Week 2
Swaddling
At this point, you’ve probably tried swaddling your baby in a blanket (which provides womb-like comfort and security, keeps them from being awakened by their startle reflex, and gives them a little extra warmth.) Some babies are instantly soothed, but yours might resist the lack of freedom. If wrapping your baby with his or her arms outside of the blanket still doesn’t do the trick, you might have one of the few who’d rather break out of their cocoon.
On the other hand, are you sure you’re wrapping the baby correctly? Unless you have a blanket especially for swaddling, try rolling a regular lightweight blanket like a burrito:
- Lay the blanket flat on a bed or other safe, flat surface in a diamond shape. Fold the top corner down about 6 inches.
- Place the baby on his or her back, so his or her head is above the fold.
- Holding your baby’s right arm to his or her side, pull the left corner across his or her body and then tuck it under the right side of his or her back.
- Pull the bottom corner up over his or her feet and tuck into the fabric stretched across his or her chest.
- Holding your baby’s left arm to his or her side, bring the last corner across your baby’s body and tuck under the left side.
- Tip: Lightweight flannel blankets are great to use because the fibers stick together well.
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