BABY
Swaddling Techniques to Prevent Break Outs & Other Swaddling Problems
Prevent your little Houdini from breaking free with these simple tips.

Escrito por
Dr. Harvey Karp

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BABY

Escrito por
Dr. Harvey Karp

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Swaddling is not difficult, but you will want to avoid some common mistakes. Just follow the instructions below to ensure that your baby will not break out of the swaddle and that she stays snug, calm and happy!
Most of the time, your baby fights the swaddle because they are not being swaddled correctly. Check out our guide for how to swaddle a baby using the DUDU method. These step-by-step instructions will show you Dr Karp’s preferred method for swaddling, so your baby can sleep comfortably. You will also find some helpful tips below if your baby does not like or fights the swaddle.
A Harvard study found that babies actually cry more if they are wrapped loosely! If your baby does not like the swaddle, then this could be why.
The secret of swaddling is keeping the arms snug, while leaving the blanket loose around the knees and hips so they can bend and open easily.
Related: Step-by-Step Instructions for Fool-Proof Swaddling
Some experts insist that infants have their hands high up so they can suck their fingers. But wrapping with bent arms is usually a disaster! It allows the hands to wiggle out, which makes babies cry more… and allows the whole wrap to unravel. This makes it easy for your baby to fight the swaddle and keeps them awake.
It is true that during the last month or two of pregnancy, a baby’s arms are always bent. However, within two weeks of birth, the arms naturally relax, becoming straighter during calm times and sleep. (Although they do snap back into the bent position while crying.)
Note: Premature babies can be wrapped with bent arms—until they get close to their due date.
When a blanket touches the cheek of your hungry baby, it fools her into thinking it is the breast. That can set off the rooting reflex and cause her to cry with frustration when she cannot find the nipple. So keep the blanket off the face, by making the swaddle look like a V-neck jumper. This is a great way to keep your baby from breaking out or fighting the swaddle.
Related: Learn the DUDU Swaddle: The Easiest Swaddling Technique
Small blankets tend to pop open and unravel. Use a blanket that is big enough to wrap all around your baby’s body—at least 1.1 metres square.
Safe swaddling can actually help prevent cot death by making it more difficult for your baby to roll. This is important because SIDS risk jumps 8 to 45 times for babies who routinely back sleep, but accidentally roll. For more information on SIDS prevention, be sure to read all of our tips to prevent the risk of SIDS.
Descargo de responsabilidad: La información en nuestro sitio NO es un consejo médico para ninguna persona o condición específica. Solo se proporciona como información general. Si tiene alguna pregunta o preocupación médica sobre su hijo o sobre usted mismo, por favor contacte a su proveedor de salud. La leche materna es la mejor fuente de nutrición para los bebés. Es importante que, en preparación para la lactancia y durante la misma, las madres lleven una dieta saludable y equilibrada. La combinación de lactancia materna y alimentación con biberón en las primeras semanas de vida puede reducir la producción de leche materna y es difícil revertir la decisión de no amamantar. Si decide utilizar fórmula infantil, debe seguir las instrucciones cuidadosamente.