How to properly swaddle a baby. Features of tight and loose swaddling of a newborn Swaddle without handles

Good afternoon, my dear readers! Do you know how to swaddle a newborn? Probably, in the era of little men and bodysuits, we think less and less about outdated diapers and undershirts. Today we will talk about what is better - to swaddle a newborn in diapers or to dress a newborn in loose clothes.

Whether it is necessary to swaddle a newborn in diapers is up to each mother to decide individually. You still have to wear it. Swaddling refers specifically to swaddling with diapers. Dressing rompers and blanket men is no longer swaddling. If you use reusable cotton diapers, then putting them on is also called swaddling, but only swaddling diapers.

Let's look at what diapers exist:

• Tight swaddling;
• Free swaddling;
• Wide swaddling;
• Swaddling in a sleeping diaper bag.

The opinion on whether or not to swaddle a newborn is divided not only among mothers, but also among pediatricians.

Some consider this necessary, others consider it a relic of the Soviet past. In any case, if you swaddle a newborn, then only in the first 2-3 weeks of life (longer - less often).

This is explained by the fact that a newborn, accustomed to the tight and comfortable mother’s tummy, finds himself in a cold and vast world. He feels scared and uncomfortable in it. To help your baby adapt to a new life, you need to try to provide him with conditions that will resemble his previous cozy nest. Swaddling in warm swaddles and blankets gives the newborn a feeling of warmth and security. This way he adapts to the world around him faster.

2. Tight swaddling

Tight swaddling was used in maternity hospitals during Soviet times. It was believed that this way the baby would not wake himself up with his hands, would not get scratched, and it would be easier for the medical staff to deal with him. This is now considered an outdated method. They have already abandoned it in favor of free swaddling.

Still, I'll show you the algorithm of actions such swaddling in pictures. You might find this useful:

Here you can see that the newborn is swaddled with arms, and the head is left open. The tension of the diaper itself can be different.

Dear mothers, if you decide to swaddle your baby in a column, that is, tight swaddling, try not to do it too “tight”; blood should circulate freely in the baby’s veins and not stagnate.

In general, I want to say that the point of such swaddling itself is to ensure that the legs are fixed.

The disadvantage of this method is that you can squeeze the baby’s fragile body in such a way that it can subsequently cause physical injury, displacement or damage to the hip joint. You can also get psychological discomfort.

In addition to the shown method of tight swaddling, there is also swaddling with the head, that is, the corner of the diaper is located above the level of the head, so that at the end you get the baby in an envelope. The head is swaddled in a blanket or warm diaper when going outside in the cool season. The ends of the diaper or blanket are pinned, or simply tucked under and secured with tape.

3. Free swaddling

Free swaddling does not provide for clear fixation of the legs; on the contrary, the legs under the swaddle are in motion.

At the same time, first they put a vest on the baby, and then swaddle the legs. The diaper is wrapped at chest level, under the arms. This is a free swaddling of the legs. The baby can move them while remaining warm.

Plus This type of swaddling is that you can save on sliders, from which newborns grow out so quickly.

Minus the fact is that in a month the child will already be kicking his legs so much that he will take off these diapers and freeze if his mother is not nearby. You can find videos on the Internet on how to swaddle a baby correctly and safely.

4. Sleeping bag

Free swaddling can also be done with handles. Fortunately, progress does not stand still and the masses have launched the production of special diapers - sleeping bags. Such bags completely cover the child, giving him a feeling of comfort and warmth in a limited space, like in a mother’s stomach.

Meanwhile, the child has the opportunity to move, nothing is pinched, and he won’t be able to open up. Such diaper bags are elastic, the baby can toss and turn without feeling stiff:

With a sleeping bag, a mother, especially an inexperienced one, will not have to think about how to properly swaddle her newborn, and also so as not to disturb anything.

5. Wide swaddling

Dear mothers, once again I want to remind you that it is up to you to decide how to swaddle your baby, but it must be a safe way.

If the baby is swaddled incorrectly, the baby may get dislocated, or the joints and bones will grow incorrectly. Then there will be a high probability of developing hip dysplasia.

If the doctor has already diagnosed dysplasia in the newborn, special medical restraints and wide swaddling will help. That is, in addition to free-style swaddling, you need to place a diaper folded several times or a special pad between the baby’s legs. In this method, the legs are fixed in an extended position.

