About Swaddling
Swaddling dates back thousands of years. When the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended babies sleep on their back in the early 1990’s, swaddling became standard practice. Swaddling helps calm fussy babies and helps all babies sleep soundly and just a bit longer. Swaddling mimics the womb-like environment that your baby experienced for nine months. Swaddling is one of the most soothing things you can do for your baby during the newborn period- those first three months of life.
Our Favorite Swaddle
With the important role swaddling plays in infant sleep, it’s no surprise that there are endless ways to make the “perfect” swaddle. We often recommend Halo products, because they make the process so easy! No tricky techniques are involved, and you can always rest easy knowing your baby is snug and safe. For more than 20 years, Halo has dedicated itself to putting the health, safety and well-being of babies first.
Depending on your preference and your baby’s sleep style, you can use Halo’s 3-way adjustable SleepSack Swaddle to bundle the arms in, with hands-to-face or with one or both arms out for older babies who are almost ready to transition out of swaddling. When you’re at that stage, you can move on to the Halo SleepSack Wearable Blanket. Not only does it replace loose blankets in the crib, but it ensures your baby stays cozy all night long.
Safety tips to remember when swaddling and transitioning
• Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep during the first year.
• If your baby gets overheated, use a lighter weight swaddle or remove a layer of clothing.
• Swaddle snugly (above the level of the hips) to eliminate the risk of your swaddle becoming a loose blanket in the crib.
• Discontinue swaddling by 12 weeks or whenever your baby begins to break free from the swaddle or shows signs of rolling over.
• When you’re ready to transition, swaddle with one arm out for a few days. When your baby adjusts to one arm out, bring the other arm out. Your baby will learn to use his or her hands or arms to self-soothe. There may be a few days of fussiness as your baby adjusts to this new way of sleeping. Don’t let that discourage you. Your baby needs those free arms and hands to assist with rolling over back to front or front to back.
• Last but not least, no matter whether your baby sleeps in a swaddle or sleep sack, make sure that it’s the appropriate size for your baby’s age and weight.
*Disclaimer: Pea Pod Sleep Consultants received products from Halo in return for an honest endorsement of their swaddles and sleep sacks. Our recommendation is not contingent upon products having been received, but is based solely upon product merit.