The Advantages of Swaddling a Baby

• There are many benefits to swaddling your newborn. Monkey Business Images Ltd/Valueline/Getty Images

  Most newborns love being wrapped up, or swaddled, in a warm blanket. There are many advantages to the art of swaddling, making it a must-learn for new parents. Give it a try it when your baby is fed and dry. Chances are this simple practice will make her feel safe and secure. Keep in mind, however, that you should stop swaddling baby when she is old enough to kick off the blanket as it can pose as a suffocation hazard.

Helps Baby Sleep

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies who are swaddled sleep better. When your baby is swaddled, he is less likely to be disturbed by his own startle reflex. Swaddling can limit these movements and reduce spontaneous awakenings. Also, your baby will be able to fall back to sleep more quickly.

Keeps Baby Warm

• During the first few days of life, your baby's internal thermostat has not yet regulated itself. Swaddling will help keep her warm and snuggly before she is able to regulate her own temperature. Yet, keep in mind that a baby can also become overheated. Do not swaddle your baby with a thick blanket in warm room.

Reminds Baby of the Womb

• After nine months of being snugly wrapped up in the womb, your baby must suddenly adjust to the wide-open world. This adjustment can often be overwhelming. Swaddling offers a comfortable transition form womb to the world, as it reminds your baby of her comfy uterine cocoon.

Helps Calm Colicky Babies

• Swaddling is calming to all babies, but is especially calming to those suffering from colic. Being tightly wrapped up and secure can help your baby through their times of colicky distress. Unfortunately, not all colicky babies like to be swaddled. Give it a try the next time colic sets in and see how your child reacts.

May Prevent SIDS

• The most important thing you can do to prevent SIDS is to put your baby on her back while sleeping. In fact, SIDS has been reduced by 50 percent since 1994 when the Back to Sleep campaign was launched by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Swaddling helps keep your baby more comfortable on her back while sleeping and makes her less likely to awaken herself.