My first baby was extremely colicky. It was so hard not being able to comfort my child. I tried everything to get him to stop crying. It felt like I held him nonstop, breastfed him nonstop and did all the other things you read about to help a fussy baby. When he was crying uncontrollably, I put him on top of the running dryer in his bouncy seat, ran the vaccum near him, drove him around in the car, and even let him cry it out, which looking back on now makes me cringe. Finally, I stopped eating dairy that first year while I was breastfeeding and that seemed to help - a bit. Eventually, he grew out of it, but it was definitely tough at times.
The one thing I did not try was swaddling because I knew nothing about it at the time - that was 18 years ago. While I'm sure people were swaddling, I really wasn't aware of it. Swaddling is wrapping an infant in a snugly-wrapped blanket with arms comfortably immobilized, typically at the sides. It can seem a bit strange at first because it is restrictive, but the pressure of the swaddle blanket actually mimics the womb for the baby and can be extremely comforting.
I recently had the opportunity to demo the SwaddleMe blanket, by Summer Infant, at our Macaroni Kid Baby Brunch in February. Each guest received one in their goodie bag. I know now that had I been aware of swaddling when my children were infants, I definitely would have tried the SwaddleMe.
One mom at the event had already used a SwaddleMe blanket and really liked it. She said it was easy to use and her baby boy loved being wrapped up securely. She could tell he was comforted and she loved that he slept soundly.
Some SwaddleMe facts:
•100% Cotton
•Imported
•Secure design creates a cozy, womb-like feeling for baby and prevents startle reflex that can wake up your infant
•Soft fabric wings fasten and readjust securely with hook and loop attachments to create a perfect fit
•Leg pouch opens for easy diaper changes
•Available in preemie, small or large sizes
Stage 1: SwaddlePod, Stage 2: SwaddleMe, Stage 3: WrapSack, Stage 4: ComfortMe
Swaddling with the SwaddleMe can help baby sleep longer. Since babies (0-14 weeks) are not coordinated with their hands, they can end up hitting and scratching their own faces which can cause crying. While they might put their fingers in their mouths to comfort themselves, their own reflexes at this stage can easily jerk the fingers out of their mouths suddenly, causing them to startle. If in a SwaddleMe, their hands are at their sides, reducing disruptions in their sleep. Also, SwaddleMe replaces the need to have any loose bedding in their crib or basinette.
See how easy it is to use the SwaddleMe.
SwaddleMe is available in over 30 patterns - I love the pink chevron the best! It is available at Walmart, Kohl's, Amazon and Buy Buy Baby for $14.99. I checked out all the online reviews and there were overwhelmingly more positive reviews than negatvie - see them all here.
Important to note is that you should not use a SwaddleMe after your baby has learned to roll over. At this point in their development, you could use the Love Sack, which is a sleep sack that allows babies to sleep with their arms in, or their arms out.
For a list of safe sleeping recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, click here.
