Wrapping Up My Newborn: How Many Swaddles Do I Really Need?
Welcome to the wonderful world of parenting! You are about to embark on one of the most beautiful and rewarding journeys of your life. As a new parent, you will be bombarded with advice from experienced parents and experts on all sorts of topics. From [pacifier alternatives] to [if mittens are necessary for newborns].
One piece of advice you may hear is to “swaddle your baby”. But what is swaddling and why is it so great for your newborn? Then you may wonder, “How many swaddles do I need?”
Let’s find out the answer to that question and more in this blog post!
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What is Swaddling?
Swaddling is an age-old practice of wrapping babies in a light blanket or cloth to provide warmth and comfort. It is believed that swaddling mimics the snug and secure feeling babies experience in the womb. Thus, swaddling helps babies feel calm and secure in their new environment.
No wonder newborns love swaddling!
Benefits of Swaddling
Swaddling has many benefits for babies, including:
- Warmth. Swaddling helps to keep babies warm and comfortable and cozy. Newborns do not have a fully developed body temperature control system. Thus, they need help regulating their own body heat. The snugness of being swaddled keeps newborns warm and comfortable. It also provides a sense of security.
- Comfort. Swaddling recreates the snug feeling babies experience in the womb and can make them feel safe and secure.
- Prevents Startle Reflex. Newborns are born with a startle reflex, called the Moro reflex. This can cause them to startle themselves awake. Swaddling helps to prevent this reflex from being triggered, which helps babies stay calm and relaxed.
- Better Sleep. Because of these increased feelings of security and comfort, and decreased startle reflex, swaddling leads to longer and restful sleep. Hopefully for both your baby and you!
Receiving Blanket vs Swaddling Blanket
A swaddle blanket and a receiving blanket are both essential items for when you have a newborn. A swaddle blanket is specifically designed for wrapping your baby to keep them comfortable and secure.
Receiving blankets, on the other hand, are more multi-purpose. They are larger than swaddle blankets and can be used for a variety of things. This can include a swaddle, nursing cover, a playmat, or as a burp cloth.
So while a receiving blanket can be a swaddle, a swaddle cannot be a receiving blanket. Thus, both swaddles and receiving blankets should be in every new parent’s arsenal of baby supplies.
Swaddles Come in Many Varieties
Receiving Blankets
Like mentioned above, one of the most popular varieties of swaddle blankets is the traditional receiving blanket. It is made of a lightweight and breathable fabric, like cotton or muslin, and is usually square in shape. Receiving blankets are available in different sizes, colors, and patterns.
Stretchy Wrap
Another type of swaddle blanket is the stretchy wrap. This type of blanket is made with a blend of cotton and spandex. This makes it very stretchy and easy to wrap around your baby.
It is designed to keep baby snug and secure without restricting their movement.
Sleep Sack Swaddle Blanket
For more warmth and comfort, parents can opt for a “sleep sack” swaddle blanket. This type of blanket is designed with a pouch at the bottom so that baby’s feet can be tucked in.
These sleep sacks are usually made with a soft and cozy fabric like fleece or flannel and are available in different sizes.
How Many Swaddles Do I Need?
So, you may be wondering “How many swaddles do I need for my newborn baby?”
The answer to this question depends on several factors. This includes your lifestyle, your baby’s needs, and how often you do laundry. Generally, it’s recommended that you have at least 3-4 swaddles on hand. Having this many on hand ensures that you always have a clean, dry swaddle ready for use.
However, if you plan on swaddling your baby more frequently or you do laundry less often, you may want to have more swaddles on hand.
How to Swaddle Your Newborn
Swaddling your newborn is not as hard as it may seem. Here’s how to do it!
- Start with a square swaddle blanket, with one corner folded down a bit to create a triangle shape.
- Place your baby in the middle of the blanket, with their head slightly above the folded corner and their feet near the bottom point of the swaddle.
- Take the left corner of the swaddle blanket and bring it across your baby’s body, tucking it under baby’s right arm.
- Take the bottom corner of the blanket and bring it up over baby’s feet, tucking it under their left arm.
- Take the right corner of the blanket and bring it across baby’s body, tucking it under baby’s left arm and behind their back.
- Make sure baby is snug but not too tight and that the swaddle is not covering their face.
Final Thoughts on Swaddles
Swaddling is an age-old practice that can provide comfort and security to your baby. It is important to make sure that you have the right number of swaddles on hand, as well as the right type of swaddle.
The number of swaddles needed may vary based on personal preference and how often you do laundry. However, it’s generally recommended to have at least 3-4 swaddles on hand. But you can always buy more as needed!
Choose swaddles that are safe and easy to use, and follow proper swaddling techniques to ensure the comfort and safety of the baby.
With the right swaddles and techniques, you can help your little ones sleep more soundly and feel more comfortable in their new world.
How many swaddles do you plan on adding to your baby registry?