6. Avoid swaddling

Many young mothers who live in the modern world and do not tolerate any outdated methods of caring for a child, refuse swaddling in favor of baby clothes for newborns.

Why, they think, should they restrict the baby’s movements and bother with winding these diapers? Without a doubt, rompers, bodysuits and people for newborns are more convenient for mom to use.

But we must not forget about the natural need of a newborn for shelter, for the comfort that he feels, wrapped in a blanket, curled up in a ball of warmth. This helps him painlessly move from the small world of his mother’s tummy to the big world.

In the first weeks of his life, the baby must sleep in a limited space. That is, it is better to sleep in a small crib or cradle, and not on a large bed, if your mother is not nearby. Even after dressing in a comfortable little person, the baby will also be more comfortable wrapped in a blanket in winter or a diaper in summer. Let it just take cover, and not drag on. It’s more pleasant for him that way.

The famous doctor Komarovsky also does not encourage modern mothers to strictly adhere to swaddling, but does not dissuade them from it either. It is also necessary to take into account the individual developmental characteristics of a particular child, and the pediatrician will help determine this, he believes:

I want to summarize. Dear mothers and grandmothers! If you want to swaddle your baby, then do it following the instructions of the medical staff and my recommendations. Then the child will not be at risk of dislocation or stress.

If you don’t want to swaddle him, then please create a comfortable transition for your baby into the big world. Then you may need sleeping bags or swaddles that cover the baby's body and are secured with clasps.

In any case, the diapers should not only be clean and soft, but also ironed before swaddling so that the baby feels their warmth. I hope that my advice is useful to you. If you liked the article, share the material on social networks and do not forget to subscribe for updates. See you soon!

With the mother immediately after the birth of the baby. Therefore, it is important to learn how to properly swaddle a newborn during pregnancy. If you don't succeed the first time, don't be discouraged. Over time you will learn to do everything right.

This procedure is of great importance for the child. Helps improve baby's sleep quality. Moreover, at first he feels discomfort. After his mother's cramped belly, the crib seems too big for him. That is why it is necessary to provide the child with close quarters. Depending on the position and how tightly you wrap your newborn, swaddling can perform a number of different functions:

• protect from hypothermia;
• treat certain forms of congenital torticollis;
• limit movements with increased excitability;
• prevent formation on the skin;
• treat muscular underdevelopment of the back, impaired development of the hip joints.

Swaddling a newborn: general rules for swaddling

Many parents are interested in the question of up to what age should a child be swaddled. The optimal time is the first three weeks of life. If the baby feels comfortable closer to one month, you can stop swaddling. If your baby doesn't sleep well with his arms open, it's better to swaddle him before bed. At the same time, pediatricians advise closely monitoring your child. Some children do not like swaddling and begin to cry and be capricious. The other, on the contrary, when wrapped up, sleeps soundly. Keep in mind a few simple rules:

• swaddling that is too tight makes it difficult for the baby to breathe;
• It is better to swaddle after washing the baby at a temperature of at least 20 C, preferably using washed and ironed diapers;
• In winter it is better to use warm flannel diapers, in summer - thin cotton ones;
• The optimal number of diapers is 10 thin and 5-10 thick.

Swaddling algorithm

Before starting the swaddling procedure, you need to put on a vest made of thin material with a smell in the back area, then a warm one with a smell on the chest, then a diaper, which is a square of gauze, from which you need to make a triangle. To do this, pass the right angle between the baby’s legs, and wrap the sharp one around the belly.

Place a sheet on the changing table. Place the baby in its center so that the upper edge of the material reaches the level of the neck. Place the baby's arm along the body, and slightly diagonally wrap the edge of the diaper under his back. Wrap the second edge in the same way. Make sure that no folds form. Then straighten the bottom edge of the sheet into a fishtail shape. Cover the baby with it under the neck or above the elbows. Then wrap the ends of the diaper around the body on both sides. Fix the free edge on your stomach by tucking it in. At the end of the procedure, check that the legs move freely and the arms are fixed.

