Swaddling your baby is like creating a “burrito” with a receiving blanket. Your nurses will swaddle your baby while you’re in the hospital. Take the time to learn this technique before you go home! It could mean the difference between an all night crying jag to a restful night.

How Does Swaddling Help My Baby?
Baby’s are born with a startle reflex. It’s kind of like that jerking feeling you get when you’ve had that dream of falling down a well. His arms will fly out and will likely scare (or “startle”) him. If he’s sleeping, this reflex will wake him up. If he’s swaddled, the startle reflex won’t disturb him as his body won’t be able to jerk in the same way.

Swaddling can also offer warmth to your baby during his first few days of life. His internal thermostat isn’t working just yet so his body temperature can’t adjust itself. Even if it’s the middle of summer, chances are your baby may be cool, so swaddling will help him be comfortable.

Also, your baby has just spent 9 months fitting tightly in your womb. It is a snuggly sensation that he is used to, so swaddling will offer his that same comfort that he’s used to.

When Should I Swaddle My Baby?
On occasion your baby may seem to be “over-stimulated”, either by too many sights or sounds, or just be “over-tired”. If you can’t seem to settle baby down, swaddling will offer him the warmth and security to calm down quickly.

Once your baby reaches about 1 month old, only swaddle your baby when he is sleeping. While he’s awake he’ll be moving and working on his muscle development. When he outgrows the need to be swaddled, he’ll let you know by crying and kicking while he’s swaddled. BUT, keep the swaddling technique in the back of your mind. Even at three or four months old, it can come in handy to help calm him down.

About this Article:
Suzy Motter is a mom of 4 ranging in ages from 3 to 14. She offers advice and fun for parents at all stages at her website Suzy’s Kidz.com.

Crib

• Ensure that the slats are no wider than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby’s head from getting stuck. Most cribs sold in the US meet this safety requirement. Just be aware that second-hand or antique cribs may not meet this standard.
• Look for a crib with sides that drop to allow you to easily pick up your baby. You will be doing this hundreds of times so you don’t want to create a back problem by reaching over the rails.
• Choose a crib that allows you to adjust the mattress. This will allow you to adjust as your toddler grows.

Crib Mattress

• The mattress should be firm enough to last until your baby is ready to move into a toddler bed.
• You can choose from foam or coil. If you are considering purchasing a foam mattress look for a heavy weight, high density crib mattress as this will result in a firmer mattress.
• Ensure that the mattress fits the crib exactly as you do not want your baby slipping through the gap between the crib and mattress.
• Crib mattress pads are an optional extra to protect your baby’s mattress.

Crib Accessories

• Crib bumpers are a way of protecting your baby from getting arms and legs tangled in the slats and from knocking against the crib sides.
• Crib bumpers should be firm and flat rather than soft and fluffy.
• Always attach crib bumpers securely and cut any dangling ties to prevent the baby from getting tangled
• Crib bedding is another important purchase you will make. Rather than purchase items individually, buy crib sets as this will definitely save you money.

About this Article:
Article provide courtesy of Baby-Cribs-n-Strollers – your online source for baby furniture and accessories.