Have you ever watched a nurse or newborn photographer swaddle a newborn? It’s magical! The baby goes from fussy and flailing to settled and sleepy right before your eyes. Do you ever wonder how they get that swaddle success??
I remember when I was a new mom, I was so impressed by how my nurses (and my husband!) could swaddle so well. It took me SO LONG to learn how to do it!
Why is swaddling so effective in helping babies sleep? It mimics the coziness of the womb. In there, babies feel snug and secure. Then, once they’re out in the world, all that sprawling space can be quite startling!
I’ve seen how swaddling can calm newborns, making them feel safe and significantly stretching those precious sleep periods.
Swaddling is KEY to my Oklahoma City newborn photography sessions.
Many parents have watched me swaddle their babies and ask how I did it – so I thought I’d lay it all out here in this blog post!
And of course, always chat with your doctor about safe sleep practices and how to swaddle safely. They can give you the best advice tailored to your baby’s needs.
Tip #1: Choose the Right Blanket
I’ve found, the type of blanket is crucial.
If it’s too thick, the swaddle doesn’t stay.
If it’s not stretchy, it makes it really hard to keep the baby’s arms from popping out the top.
I always go for stretchy and thin materials like jersey knit fabric. Make sure the fabric is breathable too.
I usually bring a few pieces of fabric to use as swaddles in my in home sessions and I have purchased them from Hobby Lobby, Joann’s and even Wal-mart! These have been a lifesaver in getting me to swaddle success!
Tip #2: Secure the Arms First
Many new parents don’t realize that a baby’s arms are often the escape artists in swaddling! Secure the arms down by the sides first, which helps prevent startle reflexes that can wake your baby.
Wrap the arms tightly but ensure it’s comfortable; the fabric should allow for some movement but not enough to come loose.
I remember many times when I was home alone with my first baby where I did not get her arms in tight enough and she would instantaneously wake up! I would always be ready for my husband to get home because he was definitely the better swaddler of the two of us.
Tip #3: Double Layer Technique
For the most effective swaddle that withstands even the wriggliest of babies, I recommend using two thin blankets.
Start with a thin, stretchy muslin blanket to wrap the baby snugly, ensuring their arms are secure at their sides.
Then, use a second, lighter swaddle blanket to reinforce the first layer. This ensures everything stays snug and in place, which is crucial during those first few weeks when reflex movements are at their peak.
Tip #4: It takes practice!
These days, I can swaddle a baby with my eyes closed. But I’ve been an Oklahoma City newborn photographer for 10 years!
Don’t get discouraged if your first few swaddling attempts aren’t perfect. It often takes several tries to get a feel for the right tension and technique. Practice with a doll or a rolled-up blanket to build your confidence before trying it on your baby.
Tip #5: Gradual Transition Tip
Mom-to-mom, this is a swaddle hack I’m glad I used! Of course we can’t swaddle babies forever, but going cold turkey from a full swaddle to no swaddle will probably mean even less sleep for everyone.
So, I did a gradual swaddle transition. I started by intentionally leaving one arm out for a few nights, then 2 arms out until I eventually didn’t wrap the baby at all anymore.
If I had to choose one tip for you to remember and use to have swaddling success, it would be tip #1! Make sure to save this post for when you need to remember these swaddle success tips!
And hey, if you’re looking for an Oklahoma City newborn photographer to capture your sweet swaddled baby – click here to see more of my work!
Want to learn more about How To Help Your Newborn During Their Photo Session? Click Here!
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