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Baby swaddling
Abandoned since the 70s, swaddling toddlers in a diaper or blanket to soothe them and promote their sleep is back in fashion. But if this technique has its supporters, it also has its detractors who point out its risks. What should we think ?
Swaddling baby: what is it?
Swaddling consists of wrapping the baby’s body in a diaper or blanket more or less tightly wrapped around his body. Always practiced in many countries, it fell into disuse in France in the 70s, child development specialists criticizing it for going against the freedom of movement of babies. But under the impetus of the Anglo-Saxons, it is now back on the front of the stage.
Why swaddle your baby?
For those in favor of swaddling, the fact of being contained in a diaper or a blanket, with the arms grouped together on his chest, would allow newborns to rediscover the reassuring sensations experienced in utero. It is also a good way to prevent uncontrolled arm movements, the famous Moro reflex, which tends to suddenly wake toddlers. Swaddling would therefore make it easier for babies to sleep, soothe their crying and relieve their colic. A promise, we understand, that appeals to more and more young parents who often feel very helpless in the face of their baby’s tears.
Swaddle baby safely
First of all, it is essential to make sure that the baby does not get too hot. Be careful not to cover it too much underneath and not to use too thick a swaddling blanket. The ideal remains a swaddling in thin jersey. No need to add a sleeping bag.
Other important precautions: do not over tighten the legs, so that the baby can continue to move them, and place his arms in a physiological position, that is to say the hands on the chest and close to the face.
There are several variations of swaddling. Here is the one proposed by the physiotherapist specializing in pediatrics Isabelle Gambet-Drago in her book “My massage lesson with baby” published by Eyrolles.
- Place the jersey fabric on the table and set your baby in the center. The edge of the fabric is level with his shoulders. Bring his hands together on his chest and hold them with the left hand.
- The right hand grasps the fabric directly above baby’s shoulder and brings it back to the breastbone with good tension to wrap the shoulder forward. Hold the fabric with one finger (left hand).
- Take the end of the fabric with your right hand and bring it over baby’s arm.
- Pull the fabric tight so that the support is correct. Rock your baby slightly to the side to slide the fabric behind his back. Be careful not to make too many folds. Do the same with the other side and there he is swaddled.
If in doubt about how to proceed, do not hesitate to seek advice from a midwife or pediatric nurse.
The risks of swaddling
The main criticism of swaddling is that it promotes the occurrence of hip dislocations. Almost 2% of babies are born with a so-called unstable hip: the end of their femur does not fit properly in its cavity. Detected and taken care of in time, this peculiarity leaves no consequences. But if left unchecked, it may develop into a dislocated hip which will result in lameness. However, traditional swaddling, by keeping baby’s legs motionless and stretched out, goes against the proper development of the hips.
According to a meta-analysis published in the journal Pediatrics in May 2016, swaddling also increases the risk of sudden infant death beyond 3 months. Even if it has limitations, this study is in line with the recommendations not to prolong this practice after the first weeks of life.
What do the professionals think?
Without being firmly opposed to it, early childhood specialists point out that swaddling should be reserved for phases of sleep or crying attacks, that it should not be practiced beyond 2-3 months and that the fabric that surrounds baby should not be too tight. His legs must in particular be able to maintain their freedom of movement.
In addition, it is important to remember that swaddling is not suitable for all babies. While many appreciate being contained, others on the contrary do not support it at all. Being held this way will then amplify their discomfort and crying. It is therefore essential to be attentive to the reactions of the swaddled baby and not to insist if it does not seem to suit him.