Question about swaddling

I feel like a totally old "granny" asking this question.......but I see on here you ladies talk an awfully lot about swaddling your newborns. I obviously know that means to wrap them up tightly, but what are the benefits, and is this exclusive to twins?

 

I think the benefit that I saw was 2 babies who were happy and would sleep! I don't know if there are any benefits other than having a quiet and happy infant, and I don't think that's only for twins! I kept mine swaddled almost all the time when they were newborns, in miracle blankets wrapped up really tight! Before they are born they are very confined and snug and so I think it comforts them to be tightly swaddled as newborns.

 

dito on the pp. newborns aren't really aware that they have limbs so when they move or startle it really kind of freaks them out. swaddling helps keep them from startling so they stay calmer - and it helps keep them from waking themselves up when they're sleeping.

 

QUOTE(aimeethomp @ Sep 12 2008, 02:05 PM) [snapback]977271[/snapback]
I think the benefit that I saw was 2 babies who were happy and would sleep! I don't know if there are any benefits other than having a quiet and happy infant, and I don't think that's only for twins! I kept mine swaddled almost all the time when they were newborns, in miracle blankets wrapped up really tight! Before they are born they are very confined and snug and so I think it comforts them to be tightly swaddled as newborns.


Thanks for your reply! I think I seen a miracle blanket at WalMart........it has velcro closures....is that what you mean? When swaddling you put their arms inside the bundle also, I'm assuming????

 

I had one twin who HAD to be swaddled in order to sleep and one twin who couldn't stand it. In fact, he's sleep with his arms straight out in a "T"

A friend bought me the Swaddle Me blankets from Babies R Us and I loved them. The velcro helped keep the "swaddle" in place. I just wasn't able to get a tight enough fit with regular blankets. It comes with instructions on how to use them.

 

We LOVED our Kiddopotamus Swaddle Me blankets!!
I only wish that I would have swaddled more right when we first came home from the hospital. I felt like the girls hated to be swaddled, when in reality they loved it & needed it to feel more secure. Their flailing arms & legs woke them up all the time when they were unswaddled.
Once I realized this we all got much better sleep :good:

Also a GREAT DVD to check out is 'The Happiest Baby On The Block' ~ it is a super short video & was SO helpful in explaining the importance of swaddling (along with the other techniques to keep your baby happy)

 

i believe most babies like to be swaddled, our DS would only sleep if he was tightly swaddled

 

QUOTE(aimeethomp @ Sep 12 2008, 12:05 PM) [snapback]977271[/snapback]
I think the benefit that I saw was 2 babies who were happy and would sleep! I don't know if there are any benefits other than having a quiet and happy infant, and I don't think that's only for twins! I kept mine swaddled almost all the time when they were newborns, in miracle blankets wrapped up really tight! Before they are born they are very confined and snug and so I think it comforts them to be tightly swaddled as newborns.

I couldn't agree with Aimee more. The only way I got any sleep when they first came home was because of swaddling!! I definitely recommend a miracle blanket or any other kind of swaddler over doing it with standard blankets...it keeps them nice and tight!