Products Nannies Love
I’ve never cared for an infant that didn’t love being swaddled.
My favorite baby parenting book is The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp. His methods are extremely simple and absolutely work! His theory is that by creating a comfortable environment similar to the womb will allow a baby to happily sleep more.
It is easy to follow Dr. Karp’s Five S’s — swaddling, side, stomach positioning, shushing, swinging, and sucking. Each “S” triggers natural calming reflexes to soothe the baby.
Swaddling is an excellent way to prepare newborns for a good night’s sleep. Dr. Karp cites a study that found that the younger babies went to sleep more quickly after being swaddled. The study also showed that babies who are swaddled, or wrapped tightly in cloth before being put down to sleep, were more likely to sleep on their backs — a position that is suggested by most pediatricians for prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Newborns are usually swaddled until about 3 or 4 months or as soon as they are able to roll over by themselves.
Once a baby starts rolling over by themselves swaddling can be dangerous since babies shouldn’t lie on their stomachs without being able to use their arms.
A transition swaddle is like wearing a blanket and good solution for that time in between swaddling and a baby being old enough to use a loose blanket. Transition swaddles are designed to let the baby’s arms be free, while still providing the coziness of a swaddle, without the dangers of a loose blanket.
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My Personal Favorite Swaddle
The Halo Swaddle is my personal favorite swaddle to wrap the baby’s arms to prevent the startle reflex described by Harvey Karp and to use as a transitional swaddle. This is the only 3-way adjustable swaddle that adjusts to a baby’s sleep style. Swaddle arms-in, one or both arms out, to ensure the baby’s best sleep and an easy and gentle transition to the SleepSack wearable blanket when it is time to stop swaddling.
Traditional Swaddle Blanket
Traditionally, caregivers use large, thin blankets to wrap baby up. They can be used for other things post swaddling, like burp cloths, nursing cover ups, and blankets as well.
aden + anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets
I love Aden and Anais muslin products. I believe all new parents and nannies should stick up on Aden and Anais products. They are so soft, lightweight, and extremely absorbing. These lightweight blankets do double duty as a nursing cover, burp cloth, playmat and can be thrown over a stroller or car seat to provide shade well after a baby needs to be swaddles. They are machine washable and they stay soft wash after wash.
Swaddle Sacks and Pouches
Easier to navigate, swaddling sacks and pouches use Velcro, snaps, and zippers to quickly swaddle an infant without the learning curve needed for traditional swaddling. Swaddle sacks and pouches prevent issues such as startling, face scratching, overheating, and loose unraveled blankets from covering a baby’s face.
For babies that like to wiggle a little in their swaddle the Woombie Original Swaddle allows infants to move their arms and legs a little while being swaddles. This is the easiest swaddle I’ve used. It has a zipper and no Velcro, flaps, or extra fabric to deal with. And lots of babies love having the freedom to naturally move their arms and legs around, while still feeling safe and comforted.
The Summer SwaddleMe Original is a simple pouch with fabric wings that is quick and easy to use while helping the baby feel safe and secure. The soft fabric wings fasten and readjust securely with hook and loop attachments to create a perfect fit. There is a harness slit that works with most restraints on car seats and sleeper products.
Transition Swaddles
Allows the baby to have their arms free to turn over while still having the cozy feeling of a swaddle. Transitions swaddles are safer than using loose blankets for babies.
The Magic Sleepsuit is a thick jumper. It has arms and legs like a normal one-piece outfit, but the thick material helps restrict baby’s movements as they get used to sleeping without a swaddle.
Woombie Convertible Baby Swaddle
This wearable blanket is ergonomically shaped with a ‘hip healthy’ design and and arms-free interior encouraging self-soothing in the Hands Over Heart recommended sleep position. Mild compression mimics the sensation of touch and two way zipper prevents unraveling throughout the night. The cotton/spandex blend fabric is light, breathable, and provides a multi-dimensional stretch. Arms open to convert the swaddle to an arms-free sleeper, allowing two options to do what’s most comfortable for the baby.
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