Dad’s Swaddling Duties
Historically speaking, it was commonly believed that swaddling was essential for the infants to develop proper posture. Historical records reveal that swaddling first developed around 4000 B.C. in Central Asia with use of the backpack cradle board by migrating peoples.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke: II: 6-7)” ~ King James Version
So you could say the renaissance of swaddling in the U.S. is a bit of a throwback, thanks Dr. Harvey Karp (Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the UCLA School of Medicine and Happiest Baby
I think swaddling is very helpful for newborns. They have tendencies to wake themselves up with the little jitters they do when they’re sleeping and the reflexive flailing they’re prone to when they’re awake (reacting to a loud sound or a sneeze or something). Granted, swaddling is only advised for newborns up to one month old, it is a valuable skill for dads to master.
With the birth of our third child, I have slipped back into the role of Family Swaddler. I enjoy the title, it is right up there with Mr. Barbecue, The Family Trashman and Cleaner of All Things Disgusting. Swaddling is a bit of an art form; I say this because every child warrants their own slightly different swaddling technique.
This video illustrates a good standard technique. She has a swaddling blanket with a lot of “stretch” which is good and it is lightweight which is also one of my preferences. You can always do a double-swaddle (swaddle the baby with two separate blankets), I know, pretty advanced stuff.
The idea is the baby had very restricted movement in utero and is most comfortable with that “squished” feeling from a proper swaddle. The best thing for dads to keep in mind is to think “snug fit”, not “tight fit”. You don’t want to cut off circulation or anything. Granted, my middle-child was a complete Houdini and could shimmy out of the snuggest swaddle but that was a precursor to the “fire-cracker” personality he has today.
Sited Links:
Wikipedia | History of Swaddling
You Tube Video | Happiest Baby Swaddle
YouTube Video | How to Swaddle a Baby
Related Links:
Flying Peas | Baby Blankets & Swaddling Blankets
Contempo Tot | Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddling Blankets
Amazon | Pixel Organics 100% Certified Organic Waffle Weave Swaddling Blanket
YouTube | Various Videos on How to Swaddle a Baby
September 17th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
My daughter didn’t seem to like to be swaddled much but I guess every child is different. I will have to try again with our second child when that time comes.
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:33 am
Swaddling saved our marriage, our sanity. She hated it first, but then I broke out the Kiddopotamus swaddleme and it worked like a charm. Now that she rolls over we cannot swaddle her.
We have moved to just swaddling the legs or trying the sleep sack.
Swaddling was not easy at first, but once we got it. WOW!!!!!
November 21st, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Dear ‘Meta-Dad’
Thank you so much for mentioning Dr. Karp and “The Happiest Baby”! Dr. Karp’s book and DVD have helped countless parents calm their babies and instantly increase their nighttime sleep.
Swaddling is great when done properly (arms snug, hips a little loose). It works for at least the first 4 months (often longer). Dr. Karp does not recommend swaddling baby’s legs only – in fact it is the arm wrapping that makes swaddling effective. Most parents watch the DVD a couple of times to really learn the technique.
To immediately increase your baby’s sleep, Dr. Karp also strongly recommends the Happiest Baby “Super Soothing” Sleep Sounds CD. It has specially engineered white noise that can calm crying babies and – when played all night – can instantly boost sleep by 1-3 hours. Dr. Karp recommends it to help sleep for at least the first year (it’s so comforting to little kids….like an auditory “teddy bear”). Parents love this CD because it’s super easy to control the volume and wean babies off of (whenever you want), it keeps babies calm on car rides, and helps them sleep when spending the night at grandma’s.
And when infants get closer to 8-months of age, most parents love Dr. Karp’s DVD/book “The Happiest Toddler”. They do for toddlers (8-months to 5-years) what “The Happiest Baby” does for babies! They teach simple techniques that quickly reduce tantrums and boost a toddler’s patience and cooperation. Parents usually watch the DVD a few times – to master the techniques – then read the book for lots more tips (like dealing with picky eating, whining and discipline).
Please make sure to check with your doctor before following any of these recommendations.
I hope this information is helpful to you!
All Best Wishes,
Suzana
suzana@thehappiestbaby.com