How To Swaddle Your Baby With A Muslin Comforter
Becoming a parent for the first time isn’t easy, and with a huge number of areas to focus on when planning for a new addition to the family, you may take for granted the importance of some useful items. One such handy object to consider is a muslin comforter, ideal for swaddling a child to provide them with added relaxation during the night or in the midst of daytime naps, a comforter will reduce anxiety for your child, protecting them against their natural startle reflex. Not only will they experience a better quality of sleep throughout the night, with less disruption, you will also benefit from a night of uninterrupted rest as a result. Effectively swaddling your little one with a reliable comforter such as those provided by Clay Bear is important, as without the correct technique or quality of product, they may be at risk of overheating or becoming trapped in an uncomfortable position.
Continue reading for extensive guidance on how to swaddle your baby with a muslin comforter, including the pros and cons of different techniques, and tips for finding and purchasing the perfect choice. .
Is Swaddling Effective?
Though it may be difficult to believe that something as simple as wrapping your little one in a comforter fleece blanket can drastically improve their quality of sleep, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that swaddling a baby yields a number of benefits, mimicking the calming touch of a parent to soothe a distressed child. Other advantages of using a muslin comforter include a reduced possibility of them scratching their face, increased chance of them sleeping through the night positioned on their back, and a lowered risk of colicking while they are left unattended. Swaddling a child is so effective in fact, that babies become dependent on it to help them sleep for long periods of time, though they can be weaned away from this with the correct guidance.
How A Swaddle Can Help You Reclaim Your Sleep
Sleep is bound to become more difficult if you’re forced to incrementally check on your child during the night, and this can have a detrimental impact on your lifestyle, making you sluggish and irritable the very next day. Though all babies will cry during the night, some will do so more frequently than others, causing disruption and requiring multiple trips to help them out. Properly swaddling a newborn can mimic the confined feeling of the womb, providing familiarity and continuity. Parents should however be wary of the fact that a child’s relationship with their blanket may become a challenging one, and if not monitored and halted before they become attached, a baby may take to removing their swaddle and alerting you whenever this occurs.
The Various Techniques
There is not one ‘best way’ to swaddle a baby, with multiple techniques to follow and try. The effectiveness will depend largely on the quality of the comforter and the way in which your child is wrapped. Whereas some children may struggle to sleep when wrapped loosely in a knotted blanket, others will prefer this to a tighter swaddle which restricts movement slightly more. It should be noted that some children simply won’t take to being swaddled, instead preferring the freedom of movement provided by a simple romper or set of nightwear. Either way, you and your baby are likelier to experience a settled night of sleep if their cot is padded with comfortable blankets or fleeced material from Clay Bear.
Classic Swaddle
The classic swaddle technique is the most basic set of steps to follow, with the traditional method of wrapping a baby with a muslin comforter deriving from this method. Start by laying the blanket in a diamond shape before folding in the top corner, you should then follow this by tucking your child into the centre of the comforter, tucking their arm in. Leaving one arm out, fold the bottom half of the diamond upwards, tucking it into your child’s shoulder, before wrapping the other side around the front and tucking in. This will leave your child comfortable and warm if followed correctly, stopping them from wriggling free in the night when you aren’t able to constantly supervise them.
Knotted Swaddle
A knotted swaddle will vary from the classic technique as it is secured by a knot as the final step, an effective measure which should prevent your little one from unravelling from their comfort blanket midway through the night. Start by wrapping the blanket around, making sure to tuck in the arm furthest from you, before repeating this on the other side so that your child’s body is completely covered. This side can then be tucked underneath, before you gather in the two loose ends and tie a firm knot, ensuring you don’t trap any legs and leave plenty of excess room.
Cosy Swaddle
This swaddle method involves placing your baby centrally onto the prepared blanket, with the tucked diamond shape prepared beforehand. You will then want to fold the top down, and around your baby’s head. Fold one side around, tucking the furthest arm in, before moving the bottom section up and tucking beneath the previous fold. The remaining edge should then be available to fold around the back of your child and tuck, forming a comfortable chamber of warmth. The final swaddle should resemble a hooded blanket.
Family Swaddle
The family swaddle involves laying the blanket out initially in a square, before placing your child centrally and wrapping the top corner around, tucking the arm in carefully. Repeat this on the other side so both are relatively even, and then tuck. Finish by spreading the bottom out in a triangle and tucking the sides underneath after folding upwards once more. This will result in a snug cocoon shape which lasts through the night.
No Arms Swaddle
This swaddle technique is unique in that it involves initially laying the blanket down in a square and folding a top section down from edge to edge. You must then lay the baby closer to one edge of the fleece blanket than the other, providing plenty of excess blanket on the far side. Tuck one arm in before repeating on the other side, with this longer section then wrapping around the back of your child. This longer section should then be moved to your child’s feet, before the ends are tied in a knot and secured in place.
Muslin Comforters With Relaxation In Mind
Muslin comforters from Clay Bear are perfect for sensitive skin, causing minimal irritation or rubbing. With a faux fur backing, you’re unlikely to find any softer products online. Coming in a range of adorable designs and patterns, the selection includes fantastic beasts, favourites from the zoo, dinosaurs and sea creatures as well as much more. Regardless of your little one’s interests, there will always be an appropriate muslin comforter at Clay Bear to consider.
Other Products For A Gentle Night’s Sleep
We understand the importance of a calm night’s sleep, with comfortable garments and fantastic accessories just a taste of our extensive catalogue. Take a look below for an assortment of items which can turn the bedtime routine into a manageable occasion, and set you up for some much-needed downtime:
This two piece set includes bottoms and a snug long sleeve top. Printed and manufactured locally, this set is especially tight-fitting to ensure your little one feels the benefit of our relaxing material choices throughout the night.
The sloth baby’s bath towel is perfect when you require a skin-friendly towel for baby or toddler bath time. Large enough for your little one to snuggle into and with enough surface area to thoroughly clean them up with after.
Coffee Waffle Frill Double Zip Ribbed Sleepsuit
A sleepsuit from Clay Bear will quickly become a bedtime essential, and is an ideal alternative to pyjamas. Forming a comfy layer of material which will wrap the entire body of your toddler, only the most ethically sourced and cushy fabrics are used.
Clay Bear: Shop For Your Baby's Sleepsuit With Our Range Of Newborn Clothes
Known by parents across the country for our lovingly crafted designs and use of comfortable materials in all of our products, Clay Bear have maintained a reputation for quality all while delivering original seasonal clothing ranges which are ethically produced, avoid irritation to the skin and don’t break the bank. Founded in 2015 as a small business, we have quickly grown into a recognisable brand with a strong identity and many happy repeat-customers.
Growing from strength-to-strength, we have branched out from clothing to stock accessories as varied as headbands, socks, fleece blankets and your baby’s bath towel. Interested in shopping with us but have a question for a friendly member of the team? Don’t hesitate to contact us today via phone call or email help@claybearofficial.com.