Bringing home a newborn baby is one of the most exciting events in any parent's life. Amid all the excitement and novelty, you may feel overwhelmed looking at baby supplies. While parents can do without gimmicky baby products, swaddling blankets can make life with your new baby much easier. Here are four reasons to invest in swaddling blankets:
1. Easily swaddle your baby
Swaddling is the practice of wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket. Swaddling restricts the movements of a baby's legs and arms, which many babies find comforting. While it's possible to swaddle a child in any kind of blanket, swaddling blankets make the process easier. Swaddling blankets are crafted in a shape that allows parents to easily and securely wrap their babies. They're also machine washable for easy care.
2. Help your baby calm down when they're fussy
Babies have few ways to communicate with the adults around them. When babies are uncomfortable, hungry, or tired, the only way they can signal this is by crying. When you've tried everything but your baby is still fussy, swaddling them in a blanket may help them calm down. Some people theorize that swaddling calms babies because it reminds them of the womb. Many parents find that wrapping their baby in a swaddling blanket can help their baby relax when they are upset.
3. Get more sleep
New parents can expect many sleepless nights since most babies are notoriously light sleepers. However, sleep is important for moms and dads as well as for babies. When parents are well-rested, they'll be alert and in good spirits, which can make them more effective caretakers. Swaddling your baby at night and during naptimes can help your baby drift off to sleep more easily. Swaddling can also keep your baby safe by preventing them from accidentally rolling over onto their face, which can lead to suffocation. When babies get more sleep, parents can get more sleep as well.
4. Allow both parents to care for the baby equally
Mothers often end up doing the majority of baby care, especially if they choose to exclusively breastfeed their babies. This type of unequal distribution of labour can lead to tired mothers and fathers who feel left out. Adopting a swaddling practice can give dads a way to connect with their babies. Dads can take care of swaddling duties, which will provide them with a way to feel close to their new babies.