For a more detailed understanding of the procedure, it is recommended to watch a video about proper swaddling. Some parents are accustomed to using disposable soft diapers, while others prefer reusable options made from waterproof pads. In addition, many mothers use a thin sheet instead of a towel after a bath, as it absorbs moisture better.

Sizes and types of diapers

When going shopping for children, many mothers cannot decide on the size of diapers. There are standard parameters for ready-made accessories according to GOST, which will also help women planning to make a dowry for their baby with their own hands in determining the size of future products.

• The most common size of insulated flannel or chintz models is 110*80 cm.
• If you decide to swaddle your baby for several months, it is better to choose the largest accessories - 130*90 cm.
• If you can’t decide, a universal product 120*80 cm is best suited.

For many years, specialists in the field of pediatrics have been deciding on the development of a new product that takes into account all the innovations in the field of infant sleep hygiene. Thus, several years ago, a unique product appeared on the markets - a matryoshka diaper, which almost immediately topped the sales rankings. The composition of the product is 100% high quality cotton material, which carefully takes care of the baby’s delicate skin, allows it to breathe, perfectly absorbs moisture and allows air to pass through. You can buy such a nesting doll today in almost any children's store.

European calves are also no less popular among mothers. This is a special device that allows you to quickly and easily fix your arms and legs, providing your baby with the longest and most restful sleep possible.

Despite the variety of ready-made diapers, some mothers are accustomed to using homemade diapers that they sewed themselves. Moreover, this is quite easy to implement. It is enough to purchase material in the store - fleece or cotton. To prevent the edges from fraying, they need to be processed with an overlocker. Buy fabric taking into account shrinkage and allowances (approximately 1.5 cm on all sides). Place the material on the table. Measure the required dimensions and cut the blanks for the future envelope.

The edges are processed using an overlocker or a sewing machine with a standard hem (without an overlocker). The edges must be processed very carefully and carefully. After the diaper is ready, it must be washed with baby powder, dried and ironed.

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The need to swaddle a newborn

Why wrap the baby? During pregnancy, the baby is under the reliable protection of the mother's body. Birth is physically and mentally difficult work not only for the mother, but also for the newborn: he is born and is deprived of his usual habitat. If you wrap a baby in a diaper, it will seem to him that he is again in his mother’s tummy and will feel protected.

Another important factor is the baby’s innate protective reflexes, in particular the Moro reflex: the baby may get scared of something in a dream, involuntarily throw up his arms, wake himself up and cry. To provide the baby with a restful sleep, he is swaddled, fixing the upper body. In general, swaddling a newborn is useful, you just need to learn this process, follow the technology and not violate hygiene.

Ways to swaddle a small baby

Before swaddling the baby, be sure to wash and dry him, then put a disposable diaper on the baby. A step-by-step diagram of use is drawn on the packaging. You can make your own diaper. To do this, 2 pieces of gauze 50 x 50 cm are sewn together on 3 sides, the seams are turned inside out and the edges are sewn inward on the 4th side. Then make another line around the perimeter of the diaper, departing 5 mm from the edges.

The diaper also needs to be washed, dried and ironed. An insufficiently clean or wet diaper will cause trouble for the newborn in the form of diaper rash or dermatitis.

Where to swaddle a newborn baby?

Wrap the baby on any surface - it could be a sofa or a dining table. Many parents buy a special changing table, chest of drawers or board. The main thing is not to leave the baby unattended while changing clothes! It is better that the changing surface is surrounded on 3 sides by restraints (furniture), which will prevent the baby from falling, and the mother stands on the 4th side.

A changing table is a real godsend for moms, because it makes changing diapers, swaddling or changing clothes simple and convenient

Tight swaddling

This method assumes that the baby will be completely wrapped in a diaper, with arms included:

1. The diaper is spread on the table across its full width, the baby is placed on top in the middle. The upper edge of the diaper passes at the level of the newborn's neck, the head does not lie on the fabric.
2. First, wrap your baby's arms by wrapping the swaddle over your baby's sides, across his belly, to his back.
3. Then fold the bottom edge of the diaper over the baby’s legs, straighten it, and wrap it around his body, tucking one edge of the material behind the other.

Tight swaddling of a small child is often practiced before bedtime so that the baby does not wave his arms or hit his face with his palms, which would prevent him from sleeping peacefully. A video of swaddling a newborn can be seen below.

