Free swaddling of newborns: features, rules and recommendations

Since ancient times swaddling is used, and ifpreviously it was the only way to dress a newborn, but now the young mother has many other options. In this case, do not forget about the merits of this method, despite the large number of beautiful clothes available in stores. First, it is necessary to understand the definition of free and tight swaddling. The first of them is considered the most suitable for newborn children.

How to choose

Free swaddling the child allows crumbsfeel safe, like in the womb of a mother. Unlike the tight, also provides a finding in the natural position of the body. At the same time, too tight wrapping increases the probability of overheating and impedes proper breathing.

Excessively active movements, sharp cries andflinches from fright indicate that the free swaddling of handles is not suitable yet and it is worth using a more dense option. In this case, it is undesirable, if the baby is sleeping comfortably in panties and a rasp.

Features

Newborn in a comfortable "cocoon" easily moveslegs and pens, adapting to an unfamiliar environment. Sometimes young parents face the categorical opinion of the older generation about the way they swaddle. It used to be believed that thanks to this wrapping, it is possible to prevent leg curvature and posture disorders. But in fact, it is nothing more than a myth, with the child developing more slowly because of difficult circulation and forced, not always convenient for him position.

Movement allows you to recognize your abilities,to know the world around him and his own body, at the same time the baby is not afraid of upturned hands, since the free swaddling of the newborns somewhat restricts the space and resembles being in the womb. So the time of falling asleep accelerates, thanks to this method is often used for night sleep.

Among the positive sides it is worth notingmultifunctionality of diapers. You can not worry about the fact that the crumb will wake up from the cold, which is very important in the autumn-winter period. In this case, overalls and other clothing much faster than small diapers, so choosing the right size, you can use one set from birth to six months.

What you need to know

Behavior of the child can be determinedneed to use swaddling. If he gets frightened of his own hands, restlessly asleep and wakes up too often, then you can try to give up ordinary clothes. The baby will feel comfortable in a cozy "cocoon" made of soft tissue. In this case, the violation of muscle tone and a pronounced protest of the baby suggests that a free and full swaddling is not suitable. Also, in order to avoid overheating, it is not necessary to wrap up the crumbs in a hot place both at night and during the day.

Particular attention should be paid to technology. The easiest way to get acquainted with it when watching a training video. Most importantly, the child can take a comfortable position, that is, bend the legs at the knees. The upper part of the diaper can be at the level of the abdomen, in this case only the legs will be wrapped, or in the neck area.

Benefits

The impossibility of the greenhouse effectdue to the free circulation of air is the main advantage of this technique. As you know, free swaddling ensures the work of all parts of the lungs, early hardening and strengthening of the immune system. In this case, the baby can sleep in a comfortable position for him, for example, on his stomach. It is also worth noting the possibility of developing fine motor skills, touch and prevention of the occurrence of joint dysplasia. Freedom of movement is ensured not only by soft diapers, but also by envelopes made from natural fabrics.

There are two main ways of swaddling:

• handles and legs have the same freedom of movement;
• the diaper is positioned so that only the legs are wrapped.

Free swaddling: rules

It is necessary to carefully straighten all formedfolds on the fabric, since the delicate skin of a newborn is very easy to injure. It is important that the chin and nose are always open to prevent shortness of breath. The ambient temperature is also of particular importance, and overheating is more dangerous for a child than hypothermia. If the apartment is cool, you can use a combination of two diapers (flannel and calico) or you can additionally dress your baby in thin overalls or a set of sliders and blouses.

It is undesirable to wear a hat in the room, soas this makes natural thermoregulation difficult. In case of high temperature conditions, the best option would be a chintz or calico, with which you can simply cover the baby. It is strictly forbidden to fasten diapers with pins because of the risk of injury.

It is undesirable contact of the skin with fur andwool materials. Diapers and clothing made from environmentally friendly soft materials, pre-washed with a special powder and ironed, are best suited.

When not to do without swaddling

At first glance it may seem that todaytight or loose swaddling has become irrelevant due to the large variety of clothes for the smallest, disposable and reusable diapers and other tools that simplify the life of a young mother. But it is not necessary to categorically refuse diapers, as they become irreplaceable in the following situations:

• When the baby can not calm down. At first after birth, limbs may frighten a baby because of abrupt, chaotic movements, while in the womb they did not cause him any discomfort. Free wide swaddling ensures restful sleep and warms the baby. So you can not worry about the fact that awkward movement will disturb the rest.
• First bathroom. It is believed that if a child is wrapped up in a diaper, he will not be afraid of water and will feel safe.
• When conducting medical manipulations. For example, it is much easier to warm a stomach during colic using a heating pad if you use a diaper to fix it. There are also many other actions, unpleasant, but necessary for the baby.
• For hygiene procedures. It is extremely difficult to use eye drops, clean the nose and ears if the baby resists diligently. Swaddling in this case allows you to limit the movement for the time required for the implementation of all actions.
• There are frequent situations when diapers are not suitable and contribute to the formation of rashes and diaper rash, while in diapers there is a constant air exchange, which accelerates the healing of wounds.

If you have doubts about the need for swaddling, you should not be guided only by the advice of close and older relatives, since all children are different and each of them requires a special approach.

Useful fixtures

Changing table is necessary ifplanned long swaddling. Today, stores can find both high-grade pieces of furniture and folding, which are easy to take on travel or freely move around the house. The most common acquired chest with a changing board. He will remove the load from the back of the mother, provide easy care for the child, and after the need is no longer in the board, you can remove it and use the dresser only for storing things.

Types of diapers

There are a large number of various diapers, the most common are the following options:

• Envelopes for free swaddling;
• standard flannel and chintz;
• for handles in which the legs remain open;
• terry with a hood, used after water treatments.

The quantity is selected depending onuse of disposable or gauze diapers. A few diapers a day are more than enough with diapers. In another case, there should be at least 20 pieces, subject to daily washing.

Free swaddling of feet does not have any contraindications providedcarrying out all hygienic manipulations, compliance with the rules and use of not more than six months. At the same time, for mothers, childcare should contribute to close communication and be enjoyable, and not be a necessary daily routine.

Myths

• Due to the dense swaddling, you can avoid many diseases. Unfortunately, everything is exactly the opposite. Cases of pneumonia are much more common in children who are constantly wrapped in diapers.
• You can do without swaddling. It all depends on the newborn, someone can not sleep without him, and someone immediately does not allow themselves to be wrapped up.
• Tight swaddling is the prevention of leg curvature. If this were true, then every child born in the USSR would have perfectly flat legs.

Young parents themselves must weigh the pros andagainst swaddling a newborn and choose the best option for yourself. But the fact remains that the crumb during wakefulness should be warm, comfortable and able to freely move legs and hands.

Types of swaddling

In addition to free, also common tightswaddling, which involves the use of two large diapers. The head of the baby is covered with a hood from the top of the diaper, and the body is wrapped tightly in it. The use of this option is rational in case of restless sleep and in the case of overstimulation.

Medical swaddling is prescribed by a pediatrician only for certain indications. Basically, they are the treatment and prevention of hip dysplasia.

With partial wrapping can turn aroundonly legs or handles. Other parts of the body can move freely, as they are covered with nothing. Each of the options presented above has its advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for certain situations.