Even in ancient cultures, such as the Romans or ancient Greeks, babies were wrapped tightly in cloths. Art historical depictions sometimes also show a baby Jesus "wrapped" in this way in the cot. Even in modern Western Europe, special wrapping methods with long lengths of cloth were widespread until the 18th century. In addition, some indigenous peoples, such as the Inuit, still have a deeply rooted tradition of wrapping their babies tightly in cloths to calm them down.
In Germany, this method is now known as "swaddling". It has been enjoying increasing popularity among parents for some years now. A slightly modified form has now become established under the term "swaddling". I, too, keep getting enquiries from mums about the "right" technique. At the same time, however, paediatricians are sounding the alarm and urgently advising against this swaddling method due to the potential dangers. That's why I want to take a look at it with you.
The purpose and aim of swaddling
Especially in the last months of pregnancy, the baby experiences increasing constriction in its mother's womb. With its body, arms and legs, it now repeatedly reaches its limits in the truest sense of the word. And still feels cosily warm and secure. Swaddling aims to imitate this feeling.
The theory: When a baby is born, it is bombarded with a whole host of new impressions. Not only is it now confronted with different noises, smells, temperatures and lighting conditions, but it also suddenly experiences a whole new boundless freedom of movement. The baby can now move its arms and legs freely without coming up against any limits. All in all, it is assumed that so many new things can also unsettle the child and cause anxiety. The baby may then cry a lot or at least be very restless to express its discomfort.
Swaddling, i.e. wrapping the baby tightly, is intended to give the baby a sense of the familiar closeness and confinement that it experienced in the womb. It is therefore about conveying a sense of safety and security. Especially Screaming children and premature babies could benefit from this, it is assumed.
Swaddling is also intended to suppress the so-called Moro reflex and its effects on the child. This reflex, which is triggered by certain stimuli, means that the newborn suddenly stretches its arms out to the side and spreads its fingers while sleeping. Sometimes it also stretches out its legs. After a short time, it brings its arms back to its body and pulls them together in front of its chest. This reflex is often interpreted by parents as fright, but it is normal, harmless and only temporary. It has not been proven whether this makes the child feel uncomfortable. However, the reflex sometimes wakes babies from sleep. Some babies then have difficulty falling back asleep on their own. Swaddling is therefore intended to make the child's sleep more relaxed.
A further effect of the wrapping method is believed to be that it envelops the baby in warmth, which can also prevent flatulence and/or relieve tummy ache.
It is important for me to say at this point: What is certain is that swaddling No panacea can be. It is no substitute for the comforting physical closeness of a baby's trusted carer. The swaddling technique is also not suitable for every baby. Some babies simply don't like it. So if you want to swaddle your child, you should always observe carefully whether your child feels comfortable with it and makes a happy impression - or not.
How does swaddling work?
For anyone interested in this method: There are different swaddling techniques, but they all lead to the same result. The baby's entire body is wrapped in the supine position in a large cotton cloth, an extra puck cloth with a Velcro fastener or a so-called puck bag, so that only the baby's head is sticking out.
This is intended to restrict the baby's freedom of movement. The little arms lie close to the body, they may also be angled and point upwards with the fists.
Attention: Never wrap too tightly, but not too loosely either! The pelvic area in particular needs sufficient space and must not be constricted.
Not recommended are swaddling variations in which the baby's legs are stretched motionless. This can lead to hip malpositions, more on this later. Your midwife may be able to show you the right swaddling technique for swaddling.
If the pelvis is swaddled too tightly, this method harbours risks for the baby. This is particularly true for children who are swaddled in plastic nappies, as these naturally spread the legs less than with plastic nappies. Cloth nappy systems.
Risks from swaddling
When to pick? The baby is only spit up during the first few weeks of life. And only for sleeping. When it is awake, it should retain its freedom of movement. In addition, many parents only swaddle their child during the day for naps because they can then keep an eye on the baby. At night, when the parents themselves are asleep, many do without swaddling altogether.
When to stop? If your child tries to turn onto their tummy or starts to practise this, you must start swaddling immediately. stop. Otherwise, there is too great a risk that the swaddled baby will turn onto its side or stomach and not come back. This in turn can hinder the baby's breathing. In this case, the risk for the baby also increases. Sudden infant death syndrome.
The wrapping method also harbours certain other risks. These can also be caused by incorrect wrapping (e.g. too tight) or if parents do not recognise warning signs in time (e.g. overheating). The following possible dangers are described:
Swaddling favours hip dysplasia: Studies indicate that swaddling can cause a malposition of the baby's hips (hip dysplasia). In the first two to three months of life, babies' hips receive growth stimuli through the position of their legs. They are spread apart and slightly tucked in - exactly how babies' legs are usually positioned in the first few weeks of life. However, if the legs are now forced into an extended position by wrapping them up, this interferes with the healthy development of the hips. In the worst case scenario, the hip can even dislocate. The risk of this is reduced by swaddling the baby in cloth nappies. Nevertheless, it is important to wrap the puck cloth loosely in the pelvic area.
There are also special Pucksacksto reduce this risk. In it, the baby feels the restriction on the upper body and arms, but has enough space to move its legs in a natural position.
Attention: A baby that was born with a malposition of the hips must not be spit up under any circumstances!
Swaddling can pinch nerves: If the child is "wrapped up" too tightly, nerves can be pinched. This can lead to permanent damage.
Overheating due to swaddling: Heat is generated in the cloth in which the baby is wrapped. This can lead to overheating, which also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. ThereforeAvoid swaddling on very warm days or if the child has a fever! Parents should also take care not to dress the child too warmly when swaddling. It is also important not to make the sleeping environment in the room too warm. Always use a Cotton muslin clothif you want to give your baby the cosiness of the puck. This reduces the risk of overheating.
Swaddling can favour a flat back of the head: As the baby lies exclusively on its back when swaddled, this can lead to a flatter back of the head due to the position. This is because the skull structures are still soft and malleable. Strictly speaking, of course, this is not a risk of swaddling, but a risk of lying on the back. However, as babies often sleep better in a swaddle, they stay in the supine position for longer. A special Positioning cushion helps to prevent the development of a flat skull.
Swaddling can hinder crying: If the baby is swaddled too tightly or the swaddle is not elasticated enough, it can happen that the baby's lungs do not have enough room to cry "properly" or to take a deep breath. The alternative to swaddling would also be a sling. In this, the baby also feels confinement and closeness, but nothing hinders its breathing.
My conclusion
Swaddling can give babies a lot of security. However, it cannot replace the need for closeness. It is important that the right materials (cotton but still stretchy) are used for swaddling and that the baby is swaddled using the right technique (not too tightly). However, as soon as babies need freedom of movement, it is time to stop swaddling. There are many good reasons to swaddle your baby with Cloth nappies nappy changing. If your child loves the comfort of swaddling, you have another important reason not to swaddle your child in plastic nappies.