Swaddling with head

Methods for swaddling a newborn depend on the weather and time of day. You can wrap your baby up with his head - this method is used before a walk in cool weather. The diaper and blanket are placed on top of each other with one angle up. Stepping back a little from the end, lay the baby with its head towards the corner. Then the other two ends are wrapped around the handles. The bottom corner of the blanket is folded up over the baby's legs, then tied with tape to prevent the blanket from opening. The upper end of the blanket is draped over the baby's head if it is cold outside.

While awake, you can apply the following algorithm for wrapping a newborn, in which his arms will not be swaddled, and his legs will be able to move inside the fabric bag:

1. Lay out a cotton diaper (in the cold season you can use a warm flannelette). It should be at the child’s armpit level.
2. Wrap the diaper around the baby's body, leaving the arms free.
3. The lower edge of the diaper is lifted up along the legs and tummy, straightened and also wrapped around, tucking one end of the diaper against the other.

Below is a video on free swaddling.

Should I swaddle my baby in hot weather and how should I do it?

In hot weather, it makes sense to use calico diapers - they are soft to the touch and thin enough, the baby will not be hot. Swaddling of a newborn baby is carried out using the free (open) method described above. For use on summer days, diapers made of knitted material are suitable. A newborn will be comfortable in them because they stretch, following all the lines of the baby’s body.

It is only necessary to take into account that the material must contain only natural ingredients - synthetic fabrics may cause irritation on the baby’s skin.

Does it make sense to wrap your baby up at night? This is a purely individual matter. Some children sleep well without swaddling, while others are wrapped in swaddling clothes until almost 3 years of age, although at this age it would be better to use other measures. If the child does not wake up from involuntary movements of his arms, he does not need to be wrapped tightly. The free wrapping method is still necessary in the first weeks of life.

Additional photo instructions

The classic version of swaddling: first, the left corner of the diaper is wrapped under the baby’s right arm, then the bottom corner is turned to the top, and at the end, the baby is wrapped with the remaining right corner, securing it at the back
This option is very similar to the previous one, the only small difference is that the bottom edge of the diaper is wrapped around the right handle. This is suitable for more active children

It is very convenient to swaddle your baby in a special diaper envelope. The technique is simple: the baby’s legs are “packed” into a bag, then the arms are pressed one by one and the edges are secured with special Velcro

Pros and cons of swaddling

Our mothers and grandmothers did not wonder whether it was necessary to swaddle a child - they swaddled everyone without exception, because there were no disposable diapers, no transformable diapers, no slips. Today this question is very relevant. Many young mothers adhere to the old views that tightly swaddling the baby is the most correct. Others believe that it makes sense to use the free method. Still others do not wrap their children at all, considering it unnecessary. Who is right? Swaddling has its pros and cons.

For swaddling

1. The risk of baby stress after birth is reduced. In a diaper he feels protected, like in the womb, and sleeps more peacefully.
2. A warm diaper is used for thermoregulation purposes. After birth, the baby does not immediately get used to the ambient temperature, because in the stomach he was at a temperature of 36.6 degrees Celsius. At first, it is necessary to provide him with the usual temperature.
3. The baby is still poorly coordinating his movements. During sleep, his arms may move, he may scratch himself and wake up in fear. If you wrap it properly this won't happen.

Against swaddling

1. Tight swaddling of a baby leads to fixation of the limbs in an extended state. This can lead to various diseases. An unswaddled baby keeps his arms and legs in a more natural state.
2. In warm summer weather, tightly swaddling your baby can lead to overheating, disrupting heat exchange.
3. When wrapped tightly, the baby may experience unjustified pressure on the chest, which will make it difficult for him to breathe.
4. The result of tight, inept swaddling can be a dislocation of the hip - this is a clear argument against.
5. Some psychologists believe that swaddling after 2 months has a bad effect on the psycho-emotional development of the baby.

Experts agree on a compromise version of loose swaddling, which does not have the disadvantages of tight swaddling, but has the same advantages. It does not restrict the baby’s movements and gives him the impression that he is safe.

Free swaddling is a compromise between opponents and supporters of swaddling. It leaves the arms and upper half of the body open, forming a free cocoon for the legs

How many months are babies swaddled?

