SAFE WRAPPING
Some parents choose to wrap their babies to put them to sleep as wrapping can help babies to develop a more settled sleep pattern. Other parents, however, find that wrapping is not helpful. Whether you choose to wrap or not is your choice.
There are several benefits to wrapping your baby including:
For wrapping to be effective it needs to be firm but not tight. Babies generally prefer wrapping as it restricts movement and the lack of movement is similar to the womb but if the wrap is too tight, it will most likey just scare your baby and can restrict blood flow. The recommended fabrics for wraps are muslin or light cotton sheets/wraps. Bigger, more active babies may need a cotton sheet.
Bunny rugs and blankets are not as safe for use as wraps as they may cause over-heating. You must ensure the wrap does not cover your baby’s face and make sure they are not overdressed underneath the wrap. Stick to light layers eg/ a singlet and nappy in warm weather or a light grow suit in cooler weather.
There are several benefits to wrapping your baby including:
- It can help small babies to develop a more settled sleep pattern.
- Older unsettled babies may sleep better if wrapped firmly.
- Babies whose sleep is disturbed by colic or reflux can be more settled when wrapped.
- Wrapping helps to prevent random arm movements which can disturb their sleep.
- Babies with stiff or floppy limbs may benefit from being wrapped (talk to your local child health nurse or physiotherapist).
For wrapping to be effective it needs to be firm but not tight. Babies generally prefer wrapping as it restricts movement and the lack of movement is similar to the womb but if the wrap is too tight, it will most likey just scare your baby and can restrict blood flow. The recommended fabrics for wraps are muslin or light cotton sheets/wraps. Bigger, more active babies may need a cotton sheet.
Bunny rugs and blankets are not as safe for use as wraps as they may cause over-heating. You must ensure the wrap does not cover your baby’s face and make sure they are not overdressed underneath the wrap. Stick to light layers eg/ a singlet and nappy in warm weather or a light grow suit in cooler weather.