In the days of our mothers and grandmothers of the question of whether arose swaddle children need. All babies were wrapped in the same hospital diapers and caps. But gradually changed opinion on the changing mat, and even today, a nurse in the maternity ward and on patronage also teach parents the basics of changing your attitude to this procedure significantly changed. Tight swaddling, tightly fixing the limbs of children is not recommended at all, is permitted only free, with easy fixation pens.
Swaddling: what is it?
The term swaddling understand wrapping the child in thin or thicker diapers for fixing his limbs and mobility limitations. The new recommendations of the leading organizations involved in children's health, including the World Health Organization, saying that "swaddling should not be displayed parents as a mandatory method for child care because there has been little research on how to properly and safely swaddle to prevent associated with this process risks. "
note! In Europe and the United States leading the organization of childcare also warn parents that swaddling - this is not a mandatory process. Furthermore, care must be taken in the process, abandoning the practice of tight zamatyvaniya baby in diapers with a sharp restriction of its mobility.
Benefits of baby changing
Parents often say that swaddling helps to calm the baby, helping him easier to fall asleep and stay asleep longer. However, there is little research to support these theories.
It is also believed that swaddling prevents unnecessary vskidyvaniem hands and feet, which causes the child harsh sounds or flashes of light. This is due to the fact that the arms and legs zapelenutogo child will be recorded as they are carefully wrapped in swaddling clothes.
The modern trend of education of children considering the first three months of life as a transitional crumbs fourth trimester. The idea is that the first three months of a baby's life - a difficult transition for him after he came out of the womb to the outside world. With this in mind, it makes sense that babies like to be carefully (not too tightly) wrapped, so that they feel safe in the womb.
The medical opinion on whether swaddling a good practice or not, is divided. If parents plan to swaddle your baby, you need to make sure that they always follow the rules of safe changing mat to protect the crumbs from the dangers.
Why change attitude to this seemingly natural process?
Zakutyvanie baby in diaper allows him to feel the warmth, protection, comfort and closeness simulates the uterus, where it stayed for long 9 months. It can also prevent its involuntary movements and scratching the face, awakenings due to involuntary vskidyvaniem hands and feet. It is given as the undoubted advantages of swaddling, and certain disadvantages of this process. Thus, for example, the correct diapering a baby in the first two months of life can increase the duration of sleep; but incorrect use it may be associated with adverse events such as hyperthermia (Overheating and increasing the temperature), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or the development of dysplasia hip.
cons swaddling
Among one of the key disadvantages of swaddling can be called hyperthermia (overheating) baby's body. The child may not perfectly regulate body temperature by controlling heat generation and dissipation processes in the environment. Therefore, in tight swaddling in tight diapers and blankets can occur overheating remains. This can happen if the baby too tightly wrapped, especially in the summer. WHO proposes to use a light blanket or cotton diapers, and keep the child's head is always open.
It is not recommended to swaddle the baby during breast-feeding, since breastfeeding children work and produce a lot of energy, can overheat. The child will also take a more natural position and good will follow the chest, if it is not limited swaddling.
Another consideration is that the ordinary swaddling can suppress the voice of a child, and this may delay his reaction. Studies have shown that tightly wrapped in swaddling clothes children eat less and less effectively suck, and their slow movement of the hands affects the way they drive.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Or SIDS). This concept refers to the unexplained death in the first year of life. Effect of diapering on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is unclear. In recent decades there has been a general decline in death rates from SIDS. It is assumed that this is due to clear recommendations that children safer to sleep on his back, not on his chest or side. Swaddling can prevent babies from the back turned to position face down, potentially protecting them from SIDS. However, when the child can roll over, he may be at increased risk of SIDS if it still swaddled. This is due to the fact that the lifting and turning of the head is crucial to prevent choking, but it is difficult when the baby's arms are held on the sides due to the cradle.
Swaddling the baby and its subsequent laying in the bed should always be in the supine position. In addition, parents should stop swaddling the baby when he shows signs of turning. To further reduce the risk of suffocation, the WHO strongly recommends to avoid in the crib soft materials, such as pillows, blankets, a device for fixation of sleep time (positioners), bumpers, trim and soft toys.
Hip dysplasia. Swaddling increases the likelihood of stress on the hip, if the child's legs often or almost permanently fixed in a position where they are straight and are located close to each other. This can cause the displacement of the hip joint or dislocation (known as "dysplasia development"). In 2011, the International Institute of hip dysplasia has launched a campaign to promote healthy changing your hips, when the upper half of the baby tightly wrapped, and the bottom half has the ability to movement. This means that the technique of swaddling the baby is crucial. Swaddling should allow movement in the hips and legs, and must have enough free space, to hand could fit between the diaper and breastfeed the baby to the baby breathing was restricted. But with all this, diapering may not be so free that child can untangle, and the presence of piles of diapers becomes dangerous.
alternatives swaddling
Today the market of children's goods, a host of alternative products to ensure safe sleep.
Diaper with locks and knobs. Unlike conventional diaper changing this structure is specifically designed for secure swaddling. Changing kits with Velcro is very useful, and less complicated for most parents, caring for kids. Providing some relative freedom of the legs and thighs, they provide hand protection, which will be useful for the control of innate reflexes vskidyvaniem child's hand.
Bags to sleep. These solid products made from breathable and natural materials, have a trapezoid shape, with a vest with a zipper top and spacious legroom. WHO recommends that parents follow the recommendations on the use of the manufacturer and choose the right size for your child.
Sleep in a suit. If the child does not like to be wrapped, parents can generally avoid diapers, and instead opt for warm pajamas. You can use a one-piece slips on buttons or Velcro, that warm hands and feet, but they are not fixed.
How to safely swaddle a baby?
There are a few tips to help make diapering convenient and safe process.
Swaddle the baby, using a thin, breathable materials. A suitable fabric including cotton diapers or more thick flannel.
Do not swaddle the child above the shoulders - his neck and head should never be swaddled. Wrap the baby firmly, but gently (not too tight). Slightly swaddling, which prevents the child to move freely in the hips and knees, is not recommended. Too dense diapering can cause hip dysplasia, due to which the thigh formed correctly. Make sure that your child can freely move his hips and knees. your child's feet should be in a natural position (as frog legs).
Always put your baby to sleep on his back. Never put a baby to sleep wrapped in the stomach or side.
Regularly check your child's temperature, so it is not too hot and not cold. Check that the baby is dressed according to the weather outside and the temperature in the room in a house.
How long practiced diapering?
Swaddling should be practiced only when the child is a newborn. As soon as he learns to roll over, or you may have to turn over, it is necessary to abandon the swaddling. This allows the child to freely use hands and feet to adjust the position of the head, if they are turned to the side or abdomen. Your child can begin to learn to roll over as early as two to three months.
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