If the baby is healthy and calm, sleeps well, it makes sense to continue fiddling with diapers for no more than 3 weeks after birth. Up to what age it is necessary to swaddle a particular baby, parents decide, but you should not do this for longer than 3 months.

If the baby does not sleep well, you can use special cocoon diapers or a light sleeping bag (we recommend reading:).

Dr. Komarovsky believes that swaddling is an individual process. Some children sleep poorly, are restless, and suffer from heat exchange disorders. They need to be swaddled strictly according to the instructions, with an eye on the weather and the child’s well-being. It is better to practice loose swaddling. Other children are calm and feel great without diapers - there is no need to swaddle them.

There are several myths that the famous pediatrician refutes:

1. Wrapping a baby in a diaper corrects the shape of the legs - this is not true. The curvature of the legs can be corrected only by movement; for this, physical therapy and massage are prescribed.
2. Swaddling protects the baby from hypothermia and the risk of “catching a cold” - another dubious conclusion. In cold weather, a warm diaper will help keep you warm, but in warm weather, on the contrary, it will contribute to the baby’s overheating and poor health.
3. Tight swaddling has a bad effect on both the mental and physical development of the baby - not if it is used correctly. The baby is wrapped tightly at night when he should be sleeping. During the day, you don’t have to swaddle your baby at all or use a loose method that doesn’t restrict movement. Then the baby’s development will go exactly according to schedule.

Nappies are comfortable, soft pieces of fabric widely used instead of clothing for newborns. It’s unlikely that anyone can say exactly when the history of baby diapers began. The need to protect, warm, and cherish our descendants is inherent in us by nature itself. This means that diapers appeared not much later than, in fact, man himself. Only at first they were the skins of animals killed during hunting, in which primitive people wrapped their children, then they were made of leather, fur, and burlap. Today they have changed, they have become both more comfortable and attractive. But many alternative options for children's clothing have appeared: rompers and vests, overalls, bodysuits, etc. Some parents now do not swaddle their children at all. And others are of the opinion that it is necessary to swaddle babies, as our mothers and grandmothers did, the mothers of our grandmothers and many generations of women before us. Who is right here? Should modern parents swaddle their newborn babies? And if so, how to swaddle a baby correctly? We tell you everything according to the instructions, step by step, with photos and videos.

The benefits of swaddling a baby

Why is it believed that a newly born baby will feel more comfortable if swaddled, because this limits the freedom of his actions?

The answer is simple: the diaper to some extent creates the illusion of an enclosed space and somewhat reminds the toddler of his mother’s womb, where he was cozy and warm.

It is best if the child’s body is in contact with a surface that, in the first time after birth, would replace the walls of the amniotic sac, because it is their protection that he has become accustomed to during the nine months of life in his mother’s tummy. This way, the child’s adaptation to a new environment is easier and faster.

Is it necessary to swaddle a baby?

But there is another reason why swaddling is recommended for infants. Their movements are not yet entirely conscious. Newborns do not yet know how to control them. Moreover, the chaotic movements of the arms and legs can even frighten the baby.

Undoubtedly, it is best to be in your mother’s arms, but it won’t work out all the time. In such a situation, a diaper is simply necessary. It retains heat well, guarantees comfort and safety, and yes, it restricts movements, which slow down the process of going to bed and, in fact, only distract and frighten the child. A baby who is swaddled falls asleep faster and sleeps much more soundly.

A big advantage is the low cost of diapers - you can make them yourself and buy them no more than once every three months. You will have to buy rompers, vests and bodysuits much more often, and they cost much more.

Flaws

• Often newborns have problems with muscle tone, so they need special clothing.
• If the room is quite warm, the baby may overheat in the diaper because it is difficult for him to maintain a certain body temperature. This is especially true in the summer. In this case, it is necessary to dress the baby lightly, and it is better for him to sleep on his stomach. Diapers definitely won't fit here.
• Also, diapers, compared to, for example, rompers and undershirts, somewhat limit the child’s motor activity. And this prevents the strengthening and development of the muscles of the arms, legs, neck, and abdominals. But you can lay the baby on his tummy before each feeding, do gymnastics with him, not swaddle him when he is awake, and thus compensate for this deficiency.
• In addition, most dads find it easier to put clothes on their baby rather than swaddle him. And modern mothers, looking at the huge assortment of children's clothes, simply cannot resist - they buy elegant dresses and comfortable “bodysuits”, increasingly preferring them over the good old diapers.

