Swaddling - a traditional care method rediscovered

Swaddling is getting more popular these days as people are realizing the benefits of the old traditional care method for newborn. Swaddling is the process of wrapping your newborn in a blanket that securely holds them in a position. They will look like a nice bundle burrito when wrapped properly.

As published by the World Journal of Pediatrics, a study was done by a team of doctors to compare the sleep benefits of healthy infants in swaddling and sleeping bag conditions. What the researchers found was that swaddling significantly reduced the rate of spontaneous waking and the sleep time, efficiency, stage, and quite sleep. All great benefits for parents who have newborns.

Here is what the group concluded -

So parents, give swaddling a try and reap the benefits of happy, satisfied baby, who is able to get enough sleep.

Hip Dysplasia and swaddling

The occurrence of Hip Dysplasia is making the headlines news.  Parents should be concern if they are not familiar with swaddling because improper swaddling can trigger Hip Dysplasia.  Here are some things parents need to pay attention to when swaddling.

1. Swaddle with enough room for hip to move
2. Do not straighten the newborn's leg from the frog position
3. If you are still unsure about swaddle, then I recommend getting some swaddle sacks. These sacks will create a nice swaddle for the chest and arms, while leaving enough room for the legs and hip to move without much restriction.

Source:
http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/swaddle-your-baby-but-do-it-safely

NY Times reviews techniques on helping baby’s cry less

 

I know parents hate when they have to deal with taking their baby’s to the pediatrician for shots because they all the eventual outcome. The outcome being a tearful and fearful baby who is feeling pain and discomfort that he/she does not enjoy.

The good news is parents have some ammunition to soothe a crying baby.  As summarized by NY Times and educated by pediatrician, Dr. Harvey Karp, there are the 5 S’s for the parents to do when trying to calm a crying baby:

The first S is swaddling – wrapping babies in blankets

The second S is side or stomach – hold babies in this position if fussy

The third S is suck – allows babies to soothe themselves

The fourth S is swaying – the motion is soothing & relaxing

The fifth S is shushing – the sound is soothing & relaxing

Parents can try these remedies in any particular order, but should give each a try because the combination of all these 5 S’s will help remind the newborn of their experience in the womb, when everything was peaceful.

Source:

NY Times Article – Making Baby’s Shots less tearful