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9 out of 10 moms tell their expecting friends: be sure to register for a swaddle. That’s because they know what parents have known for centuries - swaddled babies just sleep better.
In fact, many research studies have corroborated this native wisdom. The age-old practice of swaddling is comforting, helping baby sleep longer and more peacefully - and it doesn't hurt that it makes your little one look like a baby burrito!
But why swaddle a baby? What are the benefits of swaddling a newborn exactly? You’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to dive deep into the swaddling benefits in this guide.
Then, we’ll show you how to reap the benefits of a swaddle yourself with tips on choosing the right one and advice on how to use it! With a weighted swaddle from Nested Bean, a better night’s sleep is well within reach.
What are the Benefits of Swaddling a Newborn?
After the snug feeling of your womb for so many months, too much freedom of movement may feel foreign—and very stressful—to your newborn.
A free-falling sensation can trigger the involuntary Moro reflex all babies are born with, causing their body to tighten, fling their arms up and out and draw their knees up suddenly in self-protection.
Needless to say, this startle reflex often causes wake-ups—especially if your baby is in a light sleep phase. Swaddling your baby for the first few months of life can help them sleep through the disruptive Moro reflex by making your baby feel snug and more secure.
Now let’s dive deep into the newborn swaddling benefits below:
Zen Swaddle benefit #1: Mimics your touch for longer sleep
It has been proven that touch triggers a self-soothing response in the human brain. It stabilizes heart rate, lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels. It has also been proven that applying gentle pressure with lightly weighted objects can simulate touch, and trigger a similar soothing response.
The weight of the Zen Swaddle is scientifically calibrated to mimic a parent’s touch, so babies can fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and self-soothe through wakeups.
Zen Swaddle benefit #2: 2-in-1 design lasts twice as long
Babies grow quickly. Many parents are left with clothing in small sizes that dont fit past the first couple of weeks. In order to help parents get more for their money, the Zen Swaddle is designed for longevity with multiple sizes. The inside pouch keeps legs secure in the first few weeks while the outer sack has room to grow in later months — so the Zen Swaddle is a newborn swaddle and baby swaddle, all in one.
How many swaddles do you need?
It's always good to have a backup! Traditional swaddling blankets are good to have on hand as blankies, stroller covers, etc. But once you find a swaddle that really works for your baby, like the Zen Swaddle, be sure you have at least 2 on hand: one to use, and one for the wash.
Zen Swaddle benefit #3: Easy and safe hook & loop self-fastener
You don't have to be an origami expert to use the Zen Swaddle. Moms love its super soft fabric and easy-to-use design that secures using a hook and loop self-fastener. The quiet, high-quality self-fastener doesn’t scratch or catch lint and yet stays secure - no more loose blankets in baby's crib.
Zen Swaddle benefit #4: You can swaddle with baby's arms in or with arms free
The Zen Swaddle can be used arms free. So if more freedom of movement is wanted, especially as a swaddled baby begins grow out of the Moro reflex, they can still enjoy the soothing swaddle benefits with the gently weighted Zen Swaddle. It exerts gentle pressure to the chest and sides to relax your baby and promote longer sleep.
Learn more about how to swaddle with arms out or why you’d want to swaddle with arms up in the first place. We’ll introduce you to our arms-up swaddle (the best transitional swaddle) in just a bit. Let’s get into some more benefits of swaddling a newborn in the meantime.
Zen Swaddle benefit #5: Gentle weight eases colic
White noise, an airplane hold or sleeping on top of the parent to add light pressure on baby's belly are common ways that parents survive the terrible time when colic strikes. The Zen Swaddle provides a safer way to help parents ease colic. Its lightly weighted center applies gentle pressure just where there is discomfort helping ease the colic pain and receive the much-needed comfort.
Zen Swaddle benefit #6: Designed for hip-healthy swaddling
Swaddling done wrong can cause hip dysplasia. This happens when babies are swaddled too tightly around the waist, exerting pressure on baby's hips that can cause permanent hip damage. The Zen Swaddle is designed to be roomy at the waist, making it easy for your baby to safely bend and move their legs while still holding baby firmly where it matters.
From the experts
From the experts
“Studies have found that straightening and tightly wrapping a baby’s legs can lead to hip dislocation or hip dysplasia. The Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, with the AAP Section on Orthopaedics, promotes 'hip-healthy swaddling' that allows the baby’s legs to bend up and out."
- American Academy of Pediatrics, healthychildren.org
Zen Swaddle benefit #7: Constructed to reduce the Moro reflex
The Zen Swaddle is constructed with a patented touch technology that helps your baby sleep through startles, or Moro reflex.
Zen Swaddle benefit #8: Helps baby easily transition to crib or bassinet
Finding it difficult to transition your baby from your arms to the crib? You’re not alone. Somehow, babies just know when they are placed on their own and away from your cozy embrace (can you blame them?).
Many parents place their hand on their baby’s chest for a long time, just waiting for a sign of sleep. The Zen Swaddle makes this transition easier, as it mimics the feel of your touch, even when you move your hand away.
Learn more about how to make the crib transition in our blog. We also have advice on when a baby should sleep in their own room in general.
