Many mothers are sure that swaddling a baby is necessary. The future of babies depends on it. Is it so? What do doctors say about this? How old are swaddled children? Read the article.
The swaddling myth
Many years ago, doctors, mothers and grandmothers argued that it was necessary to swaddle a baby tightly. To date, doctors have dispelled myths about tight swaddling:
1. The longer you swaddle the baby, the smoother his legs will be. This is not true. It is proved that heredity is the first thing you need to pay attention to. Much more depends on high-quality and nutritious nutrition, and physical development is also of no small importance. If the child’s body lacks vitamins, then there may be a curvature of the legs.
2. The tighter the baby swaddle, the warmer. It is a myth. Of course, the child is warm, only he does not have the opportunity to adapt to temperature changes. This will affect his health in the future. Such children get sick very often.
3. A sound and healthy sleep. This is partial truth. However, if the child often twitches in a dream and wakes himself up with his own hands, it is necessary to pay attention primarily to his nervous system. Overexcitation or fright of the baby contributes to frequent awakening, regardless of swaddling.
Previously, almost all children grew up on these myths. However, modern parents and doctors argue that children need freedom. Why and why is it needed? How old are swaddled children?
Modern views on swaddling
Many mothers have not yet decided how old they need to swaddle their baby. To date, they believe that from birth, you can put on a baby in romper suit, vest, a hat. Doctors support this approach. Swaddling fetters the movements that are necessary for the baby. Many children often wake up because of this.
It is proved that due to swaddling, the child develops poor touch. Therefore, for babies, the arms and legs should be completely free. They need to touch various objects with their arms and legs. Then they will be less afraid.
Modern parents swaddle the child only at night for the first two months. They believe that the baby scares himself with his hands, that makes him sleep worse. When mom takes the newborn in her arms, then it is not necessary to fetter his body. The baby should feel mom, her warmth, body and arms. In the diaper, such sensations weaken.
It is proved that bodily contact with mom or dad is very important for the family. When a child feels his parents, he quickly adapts to the environment.
At this time, mothers or fathers can give the baby a light massage of the arms, legs or tummy. However, do not forget that no one canceled the swaddling. In some cases, it must be used.
How old are swaddled children
There is no single answer to this question. Each child needs an individual approach. Not even a single doctor will definitely answer the question of how old a baby can be swaddled. As a rule, in many children there is a "throwing up" of pens. This wakes up the kids, they are scared of their own body and become nervous. To avoid this, it is necessary at first to swaddle babies during day and night sleep. When the baby is awake, his movements should be free.
In some children, the raising of the pens takes up to 3 months, in others - up to 6. It all depends on the personality of the child. When he stopped twitching, then diapers can be canceled for a nap. If you do not know how old you can swaddle your baby at night, try dressing him in sliders, vests once. Watch how it will sleep. If the baby continues to wake himself up at night, then continue to swaddle him. Then he will be calm and cheerful.
What do the doctor's say
It has been proven that children get used to the environment from birth to 6 months. That is why they are afraid not only of sharp sounds, but also of movements. Doctors recommend swaddling your baby for a quieter sleep for the first month. They also advise in cases where the baby is very active and makes a lot of sudden movements.
If the baby is nervous or restless, the diaper calms him. In this case, it is advisable to hamper the baby’s movements at least during sleep. Doctors advise against swaddling.
When the baby is one month old, then he can be left hands free. Indeed, many children wake up if they are uncomfortable.
At 3 months, doctors recommend not swaddling the baby, as his limbs should develop well. This will not work with constrained movement.
As mentioned earlier, the baby must develop physically. Therefore, try not to restrict its movement from at least three months. However, this is individual. Only a mother can understand what is needed for her child. Watch your child, help him develop physically, and he will delight the family with his successes.
Now you know how old children are swaddled. However, it is better to consult with specialists in order not to harm your baby, but to develop it correctly.
Conclusion
If the baby in the diaper sleeps soundly, does not cry and is not irritated, then you are on the right track.
When you see that the crumbs have a nervous dream from being constrained, then you need to use vests and sliders. Refuse swaddling if the baby is uncomfortable.
Do not worry about the curvature of the legs. Over the years, it has been verified that this is not from the cradle. It all depends on the personality of the child. He will not have crooked legs in 6 years. When the children begin to walk, their limbs fall into place. Closer to the age of three, the baby will have straight legs.
Do not forget to show the baby to the pediatrician every month for up to a year. He will help you monitor the development of the baby and answer all your questions. At the slightest deviation, the pediatrician will refer the mother and child to a specialist to quickly fix the problem.
The doctor will monthly check the baby for coordination of movements and advise the necessary exercises for full physical development.
Do not forget that if you give the newborn freedom of movement, create safe conditions for him. It is impossible that a package lay next to a child. He can hook it with his hand and cover his face. It threatens to suffocate. Very often, children put a corner of a blanket or pillow in their mouth. Therefore, when you are not near the baby, do not leave anything near him. Even the most common dummy can harm the baby.
You already understand how old you need to swaddle your baby. Take care of him, take care of your baby, and in the future he will thank you the same.