Swaddling

The short definition

Swaddling, or wrapping, means wrapping a baby in a lightweight cotton or muslin wrap. It can help bub settle and stay asleep.

What it actually means

In Australia the word used most is wrapping. Swaddling is the same thing.

Wrapping may also help keep bub in the recommended back position for sleep. There are rules that come with it, and they are not fussy details:

• Use only lightweight wraps made of cotton or muslin. Bunny rugs and blankets are not safe for wrapping, because they can cause overheating.
• The wrap needs to be firm but not too tight. A tight wrap can restrict the movement of bub's chest.
• A wrap that holds bub's legs straight and together may prevent normal hip development. A loose wrap can cover bub's head and face.
• Do not overdress bub underneath a wrap.
• Stop wrapping when bub shows signs of rolling, or reaches 3 months of age. Before that, once bub shows signs of rolling, leave their arms free or stop wrapping altogether.

A wrapped baby is always placed on their back. A baby who is wrapped and on their tummy is at increased risk of overheating and suffocation.

Where Dadda will hear it

From a midwife, in the first hour, usually while she does it in four seconds flat and makes it look easy. It is not easy. It is a skill, and it is learnable.

Not to be confused with

A safe sleeping bag. A sleeping bag does a similar job without wrapping, and it does not have the hip or the rolling problem. Many families use a wrap early and a bag after.

Also look at

• Read the full item: muslin wraps
• Read the full item: safe sleeping bag