The American Academy of Pediatrics has published new safe sleep guidelines for baby. This is the perfect time to remind parents of safe sleep practices and how to dress baby for safe sleep.
SwaddleDesigns’ award-winning Transitional Swaddle Sack® has a patented design by Lynette Damir, RN and Mom.
As highlighted in the AAP Guidelines, when baby shows signs of starting to roll over, it’s time to stop swaddling baby with their arms fully restrained.
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
Why is swaddling beneficial for babies?
There are many benefits to swaddling newborns.
Swaddled Babies Sleep Better®
A Washington University study proved infants sleep better when swaddled
Swaddled babies have fewer awakenings and twice as much REM sleep
REM sleep is believed to be important for brain development
When babies sleep better and longer, parents get more sleep, too
When baby sleeps better on his back, parents are less likely to use the unsafe tummy position for sleep
Swaddling helps sleeping infants remain on their backs
Reduces Colic and Fussiness
Snug swaddling soothes babies by reminding them of being in the womb
Swaddling helps prevent over stimulation
Swaddling helps to contain baby's own jerky movements known as the Moro or startle reflex that can awaken a sleeping baby
Baby is able to self-comfort by sucking on fingers or hand if swaddled with hands near face – the normal infant has been observed post-delivery to bring hands to face within 30 minutes
Infants are inefficient at regulating their own temperature. Swaddling helps to keep infants comfortably warm when parents choose the appropriate swaddle blanket. SwaddleDesigns® offers cotton flannel Ultimate Swaddle Blankets for cooler to moderate environments and cotton open weave Marquisette and Muslin Swaddling Blankets for warmer environments
Why is it helpful for parents to have sleep solutions that grow with their babies?
Babies grow and develop quickly in the first year, so having sleepwear solutions that grow with their baby is helpful to new parents. The first few months postpartum (aka the 4th trimester) is an important time to support baby in a natural position in a snug swaddle while they transition from womb to world. Many babies need the support of a snug swaddle for the first 4-8 weeks and others may need it longer. However, it is important to watch for signs of baby attempting to roll over onto tummy. This milestone usually happens around 3-4 months, but it may occur earlier. Babies who are showing signs of attempting to roll over onto tummy should no longer be swaddled with arms fully restrained inside a swaddle.
The Omni Swaddle Sack® by SwaddleDesigns® offers much flexibility as baby develops and grows. In the first stage of safe sleepwear, during the early weeks, the Omni Swaddle Sack provides the support of a snug swaddle. The patented design has half-length sleeves with mitten cuffs, and a wrap that is secured with hook and loop fasteners to provide a snug swaddle. As baby grows, the Omni offers the flexibility of different arm positions and the option of opening the cuffs on the sleeves, and when baby shows signs of attempting to roll over, parents can swaddle baby with arms out from under the swaddle and secure the wrap over the baby’s chest.
The second stage of safe sleepwear is known as the transition stage. The Transition stage typically occurs between 3-6 months when baby is able to roll over but is not ready or able to sleep well in a loose-fitting sleep sack due to baby still has a strong startle reflex. SwaddleDesigns Transitional Swaddle Sack ® bridges the gap between a snug swaddle and a loose-fitting sleeping sack. The patented design of the Transitional Swaddle Sack features uniquely shaped half-length sleeves with fold over mitten cuffs. When the cuffs are closed, the sleeves provide partial suppression of the Moro (startle) reflex, and if baby were to roll over onto tummy, the sleeves provide enough mobility for baby to push torso up to reposition head.
The third stage of safe sleepwear occurs from 6-18 months and is an appropriate time for baby to be dressed in a zzZipMe Sleeping Sack ® or wearable blanket. SwaddleDesigns offers a range of fabric types and TOG levels for different seasons of the year and different environmental temperatures.
The SwaddleDesigns safe sleepwear products are not weighted so they comply with the AAP SIDS Task force recommendations for safe sleepwear that is non-weighted. The AAP states, “Weighted swaddles, weighted clothing or weighted objects on or near the baby are not safe and not recommended” in their June 2022 recommendations,
All of SwaddleDesigns products are designed by a registered nurse and mom.
The Omni Swaddle Sack and the Transitional Swaddle Sack are deemed Hip Healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
You can read more about the 3 stages of safe sleepwear here: https://www.swaddledesigns.com/pages/3-stages-safe-sleep-wear-transitional-swaddle
How can parents and caregivers make sure they're staying informed about the latest in sleep safety guidelines?
Parents and caregivers can refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Guidelines https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2022/american-academy-of-pediatrics-updates-safe-sleep-recommendations-back-is-best/
How can families make sure that all the child's caregivers are on the same page when it comes to safe sleep?
It’s important for parents to communicate with all caregivers about safe sleep practices so everyone is on the same page. Techniques that were used in the past or several years ago may not be recommended now. The best resource for parents and caregivers is the site HealthyChildren.org. This site is run by the American Academy of Pediatrics and trusted by parents.
The non-weighted Transitional Swaddle is the easiest and safest way to transition baby from a snug, traditional swaddle.
The Transitional Swaddle Sack features Little Sleeves with a Big Purpose. When the mitten cuffs on the ½-length sleeves are closed, the sleeves provide partial suppression of the startle reflex, so baby sleeps better, and if baby rolls onto tummy, the sleeves provide enough mobility for baby to use their arms to push up and reposition head.
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