Wee Baby Stuff

Swaddling is the technique of wrapping your baby in a blanket for warmth and security. It can keep your newbie calm by preventing him from being disturbed by his own startle reflex. Newborns are not able to regulate their body temperature early on, and many believe that swaddling helps the baby stay warm for the first few days of life. Most importantly, swaddling can comfort and soothe your baby. Here are the directions for swaddling from babycenter.com:

Figure A: Lay a blanket (click here for a really cute one) on a flat surface and fold down the top-right corner about 6 inches. Place the baby on his back with his head on the fold.

Figures B and C: Pull the corner near your baby's left hand across his body, and tuck the leading edge under his back on the right side under the arm.

Figure D: Pull the bottom corner up under your baby's chin or tuck it behind the infant's right shoulder.

Figures E and F: Bring the loose corner over your baby's right arm and tuck it under the back on his left side. If your baby prefers to have his arms free, you can swaddle him under the arms. This gives him access to his hands and fingers.

Information on swaddling from babycenter.com.

Swaddling Image from uptodate.com.

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