1. Peaceful Sleep – The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that when done correctly, swaddling can be an effective technique to help calm infants and promote sleep. Swaddle babies should be laid on their backs and closely monitored to make sure they don’t roll over. Safe swaddling can help babies sleep more sound and sleep longer.

Swaddling will also prevent the startle reflex in babies – which means less interrupted sleep for babies and parents.

Touch, for babies, is very important. Especially when the wake in the middle of the night. Touch is comforting and can calm fussy babies quickly. Parents often find extreme sleeping benefits with swaddling because swaddling mimics the feeling of touch.  Swaddling babies in the hands-over-heart position is the preferred sleeping position for babies; in this position, they learn to self-soothe and can get back to sleep on their own.

2. Soothing Colicky Babies – For parents of colicky babies, swaddling can relieve the stress and anxiety that comes with incessant crying. Swaddling can become part of the calming routine for babies and allow a much needed break for mom and dad.

Anxiety can often be reduced in newborns because swaddling mimics the calm, safe environment of the womb. Swaddles should be tight enough to create a tight feeling that mimics the womb, but isn’t constrictive. SewMine Design’s personalized swaddles are great for newborns because the material is stretch, making it tight enough to be effective and still providing some flexibility for babies to move around.

3. Remove Comfort Items – Babies who are swaddled have less need for comfort items in the crib. Babies often like extra blankets for comfort, stuffed animals, and even crib bumpers can be viewed as a comfort item. These types of comfort items are not safe and have been linked to SIDS. Swaddles are a great alternative to comfort items and can help babies learn to self-soothe.
   
   
4. Eliminate Face Scratches – Newborns cannot control their hands and clipping baby fingernails is not fun (and, admit it, a little bit scary). Everybody loves adorable newborn mittens to help stop face scratches caused by baby fingernails, but they don’t always stay in place well or fit great. Swaddles help keep baby hands away from the face and reduce scratches and uncomfortable eye pokes.

Babies should be transitioned away from swaddling when they begin to roll over. Consult with a pediatrician if questions or concerns arise or to make sure best safety practices are being used. Swaddling is great during sleep time but remember that babies still need to grow and develop. Be sure to give adequate free time during the daytime and save swaddling for sleep.