Your Newborn Baby

It's a brand new world. It's bigger, louder, brighter, colder, and drier than what your baby is used to. And at times, this new world can be discomforting and frightening. So what does she do to alert you of her fear and discomfort: she cries.

You try feeding her, changing her diaper, giving her a warm bath, and holding her. But to no avail, she continues to cry. You're at your wits end due to your own lack of sleep, and you have run out of ideas. Fortunately, there's one idea you haven't tried yet...

Swaddling is an old technique still used today in hospital nurseries. When your baby is swaddled, it reminds her of being in your womb. This was a very comfortable place and time for her. If you follow these simple steps, you may then see your lamenting baby drift off to sleep in a matter of minutes, even seconds.

All you need for this task is a receiving blanket and your baby. Receiving blankets are generally made of a light, thin cotton. While any blanket will do, a thinner blanket is easier to maneuver--especially if you're a beginner. Also, it works better if the blanket is square-shaped, but it can still be done with a rectangular blanket. Here's how to swaddle:

1. Place the blanket on your working surface (bed, floor, sofa, etc.) with the corners pointing north, south, east, and west; like a diamond.
2. Take the north corner and fold it down to the center of the diamond. For smaller babies, fold lower than the center. For bigger babies, fold higher than the center.
3. Place you baby's shoulders at the top fold in blanket that now goes straight across.
4. Take the east corner of the blanket and wrap it over the baby. Tuck it under the baby's right side, keeping the hands at the tummy. Your baby's body and arms should be covered by the blanket at this time.
5. Take the south corner and tuck it up under the baby's right side again, making sure that the feet and legs are bent and covered.
6. Finally, take the west corner of the blanket and wrap it around the baby, moving toward the baby's left side and to the back. Your baby is now swaddled!

You can do this exact same process starting with the west corner if your prefer. You will still achieve the same results.

Keep in mind: the more snug you wrap, the more secure your baby will feel. Don't worry about squeezing the baby too tight. So long as your baby is breathing, with the lips and general appearance pink, your baby is just fine.

You can keep you baby swaddled at all times if you wish. However, once your baby reaches 4-6 weeks old, it is advisable to only swaddle when putting her to sleep. This ensures that when your baby is awake, she is stimulated enough for her motor skills to develop.

Initially it may take a few tries to master this technique. But once you do, just think of the sleep you and your baby will enjoy!

_{Autor By Monica Speaks}