When a newborn is calm and happy with everything, eats well, falls asleep easily and sleeps for several hours at a time, then he hardly needs diapers that much. But for babies who are restless, often cry for no apparent reason, or have problems sleeping, it is still better to wrap them in diapers for the first few months after birth.

Video “for or against diapers” - Dr. Komarovsky

A little theory

Changing a diaper is quite simple. To do this, prepare in advance:

• a clean diaper (for different types of swaddling, the diaper is folded differently, and there may be more than one);
• diaper (disposable or reusable);
• vests, rompers (if you wear them);
• a basin with warm water or napkins for newborns (you can also wash the baby under running water);
• a remedy for skin irritations - powder, baby cream or special oil.

Remember! Everything you need should be at your fingertips. After all, when you put your baby on the changing table and undress him, you can’t leave him there unattended and go look for the missing accessories.

• Before each swaddling, be sure to wash the baby and dry him gently with a soft towel.
• If the navel has not yet healed, nothing should squeeze it. When you use diapers, you need to fold back the front edge when changing them.
• Diapers must be washed and ironed each time; used ones cannot be dried.
• Overheating is dangerous for newborns. Therefore, you need to choose a warm or thin diaper based on the room temperature.
• Cotton diapers stretch well and do not hinder movement, flannel ones are not so pliable.
• Don't swaddle tightly. Avoid folds, especially rough ones. Make sure that nothing causes inconvenience to the little one.
• There is a misconception that a baby should be swaddled with straight legs. Do not do this under any circumstances.
• A newborn baby is just beginning to explore the world, so he watches your speech and facial expressions. Be as friendly as possible. Talk to your baby while swaddling. Then he will not resist, but will begin to perceive swaddling as a natural procedure.

There are different ways to swaddle a newborn. The use of one method or another depends on age characteristics, need or doctor’s recommendations.

Video: how to properly swaddle a newborn

Tight swaddling - step-by-step instructions with photos

With this method, the baby is swaddled completely. It is often used for hyperactive children.

Algorithm of actions:

Pediatricians do not recommend resorting to this method of swaddling during the day, or using undershirts with sleeves sewn up. But you can use it before going to bed at night. A child wrapped in this way will feel calmer and sleep better.

There are two varieties of this method: in the first case, the arms remain on top of the diaper, and in the second, they are swaddled, like the legs.

Loose swaddling is considered more gentle. The position in which the newborn's arms are pressed to the chest and the legs are pressed to the tummy is approximately the same as that he assumed in the womb. This is how the baby will feel comfortable.

Algorithm of actions:

If you have any difficulties with swaddling, you can use an envelope. It is much more convenient and does not interfere with the child’s movements.

Wide swaddling

Wide swaddling is prescribed by a doctor for various disorders in the development of the musculoskeletal system. The baby's position should be the most natural - legs bent and slightly moved to the sides.

This swaddling promotes the proper development of the pelvic joints and is a prevention of dislocations and subluxations of the hips, as well as dysplasia in the early stages. The method is applicable to children up to six months old.

Usually in the maternity hospital they show what it means to swaddle a baby widely. You will need three diapers, as well as two vests. Choose clothes according to the season: the main thing is to avoid overheating.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Put on your baby a vest made of thin fabric.
2. Next, a jacket made of flannel or flannel is put on over the vest.
3. Place two warm ones on the table, and then a thin diaper on top.
4. Place the child on the table.
5. A warm diaper must be folded into a scarf (the edge is on the tummy), and a thin one is folded in the form of a strip.
6. Place a thin diaper between the legs and wrap the legs in it.
7. The bottom of the thick diaper passes between the legs, and then is fixed around the tummy.
8. Place the baby diagonally on the third diaper, wrap the edges behind the back, and tuck the bottom and secure it to one of the top edges.

Swaddling in a blanket

Often in winter, newborns are taken from the maternity hospital wrapped in a warm blanket. And for walks in the cold season, a blanket is not as often as before, but today it is also used. How to properly swaddle a baby in a blanket?

