Weighted products may relax the autonomic nervous system. “A product that is 18% of an infant’s weight is particularly worrisome for this reason,” Rahal adds. “My main concern with these weighted sleep sacks being recommended in infancy is that a child who manages to roll themselves over in one of these sacks may not be able to unroll themselves because of the additional weight, increasing the risk for suffocation.” Sarah Rahal, a pediatric neurologist, agrees: A weighted blanket that reaches up to the shoulders or back of the head would keep a baby from lifting and turning to get access to fresh air.”ĭr. “In prone babies I am concerned about anything that keeps them from lifting and turning their head. James Kemp calls weighted blankets for infants “a dreadful idea.” There is insufficient evidence to answer this question with a definitive “yes” or “no.”īut, let’s consider 3 potential areas for concern:Īdded weight may make it more difficult for a baby to reposition themselves. Once baby is used to sleeping in wearable blankets, it will become a trigger to calm and you can swaddle him even when mildly fussy.Can using a Dreamland weighted sack increase the risk of SIDS? Calm your little baby by shushing or nursing and only when calm attempt to swaddle. #9: Don't swaddle a fussy baby when new to swaddlingĪ baby that's fussy will only fight being swaddled. The Zen Swaddle makes is easy to transition out of swaddling since you can use it with one arm out, then two arms out, before switching to a sleep sack like the Zen Sack. Once your baby starts learning to roll, their arms need to be free, and you'll need to stop swaddling. ![]() #8: Don't swaddle your baby once they start showing signs of rolling over It will help relax them and get them ready for bed! #7: Don't place your baby on their stomach while being swaddledĪnd DO follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' safe sleep guidelines to lower the SIDS risk (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) – which means you should always put your baby face up to sleep, whether you’re swaddling with their arms in or out. When done consistently, safe swaddling becomes a cue that it’s time for your baby to sleep. #6: Do add swaddling as part of your bedtime routine Hip healthy swaddling is vital for keeping hip joint issues at bay, and you can check out the International Hip Dysplasia Institute for more information. While you want their arms to be nice and close to their body, your baby’s legs and baby's hips should have full range of motion to prevent any hip joint problems from developing. Try using a swaddle blanket made from a breathable material (like the Zen Swaddle’s cotton or bamboo) to prevent overheating and get a swaddle that can be used with arms in or arms out. If your baby is too hot, you may need a lighter blanket or to stop swaddling temporarily. As you can imagine, startling may jolt a baby enough to wake from slumber. This reflex is present at birth, lasts until between 12 weeks and 6 months of age, and causes baby to startle with loud noises or large movements. ![]() Some studies call this a type of “motor restraint,” which is just a technical way of saying that it restricts a baby’s movements so they don’t set off their moro or “startle” reflex. The key to a good swaddle is keeping it snug. ![]() You should keep an eye out for signs of overheating such as a heat rash on baby's body, flushed cheeks, damp hair, or rapid breathing. They will let you know if they’re uncomfortable - whether that means they’re getting too hot or want one or both arms free. ![]() Start right from birth, as safe and tight swaddling helps with the womb to world transition, helping keep your newborn baby warm and cozy. #3: Do introduce swaddling as early as possible #2: Don't let any fabric cover your baby’s mouth or baby's faceĪ loose swaddling, loose blankets or loose bedding creates an unsafe sleep environment and can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You want to make sure your baby can’t wriggle out of a loose swaddle or loosen the fabric by ensuring that arms are wrapped tightly to baby's chest - the Zen Swaddle® uses Velcro to make getting a tight swaddle fit easy. Many parents hear about swaddling and think: can you swaddle a baby too tightly? But it’s really the snugness of a swaddle that makes it most effective! #1: Do get a snug, tight fit around baby's chest and arms
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