Swaddling – An old tradition with modern versatility

Swaddling is a tradition as old as recorded history. There are records of swaddling in texts written ancient Romans, ancient Greeks, and even the Bible. Today’s swaddle wraps are a far cry from the old ones, but they work in the same fashion.

How it works

Swaddling refers to a specific technique used to wrap a blanket around the infant. The blanket is wrapped tightly but not too tightly so that the baby is not pinned into position but his or her limbs are snugly tucked into their body.

This position accomplishes two things:

1. First, it emulates the feeling of being in the womb, making the baby more comfortable and keeping them warm.
2. Second, the blanket prevents the baby from waking up when they accidentally move their arms or legs. This allows for longer periods of uninterrupted rest.

Swaddling today

Today’s swaddling blankets are different from the older ones in several important ways. First of all, the best modern swaddle wraps are made from cotton muslin. It is softer than ancient fabrics so that it is more pleasant next to a baby’s sensitive skin. Additionally, it has a little stretch to it, allowing it to be used for swaddling more easily.  Finally, it is a thin material that provides insulation and ventilation so that the baby is warm without overheating.

These blankets come in a variety of colors and patterns, but they all are a great source of comfort to both mother and child during this special time.

Baby blankets come in all shapes, sizes, colors and fabrics. With so many choices, how can you decide which one is the best for your infant? The best fabric often depends on the use of the blanket and the climate where you live.

Here are some popular fabrics and the pros and cons for baby blankets made from them:

• Wool. Wool blankets really only make sense in places where the temperature is consistently low and the weather is harsh. They are too rough to go next to baby’s sensitive skin but can be used when layering in very cold conditions.
• Flannel. Flannel can be made from wool, wool and synthetic fibers, or wool and cotton fibers. Like wool in its pure form, it is best used in cold climates because it can overheat babies when the temperature is warmer. Although these blankets are good for layering, flannel blankets would not be recommended for an all-purpose baby blanket.
• Faux fur. While faux fur may seem silly to many parents, it is popular with some moms because it has a soft texture and fun appearance. Today’s faux fur is made from cotton but can be difficult to clean and keep sanitary.
• Fleece. Fleece is made from processed polyester, making it a synthetic fiber than many parents prefer to keep away from the baby’s sensitive skin. Again, this is a good material for layering blankets, but not for a baby blanket.
• Cotton muslin. This is the preferred fabric for baby blankets because it is not synthetic, is relatively economical, can be easily washed and sanitized, and is very soft to the touch. This is the most popular choice for baby blankets and the only one sold by Luna Lullaby.