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Swaddling for Infants
Swaddling is a very old word and perhaps the first time many people heard the term was the reference in the bible to the baby Jesus being wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. The English Dictionary defines it as “to wrap a baby in swaddling clothes” which are described as strips of cloth. In more recent times there have been a number of studies done to examine the benefits, if any of swaddling. It has been suggested that small babies feel more secure when they are wrapped in a lightweight cotton blanket. Being swaddled on their backs has also been recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In a study published in May 2005 by researchers at the Pediatric Sleep Unit of the University Children’s Hospital in Brussels which compared the sleeping habits of swaddled and unswaddled babies ; it was found that babies did sleep significantly better when swaddled but that they were wakened more easily by outside noises . The heart rate of swaddled babies was also shown to be more responsive which was a positive indication. The researchers had been particularly interested to do this study because of the suggestion that swaddling infants on their back reduces the chances of SIDS. There have been campaigns advising against placing babies face down to sleep, it has been identified as a risk factor in SIDS. Many babies however are still settled to sleep in this way because parents feel that they settle better and cry less. It was suggested that perhaps this reported level of increased responsiveness to the outside environment when swaddled made SIDS less likely although further larger studies would be needed to confirm this. Because the sample of babies involved in the research was small it is not possible to make any general recommendations but the study was interesting because it at least showed that there were possibilities of promoting better sleep and increased responsiveness with the potential of providing increased protection against SIDS. It is intriguing that the study supports and explains generally accepted parental wisdom of swaddling babies which has been passed down for generations. Obviously today we do not tend to think in terms of “swaddling” but rather of firm wrapping of babies, which seems to promote a feeling of security and may mimic the environment of the womb. Certainly when my children were young I always settled them to sleep in this way and it proved very successful. Sleep is very important for both baby’s well being and parent’s sanity and peace of mind. In my view organic cotton is the material of choice for swaddling because of it is not impregnated with chemicals and therefore carries little risk of allergic reactions. It has increased breathability and does not incorporate any anti shrink resins. Above all it is beautifully soft against a baby’s fragile skin. A further study at the Washington University School of Medicine confirmed the earlier study. Babies were laid to sleep firstly with a conventional blanket and then on another occasion in a lightweight swaddle. The team measured rapid eye movement (REM) breathing patterns, brain waves and the number of times they were startled or woke. When swaddled the babies not only woke up and startled less frequently they also fell asleep again much sooner after arousal. Length of REM sleep during the nap doubled for swaddled infants from about 450 seconds to 900. A study in the Journal of American Medical Association also supported the idea that babies should be wrapped in light fabrics. Cozy cocoons also called swaddling socks were developed as a very simple way of swaddling your child. There is nothing to wrap or snap, no velcro and no fuss. No skill in swaddling is needed you simply roll it up over the baby making it the perfect solution. Once on there is no jerking, startling movement, no skin irritating synthetic fabrics and little limbs are able to explore and stretch safely. Baby is held close as though still enclosed in the womb providing comfort containment and security.
Because I have always believed in the benefits of swaddling we at Sones have sourced a product which we feel can be personally endorsed and are now stocking cozy cocoons in organic cotton.
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Cozy Cocoon in natural organic cotton
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May, 2012
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