"With your head"

Head outside

In summer and hot weather

During the warm season, there are swaddling rules, the observance of which guarantees the comfort and well-being of your baby.

• In hot weather, you should not tightly swaddle a child suffering from increased muscle tone.
• Children often develop a fever when swaddling, so in summer it is best to use thin diapers without vests or rompers.
• In case of stomach upsets, it is best for the baby to lie on his tummy; in this case, there is no need to swaddle the baby.

On a note! The best way in hot weather is loose swaddling.

Video: how to swaddle a baby in the heat and other swaddling methods

Age characteristics

Swaddling helps the newborn baby get used to the new world. This period can last a week, or even a month.

The mother independently determines at what age the baby will be swaddled. By his behavior, she will understand when he is ready to give up diapers. Many people resort to swaddling only at night so that the baby sleeps peacefully.

At the age of two months, the baby can already leave his arms free, and at three months he can completely forget about diapers. It is best not to use diapers when the baby is awake, because he must learn to control his movements and explore the world.

If parents are categorically against diapers, however, they notice that their baby feels more confident when his movements are somewhat difficult, you can buy a special envelope. But if you have even the slightest doubt about swaddling or using an envelope, be sure to consult with the pediatrician who is caring for your child.

Many mothers do not know how to properly swaddle a newborn baby. By following step-by-step instructions, you can easily master this skill.

Fewer and fewer parents today use swaddling, preferring modern baby items. And it’s not even that young mothers are against diapers. Many of them simply do not know how to swaddle a child, assuming that it is difficult and inconvenient.

In fact, swaddling, like other baby care procedures, is very easy to learn. And, if you have not acquired this skill in courses for pregnant women or in the maternity hospital, you can always get acquainted with swaddling techniques yourself, and your grandmother will be happy to act as an instructor.

How to swaddle babies

Improving and expanding, methods of swaddling a newborn were passed on from generation to generation. And today there are only a few main types of swaddling.

Tight

This most conservative method was especially popular in Soviet times. The babies were wrapped tightly in a diaper, their arms and legs were forcibly straightened so that the babies could not even move.

The tight fit of the fabric allowed the baby to feel in the same “native” tightness that was in her mother’s belly. However, excessive pressure on a tiny body can have very serious consequences (impaired blood flow, hip dysplasia, etc.), so today this method is used infrequently.

“When swaddling like a soldier (tight), do not forget to regularly turn the baby over, changing the side on which he lies.”

Free

The very word “free” already suggests that the baby is not fixed as tightly with a diaper as in the previous method. The swaddled arms and legs can move, which allows the baby to curl up into a comfortable “embryo” position. This method is absolutely safe for children, and therefore today it is considered the most optimal.

Wide swaddling of a newborn

This type of swaddling is usually prescribed by an orthopedist if various disorders of the musculoskeletal system are observed. The baby must be swaddled so that his legs are spread apart and slightly bent. For this, special panties or a folded diaper are used.

Which of the above methods is better for swaddling and how to do it correctly?

Learning to swaddle using different techniques

During the first months, the diaper completely replaces the baby's clothing. Depending on whether the baby is going to sleep, walk or stay awake, the methods of swaddling will be different. Step-by-step instructions on how to properly swaddle a newborn baby.

Tight swaddling

Most of the negative consequences associated with the use of diapers (see article “”) relate specifically to this method. However, only tight swaddling allows the most restless babies to fall asleep quickly and soundly. Scheme of swaddling with a “soldier”.

• We spread the diaper in the shape of a diamond, folding the top edge. We place the baby so that the upper boundary of the corner passes under its neck.
• We wrap the left edge of the fabric under the opposite side of the baby, fixing the diaper under the back.
• We also tuck the right corner obliquely under the back.
• The remaining “tail” rises to the baby’s neck or shoulder, depending on the size of the fabric. Now we wrap the “tail” around the baby and fix the free edge.

A similar technique is used for swaddling with the head, or “envelope”. It is most often used for walks, when the baby is wrapped in a blanket. As in the instructions described above, the baby is laid diagonally. The corner is not tucked in, but left free so that the baby’s head can be covered.

After the first handle is hidden, the bottom corner is turned up. The remaining edge of the blanket or diaper is covered on top. You can secure the “bundle” with tape.

