Table of contents:
- The risk of the baby being swaddled
- When does the baby stop swaddling?
- Apparently, the baby also gave signs to stop the baby from being swaddled
Swaddling a baby is a way to soothe and warm the baby. It also reduces the reflex in babies, namely the moro reflex (startle reflex) because the blanket protects the baby from sudden touch and sudden loud noises. Although the benefits of carrying a baby are numerous, they do not mean that the baby will continue to be safe. Because there is a risk that might occur if the baby is constantly being swaddled. So you need to know when it is time for your baby to stop swaddling.
The risk of the baby being swaddled
Reporting from Healthline, improper way to swaddle a baby will increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, sudden infant death is caused by the wrong way to swaddle. First, the parent swipes too hard, the baby can suffocate in his sleep. Second, because the swelling is too loose, the cloth will likely come off and cover the nose because the baby's arms can move freely so that the cloth covers the mouth and nose.
Another risk that can occur is dysplasia, which is abnormal growth of tissues or organs because the baby's legs have to be straightened when the baby is applied, cartilage and joints can be damaged if this happens. In addition, babies are more prone to rashes or prickly heat because they sweat quickly due to swaddling.
When does the baby stop swaddling?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and dr. Kimberly Edwards, pediatrician from Austin Regional Clinic,parents can stop stroking the baby when the baby is two or three months old. Because at four months the baby has to develop a movement to roll over. At this age, the Moro reflex has also begun to decrease and the baby has begun to adapt to the surrounding environment.
However, parents need to remove the swaddled cloth gradually so that the baby does not feel warm and give time to adapt. First, parents can remove part of the swaddle; leaving one baby's hand free of swelling. Then, when the baby is getting used to it, you can leave the chest to the legs open. Slowly, you can release the swelling as a whole.
Apparently, the baby also gave signs to stop the baby from being swaddled
In addition to determining the recommended age of the baby, parents can also pay attention to several signs when the baby wants to be removed. Here are the signs:
- Babies often wake up at night; as if looking for a comfortable position to sleep.
- If the swelling is only limited from the chest to the feet, and the baby has started moving around to roll over.
- Swaddling that only covers the chest to the feet may be released because the baby is constantly moving.
The following signs are a developmental transition of the baby's movement to the rolling position as well as a sign that the parent should stop swaddling him.
Babies do have irregular sleep cycles up to six months of age. After you remove the swaddle, your baby may wake up a lot at night. For that, you can replace the warmth from the bed by keeping the room temperature warm. Then, create a calm sleep sound, so that babies who are sensitive to sounds do not wake up suddenly. You can also use a pacifier to help your baby calm down if he wakes up from sleep.
x