Zen Swaddle benefit #9: Comes in temp-regulating bamboo/cotton
If you’re wondering how to keep a baby warm without a blanket, which could have loose threads, a swaddle is the ticket!
In their first few days of life, your newborn’s internal thermostat needs time to adjust to its new environment. Our bamboo rayon fabric swaddle blend helps keep your baby at the optimal temperature while their bodies learn to regulate their own temperature.
Naturally antimicrobial, the bamboo rayon is also moisture-wicking, which helps prevent the baby's body from getting too hot or cold (though you should still check baby's temperature regularly).
Whether you use the Zen Swaddle Classic in 100% cotton, or the Zen Swaddle Premier, be sure to keep your baby’s room at a comfortable 65 to 70 degrees, and avoid over-bundling with layers. After being swaddled, your baby’s skin should feel comfortable to touch and not too warm.
Zen Swaddle benefit #10: You can start getting more sleep back!
Research shows that sleep deprivation is the number one reason for postpartum depression in new moms. Using the Zen Swaddle can help you avoid that—because when baby sleep improves, so does your own. Designed with moms in mind, it's easier, more effective, (and way more adorable) than a traditional swaddling blanket.
Zen Swaddle®: Longer, better sleep in 1 to 3 nights
The Zen Swaddle is the bedtime go-to for over 1 million moms: Make it part of your baby sleep routine, too. You’ll see the Zen Swaddle difference as it mimics your touch and cuts down on your bedtime routine by 20-40 minutes.
Ready to Reap the Benefits of Swaddling a Newborn Yourself?
The swaddling benefits are compelling - and you probably want to know how you can harness the power of this intuitive concept yourself. Well, you’re in the right place!
Nested Bean is your trusted source for all the different types of swaddles you could need. We’ll explain why below and help you pick the right one, while also offering some tips on actually using the swaddle.
Why Use a Nested Bean Swaddle?
Nested Bean Swaddles stand out for their unique, baby-friendly design. Here’s why they are a top choice for new parents:
- Gently Weighted Design: Our swaddles mimic the gentle pressure of a parent’s touch, soothing your baby and promoting deeper sleep.
- Safe and Secure: Safety is paramount. Our swaddles are designed to keep your baby snug and secure without the risk of loose fabric.
- Comfortable Materials: Made with soft, breathable fabrics, Nested Bean Swaddles ensure your baby stays comfortable and at the right temperature throughout the night.
- Ease of Use: We understand that parenting is demanding, so our swaddles are designed for easy, hassle-free use – even during those sleepy, middle-of-the-night changes.
More than 2 million parents have trusted us to deliver the benefits of swaddling a newborn, and you can too. You can expect better sleep within just a few nights of incorporating this sleep aid into your newborn’s bedtime routine!
Tips on Choosing the Right Swaddle at Nested Bean
Whether you’re looking for something warm for the winter or something light and breezy for the summer, we’ve got you covered.
Our Zen Classic in TOG cotton 1.5 is perfect for winter weather and mild climates, whereas our Bamboo Rayon Fabric Swaddle TOG 1.0 is great for hot summer nights where you still want to keep your baby wrapped in a snug embrace as they slumber soundly.
You can also consider our zipper swaddle, which is way easier to use than traditional swaddle wraps. It makes nighttime changes a breeze as you don’t need to unswaddle!
Some babies prefer more freedom of movement, while others like being snug. Observe your baby’s reactions and choose a style that seems to comfort them the most. For example, our transitional swaddle allows for your baby’s arms to be kept out of the wrap.
We have a complete guide on how to swaddle a baby if you want the full scoop. Otherwise, here’s a quick word on how to safely reap the swaddle benefits a newborn once your Nested Bean Swaddle arrives.
A Note on Swaddling Safety
When infants are swaddled, it is important to use proper swaddle techniques, and always place a swaddled infant on their back.
When the infant exhibits signs of attempting to roll, swaddle is no longer appropriate as the infant may roll into a prone position while swaddled increasing the risk of suffocation.
You can learn about how to transition your baby out of a swaddle in our blog.
We also have resources to help you reap the benefits of a sleep sack, as that will be your next weighted sleepwear of choice. Learn about the difference between a sleep sack vs swaddle, what to wear under sleep sack, and more as we draw this guide on the swaddling benefits to a close.
Bringing Our Guide on the Swaddling Benefits to a Close
Swaddling your baby can soothe your newborn, aiding in better sleep, reducing startle reflex, and providing a sense of security. Swaddling also helps in establishing a newborn sleep schedule, an essential step in your baby's early development.
Learn more about how to dress baby for sleep in our blog. We also have tips on how to transition out of sleep sack when the time comes, the signs of sleep regression to watch out for, when to stop dream feed, when a baby should sleep in their own room, when to start sleep training baby, when do toddlers stop napping, and more.
Otherwise, it’s time for you to reap the benefits of swaddling a baby firsthand with the help of Nested Bean swaddles. Explore the range of specially designed swaddles and start your journey towards more peaceful nights for both you and your little one!
So in all, should you swaddle your baby at night? We think if done properly with safety measures swaddling your baby at night has definite benefits.