Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Miracle Blanket Swaddling - For Use Up to 14 Weeks
Filed under: Sleep Products
I've written in the past about using sleep bags and the Guardian Sleeper for babies who are not swaddled, though I know many parents who love and use the swaddle for the first few months. One of the most commonly successful swaddle blankets is the Miracle Blanket - a swaddling blanket that is designed with a series of flaps that prevents baby from unswaddling himself. Here's a video demo of how it works:
There are many benefits to swaddling - sleep being one of them! - though I have heard clients mention that their baby outgrows the Miracle Blanket too early (before the 14 weeks when it's recommended to cap swaddling at). However, we have word from the manufacturer that this is probably a misconception or due to incorrect wrapping. They say:
A common misconception is that the blanket is too small if the baby can't straighten their legs all the way out without touching the bottom of the foot pouch. The fact is that babies never sleep with their legs straightened all the way out. The natural tendency is for them to have their knees bent and their legs in a sort of "frog leg" position. Basically, this is what happens when anybody (including an adult) tries to assume the fetal position while laying on their back - gravity unbends the hips and the feet touching the sleeping surface allow the knees to stay bent, but gravity pulls the knees down to the sides. They'd sleep in this position with or without any blanket, but when they do it in the blanket some people take it to mean the blanket is forcing their legs into this position. Instead, it's just the natural position.
Apparent early outgrowing of the blanket can also seem to happen if the blanket isn't being wrapped low enough on the body. Remember that the top edge should be well below the shoulder line. This prevents the blanket from riding up with the baby's motions and touching the chin. As soon as anything touches a baby's chin, it triggers the rooting response, which leads to a lot more movement and unwanted arousal. Keeping the top edge well below the shoulder line prevents this, which not only leads to better sleep but also provides some extra inches at the bottom of the foot pouch.
Because babies at 14+ weeks will soon be rolling to their tummies, you'll want to stop swaddling before this time in order to avoid increasing your risk for SIDS. If you are having trouble transitioning away from the swaddling, I can help!
| Posted by Cheeky Chops at 8:10PM | 0 Comments |  |
Post A Comment |  |