As future or young parents we hear a lot about swaddling. But is it really beneficial for your baby and how to swaddle your baby properly? 

Kadolis has been a sleep expert for 15 years, and we'd like to tell you more about this method and how to put it in place safely. 

What is swaddling? 

Swaddling your baby means wrapping him in a light blanket that will limit his ability to move. This will give him a soothing feeling of being wrapped up, just like when he was in his mother's womb. 

Swaddling can be used at times of restlessness, fatigue or crisis. After a few minutes, your baby should be calm again. 

This technique is ideal for baby's first days and months, and should be stopped when baby can turn over on his or her own to avoid any danger. You can use this technique at night and during the day. 

Benefits of swaddling for your baby 

Soothing your baby

Swaddling reminds baby of life in the womb, which reassures and soothes him. 

Help him sleep better

Babies can regularly wake up with a start. This is the "Moro" reflex. This is not dangerous, but it can wake your baby up and interrupt his night. By swaddling your baby, you can help him to contain his sudden movements and thus sleep better. 

Reduce tummy aches

Once your baby is well swaddled, the blanket will exert a slight pressure and warmth on his tummy. This can help relieve colic pain. 

Swaddling your baby safely

Swaddling your baby can be very beneficial if he feels comfortable in this position. However, your baby may not be comfortable with this configuration. If this is the case, it is important not to insist. There are many other ways to reassure your baby, such as singing a nursery rhyme, rocking, breastfeeding, etc.

If your baby does not calm down after a few minutes in a swaddle, it is important to make sure that he or she does not need anything in particular, such as to eat, drink or be changed. 

It is also important not to wrap your baby too tightly in the blanket. To make sure the blanket is not too tight, you can check that you can get your fingers between the chest and the blanket. However, the blanket should be tight, especially if you are using it at night, so that your baby does not suffocate in it.  

To ensure your baby's safety, it is important that he or she does not get too hot when swaddled. For this, choose a swaddling blanket made from organic cotton, a healthy material that is kind to your baby's skin. Organic cotton absorbs moisture naturally, which will limit your baby's excessive sweating. Your baby will sweat less and will feel better, more soothed. 

If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to ask a childcare professional who can explain how to swaddle your baby safely.