The Moro reflex is a natural reflex that cause a newborn to startle and move there limbs. This reflex can interrupt the sleeps of a newborn. One method of containing the Moro reflex is to swaddle the newborn.
To swaddle a newborn, you must use the correct sizes of blanket. Using the incorrect size of blanket can make it difficult to properly swaddle the newborn and may result in either too loose or more tight a swaddle. The preferred shape of blanket is one that is square in shape.
How to Swaddle a Baby with the Diamond Fold
A square blanket can be folded into the shape of a diamond, which make it easier to swaddle the newborn correctly. A blanket folded into the shape of a diamond allow the corner of the blanket to pull evenly across the newborn’s shoulders and hips. Using a square blanket allows for the four corners of the blanket to snugly hug the newborn at the top of the body, yet still leave room for the newborn’s legs to move while sleeping.
Room must be allowed for the newborn’s legs while sleeping to avoid developing hip dysplasia. Many people will choose to use blankets that are smaller in size when swaddling very small newborns. People may opt for blankets of standard size when swaddling larger newborns.
Oversized blankets can be used for larger babies as the oversized blankets will have extra length for sealing the newborns arms. However, you should not use blankets too large for the newborn as such a blanket could feel like a strait jacket when swaddling the baby. The diamond fold is one method of swaddling a newborn in a square blanket.
To perform the diamond fold, place the newborn on the blanket and lay the blanket in the shape of a diamond. Place the newborn’s shoulders at the edge of the fold in the blanket. Place the newborn’s left arm down into the blanket and pull the corner of the blanket across the newborn’s chest and under there right side.
Pull the bottom of the blanket up over the newborn’s feet while making sure there is enough room for their hips. Fold the newborn’s right side of the body into the blanket so that the edge of the blanket rest against the newborn. Use the two finger test to ensure that the newborn is properly swaddled.
Two fingers should be able to fit into the swaddle at the chest area of the newborn as this will ensure the blanket is snug enough to mimic the feeling of the womb but breathable enough that it will not create a suffocation risk for the baby. If the blanket is too loose, newborns might have difficulty sleeping as their limbs will not be contained. There are many different types of swaddle available.
Some blankets that are square in shape can also be used to cover a nursing mother or as a play mat for the baby. Wearable swaddles with velcro wings allow for the baby to be snapped shut easy. Zip-up swaddles allow for the newborn’s diaper to be changed while the baby remains inside the swaddle.
Some swaddles have designs that allow the baby’s arms to be positioned in an arm-up sleeping position as newborns tend to sleep with their fists near their face. Some fabrics are better for use in certain climate environment than others. Open weave cotton blankets are useful for use in warm rooms as the fabric is more breathable.
Bamboo fabric is useful in any environment as it assist in regulating the newborn’s body temperature. Swaddling blankets can be made of stretchy knit fabric to conform to the newborn’s body. Plush fabrics provide warmth to the newborn when sleeping in cool rooms.
When using a swaddle, there are rules to follow. Always place the baby on their back when sleeping while wearing a swaddle. Never place the baby on their side or their stomach while wearing a swaddle.
The crib should be bare of bedding or toys and the room temperature should be between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Swaddling should be discontinued as soon as the baby exhibit signs of rolling over which typically occurs between two and four months of age. To make the transition from swaddling to sleeping without a swaddle, begin by freeing one arm of the newborn from within the swaddle.
Freeing both arms will make for an easier transition to sleeping within a sleep sack. Any blankets used for swaddling should of been prewashed to avoid shrinking the blanket and to allow the blanket to feel soft against the newborn. Four to six blankets should be prepared for sleeping as newborns may experience spit up while sleeping and will require blanket replacement.
The diamond fold can be practiced on a baby doll prior to swaddling the newborn.
