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Swaddling techniques: The benefits of arms down

There are many different swaddling techniques to help comfort your newborn and promote safe and soothing sleep.

Studies into swaddling have found arms down swaddling is associated with a host of benefits, such as:

  • Longer sleep
  • Less arousal time
  • Reduced risk of SIDS
  • Muscular improvements in premature babies
  • Swaddling mimics the conditions of the womb and reminds babies of feeling comfortable, snug and safe.

That’s why it’s recommended by medical practitioners around the world as a soothing practice to help your baby transition from your tummy to the real world.

Renowned paediatrician Dr Harvey Karp, author of ‘The Happiest Baby On the Block’, strongly advocates arms down swaddling.

“Swaddling with the arms down is the way babies are wrapped all around the world,” he writes in his book. “As soon as a baby (even a premature baby) goes home, they stay calmer and sleep longer when wrapped with the arms down…at the sides.”

Swaddling techniques – safety reminder

  • Keep your baby’s face clear
  • Ensure your baby is sleeping on his or her back, as sleeping on the tummy is linked with an increased risk of SIDS
  • Check your baby is not wrapped too tightly, as this can increase the risk of decreased circulation and certain conditions such as hip dysplasia

The Sleepy Bub arms down swaddle

The Sleepy Bub Swaddle has been designed with healthy hip development in mind.

Our swaddle is made from stretchy cotton knit fabric which widens at the hips.

It’s loose enough to allow your baby’s legs to bend up and out at the hips and hang naturally in the froggie position.

Read more about our arms down swaddle here.

Shhhhhhh... Sweet dreams all night long...