Want to know how, when, and why to swaddle your newborn? The team at Love to Dream have the answers!

It can be really tricky as a new parent to know how to keep your newborn comfortable. Thankfully, swaddling is an easy technique that has been used since ancient times to keep your baby settled. It might seem like an intimidating process, but it really couldn’t be simpler, especially with these easy tricks thanks to the team at Love to Dream!

Using this easy step-by-step guide should allow you to perfect the technique of swaddling your baby, and with practice, you’ll master your own swaddling routine that works for you both.

Temperature Check

Before you swaddle, consider the temperature of the room and of your baby. Love to Dream has a TOG rating guide you can use to select the appropriate sleep garment, ensuring the room is not too hot or too cold. It’s important to also think about the effect of room heaters or air-conditioners, drafts and windows. The optimal temperature, in combination with swaddling, will support your baby to sleep soundly.

Safety Check

Preparing a safe sleep environment is a must when getting your little one ready for a nap. Avoid the use of any loose items or blankets in the cot or bassinet to ensure no fabric can come up above your baby’s face to cover their nose or mouth. Make sure no hanging cords are within reach, including electrical and blind cords, and ensure your baby has a firm surface to sleep on: either a cot, bassinet or portable crib with a tight fitted sheet.

Choose Your Swaddle

Love To Dream offers many swaddle options in different prints, colours, and TOG ratings. Consider the season and general temperature of your baby’s room four months ahead, and select one or more swaddles in TOG ratings that will be appropriate for the duration. For example, if it’s winter, a Warm 2.5 TOG Swaddle or Warm 3.5 TOG Swaddle would be appropriate. If it’s summer, consider something on the lower end of the TOG rating, such as a Lite 0.2 TOG Swaddle. If you choose a swaddle that can be opened from the lower end, any nappy or diaper changes won’t disturb the baby, they can stay sleeping throughout.

Time to Swaddle

Lay your chosen swaddle down on a flat, safe surface then gently place your baby on top. Wrap or zip up the swaddle ensuring there are no loose ends or open parts, with their arms inside the wings (if your chosen swaddle has them). You want to ensure your baby is not swaddled too tight and full hip flexion is possible, as this is recommended for healthy hip development.

Step 1: Place your baby’s legs inside the swaddle.

Step 2: Place your baby’s arms inside the swaddle’s wings.

Step 3: Zip up the swaddle, ensuring it is not too tight.

Now place your baby down to rest in their sleeping space. It’s important to have your baby sleep on their back. Do not place them on their sides or stomach.

How long should you keep swaddling your baby?

Now that you have the hang of swaddling, we have no doubt your Love To Dream Swaddle has made life more comfortable for your little one, and easier for you. After the first few months, you’ll be ready for the next step in your parenting journey: transitioning your baby to the next step of their sleep phase.

If your baby shows signs of attempting to roll over onto their tummy, you must stop swaddling, to ensure your little one’s safety. If they aren’t showing signs trying to roll over yet, but are resisting being swaddled – or become unsettled when being swaddled – it’s also a sign that you should attempt to stop swaddling. This could occur from as early as 2 months, but more commonly happens around 3 to 4 months.

At that point, it’s time to start dressing them in a transition garment when it’s bedtime. Transition bags and transition suits differ from swaddles by having zip-off wings that allow one or both of your baby’s arms to be free as they sleep. Remember: each little one is preciously unique, so you’ll need to pay close attention to their tired signs and sleep cues. Your baby will show you when they’re ready to transition!

Try Love To Dream’s Swaddles

As intimidating as swaddling can be, we have no doubt that Love To Dream’s range of swaddles, sleep bags, and sleepsuits will help you quickly perfect your technique. For the simplest, easiest swaddle to start with, we recommend the Love To Dream Swaddle Up, our innovative swaddle which allows your baby to sleep with their arms raised. This allows them access to their hands for self-soothing, which helps them sleep longer, on top of being swaddled! This can be used from day one, so why not even pack one in your hospital bag?

So if you’ve found yourself struggling to swaddle, or you just don’t know what the right option is for your little one, give the Love to Dream range a go and take the stress out of your bub’s sleep routine.

Are you a swaddling novice or a total expert? Share your experience in the comments below!

Visit Love To Dream

For more information, and to buy Love To Dream products online, visit the links below.

Visit Love To Dream Australia Here
Visit Love To Dream UK Here

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This article is brought to you by Love To Dream, who produce global award-winning swaddles, sleep bags and sleep suits from newborn to toddler.

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