During waking hours or at night (if the child does not wake up from shaking hands), you can use loose swaddling. The algorithm of actions for this method is the same as for tight swaddling. Only now the arms and legs are not tightly fixed with a diaper, but remain in their natural position. There should be enough space between the fabric and the baby's body so that the legs and arms remain mobile.

The main feature of this method is that folded fabric is placed between the baby’s legs. This is necessary so that the legs remain in a slightly unfolded, semi-bent position, which is useful for congenital dislocation of the hip. How to do it?

To help young parents:

Fold the fabric diagonally and lay the corner down. Raise the bottom edge to the baby's stomach, passing it between the legs. Fix the remaining corners one by one behind your back.

Now take the second diaper. It spreads in a rectangle. Having positioned the baby in the center so that its upper edge passes under the lower back, loosely wrap the sides. Lift the remaining “tail” up and also fix it behind your back.

5 principles of healthy swaddling

Swaddling, like other procedures related to caring for a baby, must be taken seriously. The slightest violation of hygiene standards and non-compliance with the rules can lead to irreparable consequences for the mental and physical health of the baby.

Correct surface

Of course, you can swaddle anywhere. But it’s better if it’s a flat, hard surface – a table or a “changing station”. It is covered with oilcloth and warm fabric.

You can also purchase a special chest of drawers with a retractable tabletop designed for a child. It is more convenient to perform manipulations with the baby on it than on the bed, because Mom’s back doesn’t strain.

Often a mattress is also sold with it. It should be waterproof and soft enough.

Safety

Clothing and personal hygiene items should be at hand, but located at a safe distance. On many “swaddling machines,” for example, there are special niches on the side for this purpose.

Preparing clothes and diapers

Before swaddling a newborn in cloth, it is washed, dried and ironed on both sides. To soften and disinfect diapers, use a steamer or simply sprinkle them with water.

Never wrap your baby in used diapers! Dirty, wet or overdried, hard fabric will instantly provoke the appearance of diaper rash and diaper dermatitis, which is unpleasant and even dangerous for newborn babies.

The same goes for linen. Under the diaper, wrap-around undershirts are worn on the back or stomach. All underwear for newborns is worn with the seams facing out.

Skin care

Before swaddling a newborn, it is necessary to wash it with warm water and treat the skin with powder or cream. Then a clean gauze or disposable diaper is put on. If the umbilical wound has not yet healed, be sure to fold the edge of the diaper so that it remains open.

Air baths

You should not leave your baby swaddled around the clock. Try to leave him without clothes for a short time before swaddling.

Newborns have poor thermoregulation, so monitor the temperature in the room - avoid drafts, warm the air if necessary.

Wrap your baby in a calico swaddle for his first bath and he will feel much calmer!

Swaddle in summer

Often mothers are interested in how to swaddle their newborn in the heat so that he does not overheat. It’s better to leave the baby naked at home, but when going outside you can “dress up” in a cotton diaper. In this case, it is better to swaddle the baby in a free way. Even for the summer heat, a natural T-shirt and swaddling only the legs are suitable.

Swaddle in winter

It is very easy for a newborn baby to get a cold, so in cold weather children are swaddled with their heads together. How?

Take a large diaper and slightly fold the top edge. We apply it to the baby’s head and fold it into a scarf on one side. The resulting angle is tucked under the back. We do the same with the second edge, wrapping the corner around the child. Next we fold the “tail” in the usual way.

If there is no large fabric, you can use two diapers. Then one will go on the “scarf”, and the second will wrap the body.

Swaddling technique without arms and legs

Depending on the situation, sometimes only the legs or, conversely, only the arms are swaddled.

In the first case, the baby is placed on the fabric so that its upper edge reaches the armpits. The sides are folded under the back, and the bottom is raised and tucked in at the top to create a “pouch.”

Swaddling without handles is practiced from about 4 weeks. This is done first while awake so that the baby gets used to his hands, and then during sleep.

If your baby wakes herself up with her hands, but you don’t want to completely swaddle the baby, you need to think about how to swaddle only her hands. Swaddling of hands is described in detail in our photo instructions.

First way

Second way

If proper swaddling still seems too difficult to you, you can purchase special “cocoons” or diapers for newborns, the cut of which allows even inexperienced dads to easily wrap the baby.